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Distance learning for and against
essays about distance learning
benefits and challenges of distance learning
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Face-to-face education is slowly becoming a thing of the past, while “convenience” is becoming more common. Many students are trying to find a balance between family, work, and school therefor participating in online courses has made it easier for students to accomplish their goals, while still maintaining their day-to-day lives. Although this sounds great for some students, distant learning is definitely not meant for all. Self-discipline plays huge factor when participating in online education, but what many people do not understand, is in order to truly grasp the concept of “self-discipline, one must have motivation, self-control, and persistence.
Online education is known to have a special concern when it comes to keeping students motivated. Having no set class schedule stating what times and days a student must attend, leaves so much room for one to fall behind. Communication through distant learning is a lot different then in person and is one of the main reasons why it is easy for online learners to lack motivation. Not being able to interact face-to-face with students who may be struggling to learn the same course
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Taking online courses may seem convenient for some students but for others, it is an everyday struggle finding the time to balance their day-to-day lives and still leave quiet time for study. Although it is easy for a student to make their own schedule and log in when it is convenient for them, it is just as easy to procrastinate and put it off another day. If students do not log in on a daily basis, they may fall short just on the simple fact of not understanding an assignment. With online education students are not able to raise their hand and get an immediate response. In fact, getting a response from an online professor can sometimes take up to 2-3 days, leaving you with less time to complete
Even before a student embarks on an online course, Tomlinson (1998) pinpoints a handful of factors that can promote student success. He states that students need vision, discipline, accountability, time, space, physical resources, and finally perseverance. With...
In his article, “Can You Be Education from a Distance?”, James Barszcz effectively weighs the pros and cons of online education compared to the traditional method, while effectively supporting his position with factual information and statistics. While distance education proves to be convenient for students, Barszcz asserts that it eliminates valuable experiences necessary in order to get the most out of the material being learned.
Many students are satisfied with the benefits associated with an online degree program. However, there are challenges, such as no face-to-face interaction with peers and teachers, and having a home environment not conducive for independent study. What factors are causing online learners to drop out of their online degree program?
There are likely going to be struggles when it comes to online school programs. There may be technical problems that might pop up at the beginning of a course or challenges related to a professor who doesn’t have a readily available office or office hours. This may stress some students
Online learning can feel isolating. Thus, acquiring inner motivation and time management approach to continue despite the challenges is critical. Having a precise and focused strategy is critically vital to the success of one’s education, and without a well thought out plan, yours might stall or even fail.
Distance education (DE) has historically had a low success rate. "From past to present, dropout rate of students is [sic] one of the main problems regarding to [sic] distance education. Related research showed that approximately 30% and 50% of distance education students fail to complete distance education courses" (Horzum, 2012, p. 1). One institution, the University System of Georgia, is searching for new methods to improve the distance education model, for studies have revealed facts documenting that distance education graduation rates have declined and withdrawal numbers have increased despite the fact that traditional face-to-face instruction have remained unchanged; moreover, Coastline Community College interviewed several students regarding online education, and a substantial percentage of those students interviewed stated that they never intended to earn an online degree program (Nash, n.d.). Distance education courses were not taken seriously, nor where they viewed as a beneficial form of learning, for there are no p...
al. (2009) states that as more formal education courses are available online, quality and non-completion remain problems. Research shows that active participation online is necessary to a student's success in the online communities. When a student actively participates in discussions, interacts with peers while also interacting with an instructor has a higher rate of success and less likely to drop out of the course. Nagel et. al. (2009) explain that dropout rates for online classes range from “ 20 to 50%, often 10-20% higher than” for equivalent face-to-face course (pg. 38). Reasons like poor connectivity, high cost, personal matters have been reasons for dropouts and low participation in online classes.
Online education, while offering clear advantages such as supporting a self-paced learning experience by allowing learning on an on-demand basis rather than a strict class schedule, also has significant drawbacks. Students in an online only course may struggle with structure and content without hands-on instruction, which can help motivate students who otherwise may be distracted or have difficulty working independently. The traditional structure of classroom education is effective, but also comes with a set of obstacles, particularly for nontraditional students. The best way to bridge this gap is hybrid education, which combines technology and personal interaction to support efficiency and self-paced learning while keeping students motivated, social, and connected to their professors and their peers through face to face interactions. While this newer learning model is still under investigation, there is evidence to prove that hybrid courses can lead to academic success.
Furthermore, some may suggest that online learning is benefiting our students in society. There has been a breakthrough in time and geographical limitations of education via online courses (Ho, 2009). Online education is cost-effective, efficient, and easily accessible (Schmeeckle, 2003). Online classes are used for individual and independent learning in which the student can learn at their own pace (Gonzalez, 2009). Not only is online education beneficial for breaking down barriers, online education has the potential to help students learn material more efficiently. Students are more likely to seek help from their instructors when the material is taught online (Whipp & Lorentz, 2009). Computer use in statistical classes could help decrease math anxiety (Gundy, Morton, Liu, & Kline, 2006). In a study that measured online students’ ability to achieve the same efficiency of course material as face-to-face students, at least 98% of students reported that they had, so one may be lead to believe that online learning is just as efficient as face-to-face courses (Liebowitz, 2003). With all of the positive aspects of online education, one may wonder why there is any debate as to whether or not online education is beneficial for
Modern day technology and advancements are starting to make everyday tasks seem old school and annoying. What would be do without our gps, cell phones, or even a dishwasher? Going to class may become a thing of the past just like using a map, talking face to face, and hand washing dishes, thanks to the “advantage” of online courses. The truth is, taking online classes is only going to hurt us in the long run. Just like staring at our phones for hours on end, online schooling can take away many important and precious moments of life and our social education. Physically going to class is going to help us in a social aspect and provide references, practice a healthy life routine, and in our book studies.
Today’s generation is like no other. The nation as a whole has completely evolved from past times, with technology being one of the greatest improvements. Traditionally, schooling takes place in a classroom setting, but, with the many modifications in our world’s system, we are able to assimilate more modern means of education, such as online learning. However, with many changes comes differences and requires adjustments. The online learning system has proven to be just as effective as traditional learning, with some minor differences, however, nothing of great significance. A few of those insignificant differences include online learning being convenient, especially for the non-traditional students,
...nditions. Students taking online classes might find it easier to attend family gatherings, traveling, and attended to personal needs. An online class allows the students to work on their own time, to whereas the traditional classes they have to stick with a schedule.
Learning can be a difficult task to anyone who wants to expand his or her knowledge. With the help of online schools, learning has stepped into a new environment that is growing rapidly. Secondary education is now possible for students who want to complete his or her degree online. This might not necessarily be the ideal education for some students but it is perfect for others. A student in an online school must learn to use his educational skills and tools to ensure that he or she receives the maximum benefits of college online. This Student Survival Guide will help all online students including myself get the most out of their distance learning education.
I believe that Face to Face learning is better than online learning because students have access to various learning resources on campus verses off. Face to face allows students to have instant gratification with answers and help. When a student is in class they can ask questions while it is fresh on their mind or help with a particular problem. If the student was at home online they would have to wait for the instructor to email them back. Is that really more conducive to a person’s education and learning?
Learning online can be difficult because attendance is not required which can make the course very difficult. Students have less motivation to do assignments and keep up with studying because there is no one reminding them due dates and assignments, making it very easy to get behind. To do a course online the student needs to have organizational skills and time management skills in order to keep up with work. These skills are needed to be able to finish assignments on time and have an effective study plan. Not everyone has these skills which makes it very difficult for some people because they think they can just do the work another time although they will end up behind in the