Distance education is oftentimes referred to as “Distance Learning” as well, and is simply defined as “a field of education focusing on the andragogy and pedagogy, instructional systems, and technology which endeavor to deliver an education to students who are not physically in a classroom or campus setting.” In its simplest terms, it means earning a degree online.
The use of electronic (i.e. computers) and printed media enable the student to pursue their education without attending classes on a college or university campus. They are enabled to communicate and study at the times they select, through various technologies that allow them to interact in real time and through many different ways using the internet.
Additionally, distance education courses do not require any physical presence on-site for reasons inclusive of taking examinations that are considered to be blended or hybrid courses of study.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Education
Naturally, there are advantages and disadvantages to distance education degree programs. However, contrary to varied beliefs and opinions, the distance education advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
The Advantages of distance learning are:
1. Distance learning requires no commuting – therefore saving you money and time
2. You complete most of the classes at your own pace – no pressure
3. You can live anywhere in the world, study from anywhere in the world, and pursue your choice of distance education course studies
4. Gain extra knowledge while you are learning – taking those computer and internet skills you gain and then applying them to other facets of your life
5. The self-paced learning environment can be taken advantage of by the quickest or the slowest of learners – increases the satisfaction level while reducing stress in the process
6. Accessibility factors – distance education courses address the physical accessibility issues that people with mobility problems oftentimes encounter while being enrolled in the traditional on-campus classes
Unfortunately, you can’t discuss the advantages of distance education without covering the disadvantages. These disadvantages are the following:
7. Sometimes the technology is complex and costly – despite the numerous opportunities of distance education, there are always accompanying costs
8. Advance planning is necessary – both the instructors and the students oftentimes need to make sacrifices scheduling the times to get things done
9. Beware of hidden costs – If you’re in naval branch of the military for example, and you are out at sea, how do you receive your study materials?
10. Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback – in the traditional classroom setting, the student’s performance is immediately assessed, whereas with distance education, the student has to wait for feedback while the instructor is reviewing their work
11. Distance learning does not always offer all the necessary courses online – students pursuing specific certificates or degrees may not be afforded all the necessary courses that are available through distance education programs so some programs are not suited for all course of study.
12. Distance learning may not be acknowledged by all employers – granted, most employers will acknowledge distance education, but there are some who don’t
13. Distance learning does not give students the opportunity to work on oral communication skills – students in distance education courses do not always get to engage in verbal interaction with fellow students and professors
14. Social isolation – more often than not, you study alone and distance education students oftentimes feel isolated and miss the social interaction that accompanies the traditional classroom on campus
By: David Cassell
Posts Tagged ‘Distance Education Courses’
Definition of Distance Education
February 27th, 2010Online Vocational Education Training
October 12th, 2009
If you ask me what today’s way of the world is, I would undoubtedly come up with one word and that is -Internet. From chatting to shopping and banking almost everything is possible on the World Wide Web. The latest in this long list of things is, distance education. The concept has been there since several years, but not many people were familiar with it. Now it is gaining popularity as an internet connection, an e-mail account and a computer is all you need to earn an online vocational education training degree. From an initial degree to a complete AA degree, all are offered through distance education programs.
Various top accredited online schools offer online vocational education training programs. These are taught in random fragments in opposition to academic training which is typically progressive. Collaborating with union apprenticeship training programs, online vocational education training programs are developed. These career development distance education programs can be taken up by just about anyone. However there remains a serious point of concern and that is how a learner puts together such learning sessions together. Does an online learner gain both confidence in acquired skills and team-building expertise? Because for some of the online vocational education training programs, interaction is indispensable. To overcome this hitch, most of the top online schools have hired on-site trainers which are further supplemented by distance education courses.
By going for an online vocational education training program, you can learn a skill right from your desk. These extremely convenient online degree programs are beneficial to employees as well as employers. A growing number of employers appreciate the value of distance education and encourage their employees to acquire the required skills through such courses.
If you are working on your marketability or require specialized skills for your current position, going for distance education programs is the right course of action. Many organizations will readily, partly or completely pay for relevant courses.
When choosing an online vocational education training program, take into account its price, format and most importantly content. Your employer may allow you time to take lessons during work hours or otherwise. Work it out with your employer beforehand. The relevancy of the course to your present job will be a deciding factor for that. The concept of distance education is seeing new heights with training companies, businesses, schools and unions seeking and developing new online vocational education training courses.
By: Mary Solomon
