The struggle and joys of distance learning essay
Answers
Explanation:
To do or not to do - that is the question that plagues most students who are contemplating pursuing an education through distance learning. Over the years, distance education in various forms - distance learning programs from open universities, online programs and so forth, have helped realised the educational aspirations of students who could not attend full-time and campus-based classes.
Students often have apprehensions over opting for higher education via distance learning, as they lack clarity about the pros and cons of this mode of education. It's a good idea to understand the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a degree through distance education before you decide if you want to go for this mode.
You must realise that distance education might not be the best choice for every student, but understanding its advantages and drawbacks can help you decide if distance learning is right for you.
Advantages of distance learning
1. You can pursue a job along with studies: A major chunk of students who actually opt for distance education are those who don't want to give up their jobs but want a higher education, too. Distance education comes as a blessing for such students. You can study on the weekends, when you're back from work or even in the middle of the night. You get to learn while you earn!
2. You can save money: For any given program, the fee of a distance education degree (online or otherwise) may be much more affordable than the fee of a regular on-campus degree. Students who are looking for economically viable options can go for a distance learning program.
3. You save time: There's no time wasted in going to and from college, no time wasted waiting for a bus or train. In a distance learning program, your classroom is right in your bedroom - the study material on your desk or the e-material on your computer. Students who don't have enough time on their hands can turn to distance education as an option and pursue it from the comfort of their homes.
4. You can learn at your own pace: The prospect of going back to classroom education can be intimidating for many of us. Asking a question or revealing that you are unable to grasp a concept in class can be quite embarrassing for many students. Distance education comes to your rescue here!
If you are self-disciplined and self-motivated, the best benefit of distance education is that you can learn at your own pace. It's a known fact that different people learn in different ways and at different speeds. In a classroom, when everyone is being taught together, it is often difficult to have every student on the same page. Some students are too shy to raise their doubts in class. This is where distance education has an advantage over a regular campus program.
Since you are given all course work beforehand, you can study as much or as little as you want every day, as long as you complete your study material within the stipulated time. If you've doubts or queries, there are discussion forums, chat facilities with faculty and complete support from the distance education provider.
5. You can study whenever, wherever: Except in scenarios where you have to attend an online tutorial at a given time or a lecture through videoconferencing, you can pretty much study whenever you want to, wherever you choose to. You need not be stuck in a classroom, but can go study in your garden, on your living room couch or in the comfort of your own bed. Irrespective of whether you're a morning lark or a night owl, you can choose an optimum time to study whenever you're at your productive best.
6. Gaining recognition among employers: Distance education over the years has finally found some acceptance and recognition among employers, which is an encouraging sign. As long as the distance learning program is accredited, you need not be worried. In India, all distance education programmes that are approved by the Distance Education Council (DEC) stand automatically recognized for the purpose of employment to posts and services under the Central Government. Private sector employers also value a distance education degree now, and even encourage employees to pursue higher education along with their job so that employees can develop skills and expertise in their field of work.
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But there's a flip side to every story. A factor that's advantageous for one student might prove to be a drawback for another. Here are some situations that can turn out as disadvantages of distance learning.