Pros & Cons of Distance Education

Distance education is a mode of delivering instruction to students who are not physically present in a traditional classroom. It provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time, distance, or both. Other terms like distributed learning, e-learning, and online learning are used synonymously, but 'distance education' is the oldest and most common term globally.

This style of education takes place outside the classroom, often in the learner's workplace or residence. Students complete their reading, assignments, and study at a distance from the related school. There is no face-to-face contact with the teacher. University study in this mode recognizes that learners have jobs, families, and other commitments. The goal is to deliver quality education to those who cannot be present on campus.

History

Distance education has existed for centuries. The first modern course was provided by Sir Isaac Pitman in the 1840s. He taught shorthand by mailing texts on postcards and receiving transcriptions from students for correction. Before computers, distance education was correspondence-based. Learners read materials, completed assignments through the post, and waited months for results.

Today's options are mostly Internet-based, making them more flexible, convenient, and timely. Besides the Internet, courses may use other communications technology like interactive video.

Why Distance Education?

Distance and e-learning offer tempting advantages over traditional classroom study. Flexibility and low cost are key. You can fit classes around your job schedule. Many campus facility expenses don't apply to distance programs, so fees are often less than half of regular university programs.

These programs benefit learners, employers, and society. Businesses don't lose workers for long periods. Employees don't lose pay or incur extra travel costs. Online education is ideal for physically challenged, shy, or language-challenged students.

Distance education offers self-paced learning, fitting both slow and quick learners. This reduces stress and increases satisfaction. Programs never close on weekends or for vacation, giving more freedom to handle coursework. You have virtually unlimited access to knowledge, morning or night, seven days a week.

You can study wherever you have a computer and Internet connection. Time management is versatile-you decide how long and how often to study. You don't have to live in the same city or country to attend classes. The biggest advantage is the ability to stay anywhere, study from anywhere, at low cost and with flexible timing.

Limitations

Distance and online learning also has limitations.

1. Students accustomed to learning through contextual discussion may find it difficult to grasp some basic and important ideas.
2. Although distance learning courses get credit at most places, some employers may not acknowledge degrees earned this way.
3. Most of us learn from human direction. Some students find it difficult to relate to an online tutor and miss that human touch.
4. In a traditional classroom, learning is aided by examples. In distance learning, there are fewer examples or explanations past the initial concept, so students must find contextual understanding themselves.
5. There can be a limited connection between course material and its explanation. This contrasts with the traditional classroom where students follow written material guided by teacher interaction.

Conclusion

Education experts, teachers, and academics agree that distance learning is an effective and efficient way for students of all ages and levels to learn. It has advantages that make it cheap and universally accessible to almost everyone with Internet access. They also recognize its limitations compared to the traditional classroom and are working to identify and overcome them.

While distance learning has some limitations, none are insurmountable for an anxious and eager student. The U.S. Department of Education reported in 2011 that about 20 percent of all students enrolled in post-secondary schools took at least one distance learning course, up from about 8 percent in 2001. This shows that due to its flexible study options and freedom to study from home, work, or anywhere in the world, distance education and e-learning offer a good alternative to traditional classroom education.