What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning? Research Paper

Distance Learning

There is a great responsibility for society to educate its citizens properly and to provide them the necessary tools to become successful. Educational systems are varied and are designed for different purposes that places each member within society according to its skills, talents and desires. One form of education, distance learning, is becoming very popular in today's world. The purpose of this essay is to examine the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning and contrast them with more traditional types of education.

Hanna described today's educational world as ever changing and offered many approaches to solve this dilemma. He claimed "our approach to creating positive environments for learning must change to engage learners more directly with the world at hand. Teaching and learning strategies must meet learners where they are and build from the knowledge and understanding they bring to the learning situation " (9). It is important for any particular evaluation of a system to first understand the basics and definitions of the subject. Distance learning occurs, in most instances, when a student is not physically present within a classroom and simultaneously receives instruction from an educational source. Distance learning in today's world is often performed with the aid of the Internet and computer-based classrooms.

A great advantage of distance learning is the ability to learn anywhere in the world. Having the opportunity to study when and where one desires makes the educational system and the learning process more welcoming. This advantage is particularly of great worth to those who do not want to move away from their current home in order to go to school. Many people have jobs and families that require them to be available at all times to these people.With the advent of distance learning in its current form, many people who would not be able to obtain a better education in the past due to these restrictions are now capable of studying further and earning more accreditations.

In Sherry's analysis she claimed that "the cost-benefit of technology can vary significantly with the specific characteristics of schools and students and a successful program in one location may be less successful elsewhere." (4). This type of learning therefore has a great opportunity to become a timesaver and a money saver. Efficiency and simplicity need to be enforced in order to maximize potential. However, without proper planning for projects, distance learning programs can become complicated and run over budget making it a disadvantage. Further monetary savings can be realized when it is understood that studying from your chosen spot allows you to maximize material worth of that particular location. For instance if studying from home, there is no need to waste excess energy on the day-to-day expenditures of living. Those who choose to obtain a higher education now seem to have more spending power if they successfully utilized this particular advantage.

Other great advantage of distance learning is the technique of teaching one's own self. Independent research and independent thought are very valuable in developing a strong academic standing. While it may be frustrating not to have a human physically present, if problems do come up, the technology available makes communication easy and quick. This technique has its advantages in itself. Teachers are not bombarded with questions that students will now most likely take extra….....