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Distance Learning Degree Programs Article
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Disadvantages Of Distance Education
from: Kyle BesserThere are some disadvantages to distance education, but the are far outweighed by the disadvantages for distance education.
Costly Technology
Distance education opens many opportunities for people to continue with their educational goals, but there are inevitable accompanying costs. For online learning, you must own a computer or have access to one and have access to the internet. The computer you use will also have to have the capacity to handle the media used to present the material. This could mean upgrading the computer and accessories, the internet access and the bandwidth speed, especially if audio and video are involved. This will likely involve an added monthly expense.
Complex Technology
Some learners may be afraid of technology or not have an adequate understanding of the technology that will be used. Some find working with computers very frustrating. All these can be overcome if one really wants to take distance education courses. The advantages gained would be worth the effort.
Feedback
Distance learning does not always 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.
Incomplete Online Programs
Distance learning does not always offer all the necessary courses online to complete a program. 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. You can complete a history degree completely online, but you cannot perform nursing clinicals online. Thus physical classroom attendance will be mandatory to complete some programs.
Non-Acceptance
Distance learning may not be acknowledged by all employers. Although most employers do acknowledge distance learning, some 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.
Lack Of Oral Communication
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.
Social Isolation
Most of the time, you will be studying alone. Distance learners may feel isolated or miss that social interaction that comes with physically attending a traditional classroom. This impersonality is changing with advances and use of communication technologies such as bulletin boards, threaded discussions, chats, e-mail and conferencing.
Motivation
You will have to be the one to motivate you to complete the course work. You will have to comit the time and effort needed to complete the assignments.
Based on your unique circumstances, you should compare the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning over traditional education and decide which one is right for you.
Distance Education In The News
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