Discussion Text
The advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning
A few years ago, distance learning was
seen as an inferior way but nowadays even famous and established traditional
colleges and universities are providing distance learning courses and it is
generally considered a way to improve one's life.
However, people still argue whether
distance learning give more advantage or disadvantage. Some of them who see the
benefit of distance learning will say that distance learning needs no
commuting. Of course it saves money and time that students would take.
Furthermore, distance learning can be done at any student’s convenience. Mostly
of the classes of distance learning are asynchronous. It means that students do
not have to attend a lecture at a fixed particular time and place. Students can
review the assignments and do their homework during off-hours or from home.
Additionally, distance learning gives more accessibility. No one can deny it.
People with limited mobility may encounter the problem when they take
traditional class. With the online class system, the problem is absent.
Despite the many advantages, the other
people will see that distance learning is costly and needs complex technology.
To attend online learning, student must have a computer with possibly access to
the internet. Admitted or not, such technology devices are not always available
for common students. Another disadvantage of distance learning is that it does
not provide immediate feedback. Unlikely traditional classroom, students have
to wait for the feedback and comment until the instructor has review the works
and sent response to them. Most of the time students will study alone. Distance
learners may feel isolated or miss that social physical interaction that comes
with attending a traditional classroom.
Regarding the individual’s learning
style, some students are able to learn when there is a live interaction between
them and the available of accompanying teacher while others don’t really need
it. So before deciding a choice of attending distance learning or not, each
student needs to do a fair analysis regarding the kind of person he/she is.
