Education For Success
Distance Education Article
Advantages Of Distance Education
Kyle BesserThere are advantages and disadvantages to distance education. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages for distance education.
Convenience
Distance learning technologies can provide convenient locations for both students and instructors. Many of the technologies used, such as the internet, videotape and telephone, are easily accessed at home. Other technologies used, such as desktop videoconferencing, can be distributed from a single point, such as a university, to multiple remote sites, such as schools. Satellite transmissions can be viewed at specified sites, or the transmissions can be videotaped for later viewing at home or school.
Flexibility
Many forms of distance learning provide students the option to participate whenever they wish, on an individualized basis. For example, some students may want to work late at night while others prefer early morning hours. One student may spend 30 minutes reviewing an assignment while another spends an hour on the same assignment.
Self-paced learning is good for both slow and quick learners. It reduces stress and increases satisfaction.
Effectiveness
Several research studies have found that distance learning is equally or more effective than traditional instruction when the method and technologies used are appropriate for the instructional tasks, when there is student-to-student interaction and when there is timely teacher-to-student feedback. In a study conducted at the California State University, students who participated in an online course achieved significantly higher test scores.
Affordability
Many forms of distance learning involve little or no cost. Over 99% of the homes in the United States have televisions and 65% are connected to a cable-TV service. For these homes, it is relatively easy for students to watch a videotape or a public broadcast television show. Almost all homes have access to a telephone, which enables the use of voicemail and audioconferencing.
Multi-Sensory Learning Materials
One of the benefits of distance learning for students is that there is a wide variety of materials that can meet everyone's learning preference at least part of the time. For example, some students learn from visual stimuli, such as video, while others learn best by listening or interacting with a computer program. If distance learning courses are well designed, they will likely offer learners a wide range of choices, thereby providing the optimal combinations of interaction and media.
Increased Interactivity
Contrary to popular opinion, distance learning courses can offer increased interaction with students. Introverted students who are too shy to ask questions in class will often be more open when provided the opportunity to interact through e-mail or other individualized means. Through the increased interactions, teachers can better meet individual student's needs.
Educational Equity
Educational inequity is a major issue in this and other countries. Rural schools often have less money to spend on education, less contact with educational trends, fewer qualified teachers, and less technology available for students. Distance learning offers the potential for alleviating these issues. Distance learning has been employed very effectively in Canada and Australia, two countries with geographically diverse student populations.
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