In the original days of correspondence programs, distance learning had the advantage of allowing students in remote areas access to educational opportunities they could not have had otherwise. This is still one of the advantages of modern, online distance education. Today, however, flexibility is one of the chief advantages of distance education. In most programs, distance learning students can study on their schedule, not that of the professor or the school. Busy working professionals appreciate this advantage and so do parents raising small children, while trying to earn a degree. However, despite all of the advantages of distance education, it still has some disadvantages.
Despite its ever increasingly popularity, some instructors scorn distance learning, seeing it as a poor substitute for classroom learning. Some administrators are equally unsure of the value of distance education. Degrees earned through online programs are sometimes looked upon as less valuable than degrees earned in a traditional campus setting. These attitudes can directly affect the quality of instruction. The technology used to deliver online courses can also present problems. However, the most common objection raised against distance learning is the lack of face to face interaction with the instructor and with the other students.
Attitudes toward Distance Education
The attitudes towards distance education by instructors and administrators affect the quality of instruction in many ways. An instructor who believes an online class is a poor substitute for a traditional classroom experience, will not understand how to make the online class an effective learning experience for his or her students. Such an instructor may lack the motivation to give this kind teaching experience the attention it deserves. Lack of support from the school’s administration for the distance education program means that it may not get the necessary funds to be run effectively and it will not get the attention needed to make it a dynamic learning experience.
A negative attitude on the part of instructors can affect the attitudes of the students. When students share this negative attitude toward distance education, they will not get as much out of distance course as they could. Many will not put in the effort needed to master the material and sometimes end up blaming the concept of distance learning for their poor performance, rather than analyzing the actual factors that went into their failure.
For these reasons, it is important that people considering an online program, investigate it thoroughly before enrolling in it. An effective program is staffed by instructors who are enthusiastic about distance learning and are well trained in using technology to the students’ advantage. Teaching an online course requires that the instructor know how to engage the students in online discussions; since most online learning formats use asynchronous technology, this is quite different from leading a standard classroom discussion.
Technology in Distance Education
In the early days of online education, developing the technological systems to deliver course material proved quite a challenge. Today, programs such as Blackboard and Caucus provide effective platforms for the online learning experience. These platforms can deliver audio and visual materials and even videos. They also provide the platform for classroom discussions.
Caucus and Blackboard provide asynchronous discussion boards. This means that students post their comments at anytime. The advantage of this is the flexibility. Working students and those with family responsibilities are not tied to being at the computer by a certain time.
Asynchronous discussion boards also have disadvantages. The discussion can lag if the instructor is not effective in keeping it going. Some students may not be able to log in time to contribute to significant topics. Consistently lagging behind can be discouraging and may lead to students paying less attention to the discussion.
Lack of Face to Face Interaction
Poor experiences with asynchronous discussion boards are one reason some people get discouraged with distance education. Posting replies on a board is simply not the same as interacting with the teacher and other students on a face to face basis.
Students also complain that asynchronous posting and online courses in general, do not promote the self discipline needed to get work done in time. Being expected to be in a classroom at a certain time has a motivating effect and also promotes following a schedule for doing assignments and studying.
Some schools attempt to compensate for the lack of face to face interaction by the use of video conferencing. A two way video conference can allow the professor to give the lecture in real time and to conduct a verbal discussion among all the students at the same time. This is similar to a classroom experience and many students find it enjoyable and effective. Students seeking more interactive learning are often willing to sacrifice time flexibility for the sake of interaction. Unfortunately, video conferencing is more expensive for the school and the students, and many schools are unable to provide it.
Suggestions to Overcome Obstacles in Distance Learning
If you are considering a distance learning, you should take three things into consideration: your learning style, your schedule, and the quality of the programs you are considering. Learning style plays major role in the type of program that will best suit you. Some people need more feedback as they are learning and may do better in a traditional classroom setting. Other people have the ability to learn material on their own and to discipline themselves to study as necessary for success. In general, more mature adults do better with a program that is entirely online, than younger adults do.
Your schedule will play an important part of your ability to successfully complete an online degree program. If you already have a full schedule with work and family obligations, taking on a program that lacks time flexibility is not for you. You will do better in a program that provides plenty of flexibility. Taking a full time class load in addition to your already loaded schedule is also not a good idea. It is better to start with one or two distance classes, just to see how you can handle everything. This is especially important if you have not been to school in many years.
Finally, your success with online education does depend on the quality of program you choose. Take a look at many schools before you decide. Make sure that the school you choose is accredited through a legitimate accreditation organization. Find out what students, who have been through the program, say about it. Although you are naturally anxious to start your education, taking the time to do the research before making a choice will pay big dividends in the long run.
Author Resource:
Carli Alexander is an editor for the Directory of Online Learning. She specializes in knowledge of the options for http://www.directory-of-online-learning.com/online-accounting-degrees.html online accounting degrees. You can learn more about how to http://www.directory-of-online-learning.com earn a college degree online in the accounting field. Review all available online learning opportunities for accounting degrees plus several other occupations.
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