This document discusses some of the disadvantages of distance learning. It notes that distance learning lacks social interaction found in traditional classrooms. It also says that the online format does not suit all types of learners, especially those who lack motivation or need individual attention. Additionally, some employers may not accept online degrees. The document also mentions that distance learning requires comfort with new technologies, and not all required courses for a degree program may be available online. It closes by pointing out potential distractions in an online environment without in-person accountability, hidden costs, potential issues with faculty and course quality, questionable credibility of some online programs, and lack of networking compared to traditional in-person programs.
2. INTRODUCTION
Distance education or long-distance learning is the education of
students who may not always be physically present at
a school. Traditionally, this usually involved correspondence
courses wherein the student corresponded with the school
via post. Today it involves online education.
3. DISADVANTAGES
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.
Format isn’t ideal for all learners. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for online
learning. If you know you have problems with motivation, procrastination and needs
lots of individual attention from an instructor you may want to think long and hard
before enrolling in an online learning program.
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.
4. CONTI……
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.
5. CONTI……..
Chances of distraction high: With no faculty around for face-to-face interaction and no
classmates who can help with constant reminders about pending assignments, the chances
of getting distracted and losing track of deadlines are high. You need to keep yourself
motivated and focused if you want to successfully complete your distance learning course.
Distance education is not a good idea if you tend to procrastinate and can't stick to
deadlines.
Hidden costs: Although the cost of a distance education program is usually cheaper than
a regular program, there can be hidden costs involved. For example, if your distance
learning computer and getting a reliable Internet connection. You may need to buy
additional resources such as a printer, a web camera and so forth. Some expenses might be
recurring, like maintenance course is offered online, you might have to incur some initial
expenses like installing and electricity costs.
6. CONTI…..
Quality of faculty compromised: Often considered to be the lesser cousin of
regular education, distance education is often plagued by lack of enough good
quality faculty members. In other cases, even if the instructor is good, he or she
may not be comfortable with teaching in an online environment. Sometimes the
technology might not do full justice to the delivery and design of the course. A
student loses out in all these scenarios. Distance education providers should realise
that it is not the technology, but good and effective teachers that teach students.
7. CONTI…..
Questionable credibility of degrees: Even though distance and online education is
starting to get recognition, there are still a lot of fraudulent and non-accredited degrees
being offered. With the increase in the number of distance/online programs, the number
of scam operators are also rising. This affects the credibility of recognized distance learning
degrees among prospective employers.
Lose out on networking: The advantages of pursuing a regular programmed go beyond
just interaction with teachers and good course content. MBA graduates from premier
business schools (B-schools) in India would vouch for the fact that the opportunities to
network with established alumni, renowned faculty and industry heads go a long way in
paving a secure career. A distance learning program loses out on this very important
aspect.