Although distance learning offers more people an opportunity to attain higher education, it is not all advantages and benefits˳ Distance learning has costs, requires compromises and self-motivation is essential for success˳ However, when you acknowledge and understand these disadvantages, they are easily overcome˳
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Distance learning requires self-motivation˳
Because distance learning is flexible, you need good organization, planning and work to make it happen˳ Academic leaders cited in Growing by Degrees, Online Education in the United States, 2006, stated, “Students need more discipline to succeed in online courses˳” Though the instructor is not seated in front of you, you still need to complete your assignments on time˳ Like all other forms of learning, there are deadlines to be met, “fixed-time” exams to be taken and assignments to be completed before the “Drop Box” closes˳ There are no compromises and you can easily get a zero! Distance learning is best suited for mature motivated learners who cannot afford the time to participate in a traditional classroom˳ -
Distance learning does not give you direct access to your instructor˳
Some students fear the loss of the personal touch with an instructor, such as asking questions after class˳ However, distance learning often gives you an opportunity to email your instructor any time or chat online˳ It is normal to fear the loss of human contact offered in a traditional classroom until you commit yourself to this mode of learning and communication˳ -
Distance learning is isolated˳
Although you are in a virtual classroom full of students, the dynamics of interaction change with online education˳ You may feel detached or lonely when you pursue a distance learning program but there are opportunities to send emails, post to message boards and engage in online group discussions˳ At first you might miss face-to-face contact with your instructor and other learners, but web collaboration can fill this void for many students -
Distance learning requires you to have constant, reliable access to technology˳
Students need total access to the equipment necessary to fulfill course requirements˳ For example, online courses require a computer with Internet access˳ For a course with material on CD or DVD, you need to have a functional multimedia player˳ Technical requirement may be difficult to meet for some students, who may feel overwhelmed and challenged if they are not completely computer literate˳ Technical glitches and dealing with an unfamiliar learning environment can cause stress and frustration, but there are many ways to overcome these barriers˳ -
Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback˳
In a traditional classroom setting, a student’s performance can be immediately assessed through questions and informal testing˳ With distance learning, a student has to wait for feedback until the instructor has reviewed their work and responded to it˳ -
Distance learning does not always offer all the necessary courses online˳
Students pursuing a specific certificate or degree program may not have all the necessary courses available through distance learning so it is not suited for all subjects˳ For example, you can study a history lesson completely online but you cannot perform nursing clinicals online˳ For some courses, physical classroom attendance will be mandatory to complete the course˳ -
Distance learning may not be acknowledged by a specific employer˳
Although most employers do acknowledge distance learning, certain employers do not˳ Students who want to work for a specific employer upon graduation should be sure of that employer’s perspective about online education˳ - Hidden costs˳ If you work for the military for example, and you are on the ship, learning material may need to be mailed in advance thus incurring extra shipping and handling costs
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Distance learning must be accredited˳
You take a serious risk when you pursue distance learning programs that are not accredited because they may be issuing fraudulent, invalid degrees˳ Not all distance learning is legitimate – there are many “degree mills” colleges that are not accredited˳ This is probably the most important factor to check before you enroll in a distance learning institution˳ -
Distance learning does not give students the opportunity to work on oral communication skills˳
Students in distance learning courses do not get the practice of verbal interaction with professors and other students˳
Numerous studies have found distance learning courses as effective as traditional classroom training – or better˳ Almost a third of academic leaders recently surveyed felt online education outcomes were superior to those in traditional learning environments˳ However, there are challenges to be overcome for anyone who opts to learn through distance learning˳
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