Distance Learning: Pros and Сons

An increasing amount of young people nowadays make their choice in favor of learning from the comfort of their homes. They appreciate the chance of being able to gain knowledge without a need to move to other cities and bear boring classes.

It is of a great importance to have a deeper insight into distance learning before one can decide on which way to go. Very often, people choose regular methods of studying simply because they are not aware of other alternatives.

Even though e-learning proved to be as effective as conventional one, it doesn't suit every student equally well. Therefore, realizing both its benefits and pitfalls can help many people to choose sides.

High Notes of E-Learning

Closing a Social Gap

No matter what program it is, its fee is probably cheaper than that of a regular on-campus one. Kids from low-income families now have a great chance to deepen their knowledge virtually and end up with a recognized qualification. Therefore, one can say that online courses do well at closing the social gap.

Combining Learning and Making Money

Most of the people who choose to learn from the comfort of their homes are those who are not willing to discontinue their work but want to obtain a qualification, too. This way of earning a degree is a lifesaver for these people. It allows studying on day-offs and after working hours; therefore, students can balance between their jobs and study easily.

Perfect Learning Atmosphere

For many of us, studying and participating in front of our teachers and peers can be quite intimidating. Accepting failure in front of others may become a real torture for some people. In this case, online learning can do the trick! Students can create their own perfect learning atmosphere, where they will feel confident and comfortable. In prospect, such an opportunity can greatly add to the academic progress of these students in general.

Saving Invaluable Time

Since e-learning doesn't require students to leave their homes, they haven't to waste their time on trips to and from schools as well as on waiting for a bus and fighting traffic. This way of earning a degree allows students to study from any place and any time. No matter whether it is a beach in Miami, an apartment in London, or a riverside in Prague, as long as students have computers connected to the Internet, they can receive lectures and submit their papers. Those who lack free time choose online learning as a good alternative to conventional education.

Winning Recognition of Many

Over the past decade, learning from home found recognition among not only employees but also their employers. Therefore, as long as a program is accredited, one has nothing to worry about. Many employers are happy to hire those who have got their qualifications through learning in an online environment.

Those who work in the private sector are encouraged by their employers to grow professionally by taking online courses. Today, all employees can enhance their professional competencies and boost their expertise in any field without the need to give up on their jobs.

However, there is a flip side to the coin. What is advantageous for one can turn into a disadvantage for another. Therefore, it is important to know what drawbacks modern education may have for some of us.

Low Notes of E-learning

Additional Costs

Even though e-learning is cheaper than regular ways of learning, it may involve hidden costs. To learn on the Web, students are required to have computers connected to the Internet, which are not available for free. Moreover, they will have to purchase additional equipment such as web cameras, printers, microphones, and so forth. All of these are also associated with maintenance and utility expenses.

Poorly Trained Instructors

Believed to be as effective as convenient ways of studying, online courses are often challenged by the lack of a well-trained teaching staff. Sometimes, even if educators do well within college settings, they may fail to teach on the Internet effectively. In this case, students may lose out while learning from home. Those who provide e-learning should understand that this is not the tech, but well-trained educators that deliver the superior educational experience.

Lots of Distractions

Without instructors who can force them to immerse into a learning process and classmates who can remind them about given tasks, it is easy for many students to get distracted and forget about upcoming deadlines. Even though there are many professional writing services, like Pro-Papers, that are meant to boost student academic progress, some may even forget to obtain them in time. To succeed academically, students should always be highly motivated and concentrated on their education; otherwise, they are more likely to drop out any time.

Studying Depends on Tech

When learning from home, students' success in some ways depends on tech. And when a viral code harms software or hardware the learning process gets interrupted for an hour, day, or even more. Similarly, if students know very little about computer technology, they are more likely to demonstrate unsatisfactory academic progress.

Even though e-learning has its drawbacks, an increasing amount of people benefit from it. With a further integration of tech and more training for educators, this way of studying is going to take its roots in our educational sector for sure.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.