pros and cons of distance education (Essay Sample)

Pros and Cons of Distance Education Student Subject Instructor April 14, 2016 Distance learning is a mode of study which involves imparting of knowledge and skills with the absence of a direct interaction between the students and teachers. Debate on the advantages and disadvantages of this mode of study has been on for centuries with some arguing that its pros outweigh the cons. Therefore, this paper is a discussion of the benefits and disadvantages of this mode of learning. Among the greatest reimbursement of distance learning is freedom and ability to adapt. The fact is that though there is the absence of direct contact, there are some acquaintances developed to unite the learner and the course stuff. Here one has freedom of choosing a convenience time of having the learning process. That means that one will be in a better position to deal with the course materials hence adapting and accommodating this mode of learning at he/his daily schedules. Sloan Consortium conducted a survey of online education, according to this research; nearly every year, the population of those enrolling in online programs rose by a million. That implies that so many people opt for online based education over regular classroom program. It, therefore, suggests that there is some worth of online mode of learning as compared to other methods. In addition to this, there is the small cost of education. Compared to another way of studies like regular, distance learning is cheaper. The fact that one does not plan for commuting cost and accommodation cost among others makes this mode of learning inexpensive. Moreover, there is some other some other added profit of learning at the residence. Many online course students are full-time employees seeking to advance their profession. Therefore, this mode of learning gives them flexible schedules that allocate them time to earn and at the same time acquire some knowledge and skills1. Contrary to this is the fact that this mode of study has its weakness. Among the greatest disadvantage is a lack of face to face communication. That in one way may affect the student mastery of content as well as the understanding. Some sessions and questions require particular explanation, as compared to other modes of study, it will be a tough time for the distance students. Research conducted by scientific journal International indicates that this method of education requires one to invest a lot for it to be successful. The fact that people are not equally economically able makes this process expensive hence not appropriate to lower class citizens. More of this is the fact that one’s environment is not evaluated to measure its effectiveness. A learning environment requires a conducive environment, with students having their studies at home; the possibility that there might be poor environment as well as disturbances is high. To add on this, isolated students are high chances of engaging in indiscipline due to lack of face to face interaction as well as supervision2. A lot has been said concerning whether this mode of learning is beneficial or sets back students. As per this discussion, it is quite clear that the benefits associated with distance learning far much outweigh the few adverse effects. In that regards, efforts should be made tow...