Advantages and Disadvantages Of Long Distance Learning

Distance Learning is one of the choices of learning that is growing faster in world, people chose it because it’s flexible and it save them money.  Before you enrol in any kind of distance learning program, make sure to carefully consider these in order to be sure you’ll be getting an education that meets your personal needs, strengths and career goals.

Advantages of long distance learning

• No commuting
  Taking a course online can be one way to cut down on costly gas or public transportation. Since students can often work from home to complete their class assignments, both time and money are saved in cutting out the trips to and from class.

• Freedom & adaptability
  Irrespective of the medium or channels used in delivery, one of the greatest benefits of distance education centers on its individualized approach. Whether you are accessing the inputs of knowledge by means of post or online process; the connection is developed between you and the course material. This accessibility gives you better freedom to deal with your study material. You can choose and have the learning process thrashed out according to your convenience, as most distance learning methods are flexible involving little or no involvement of fixed schedule.

• Self-motivation
  Due to the imposing absence of a traditional teacher, as a student you learn to motivate yourself, when the learning environment comes under your control. The development of the streak of self motivation is also an important aspect of your growth. The self directed aspect of distance learning method in turn helps cultivate this streak.

• It’s Flexible
  If you are a part of the traditional learning system, you need to follow the set schedule of a given course or curriculum. But with the availability of distance education, you can come back to the learning process even after being cut off from the regular learning scheme. It gives you a greater flexibility to opt for a course of study even after long spells of separation.

• Better accessibility
  In case, you are separated from mainstream education because of distance, time and other relevant reasons. You can fall back upon distance education on merit of its accessibility. If you go for the online learning method, you only need to have a computer with an internet connection. Similarly if you choose for a correspondence course as one of tools of distance education, you need to ensure connection by means of postal delivery. This aspect of accessibility helps you to continue education despite being professionally employed.

• Learn while working
  As distance learning can usually be completed on your own schedule, it is much easier to complete distance learning courses while working than more traditional educational programs. Keeping your job gives you more income, experience and stability while completing your degree giving you less to worry about and more time to focus on your studies.

• Convenient
  You can submit your assignment with the click of a button or simply drop it off at a post-office! It’s sometimes as simple as that!

• Saves time & money
  You need not travel across to a new region or country for availing of the benefits of a course. You can have it accessed by means of online method of distance learning. This not only saves time but also cuts down on financial expense. Moreover, most courses offered as part of distance learning method are cheaper than their regular counterpart.

Disadvantages of long distance learning

• Absence of a teacher/instructor
  Freedom involved in distance learning may prove to be beneficial for some, but harmful for many. In the absence of a teacher or a guide, you may find yourself left between devil and the deep sea while handling the course material. You will need to rely solely on your grasping power. So for students lacking in respect of independent study, distance education is not a preferable idea.

• Some employers don’t accept online degrees
  While a majority of employers will, there are some who still see a stigma attached to distance learning. Realize that your online degree may not be the ideal tool for some job fields or for future learning.

• Requires adaptability to new technologies
  If you’ve never been one to love working with technology you will probably get a lot less out of an online course than your more tech-savvy counterparts. Make sure you feel comfortable working with computers and with online programs before you sign up for a class.

• Not all courses required to complete the degree may be offered online
  It makes sense that more practical majors like nursing aren’t offered entirely online, after all, part of the degree is learning to work directly with patients. Find out all the requirements of your degree to see what may need to be completed offline.

• Absence of a proper learning environment
  Ambience or feel of the campus helps improve learning standard. It also has a role or two to play in respect of adding to the learner’s strength. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the distinctive drawback of distance learning method because neither can it generate the campus spirit nor can it cultivate a proper class room situation.

• Lack of Discipline
   Since you don’t have a teacher standing on top of your head, reminding you of deadlines, asking for your assignments, there are chances that you will not take a distance learning programme seriously. You need to be mature and disciplined to take full advantage of a distance learning programme.

• Cannot generate as an alternate learning method
  Distance education is often dependent on the use and development of high class skills and technology. So for learners lacking in the knowledge of them, it can’t provide an alternate solution. Moreover, neither can it evolve as a permanent learning method for learners of all age and kinds. Student dependant on the same needs maturity, acumen and self learning temperament.

• Lack of social interaction
  If the classroom environment is what you love most about learning you may want to take a step back and reconsider distance learning. You’ll likely get some interaction on chat rooms, discussion boards and through email, but the experience will be quite different than traditional courses.