Advantage and Disadvantage of Distance Learning
Distance learning is a modern technique for getting education. Actually, it's need not admission in an institute. Just you need to get yourself enrolled online and pay the dues on line as well. Like any other learning agenda, it has its own benefits and limitations. Before getting admission for any online course, you should take into account its associated pros and cons.Benefits of Distance Learning;
A flexible approach:
Just by having internet connection and computer, anyone from anywhere can complete a course. It does not require regular attending of classes. One can do this while continuing other activities. It allows you to continue your life with little or no hindrance.
Economical technique:
This method is quite economical. One has to spend nothing on transportation and assignment submission. Time is also saved as the work is to be completed at home. You will also feel relaxed and fresh as you are not required to go out and seek some transport for reaching your institute.
Open choice:
Some people live at some backward locality with few or no educational institutes. In such case, online learning could be of great help. One can choose the best school according to his requirements. Specialization in any field could be acquired by the most suitable establishment. Also, experts from all over the world could be approached easily using this method. No one needs to travel for long distances.
Low cost:
These courses are usually cheap as compared to the courses offered by other institutes. They charge less fee. You can afford it easily.
Work and learn, side by side:
Many people can’t afford getting education alone. They need to fulfill their expenditures as well. Getting education online makes it possible. One can continue his work while studying at the same time according to decided schedule. It allows you to manage your earnings and your learning side by side.
Drawbacks of distance learning:
Group collaboration:
Online learning does not allow you to interact freely with other students. If you like class environment, you should think about it again. Some interaction could be done via email, or chatting, but the essence of classroom is absent. One cannot enjoy, compete and communicate with other students. Sometimes students’ discussion with each other about the course could be of great help.
Personal inclinations:
If you are the person who requires motivation and extra attention by the instructor, you should think twice before starting an online course. You might face problems later and might feel maladjusted and distressed afterwards. Also the format of the course might not be suitable for all.
Legitimacy of Degree:
Some clients don’t give value to online degrees. Many of them may accept your online degree, but some of them still consider it unreliable and worthless. So, if you want to work with some clients, who are not happy with online degree, avoid such course.
Computer awareness:
For getting online education, one has to be familiar with all technicalities of computer. Otherwise it is not possible to benefit fully by such courses. You should be confident about your ability of using computer before enrolling in a distance learning course.
Limited applicability:
Some courses require practical work. For example nursing requires actual encounter with patients and in vivo learning. This is not possible to be conducted online. There are many other courses, for example electrical engineering, you can’t learn only by getting knowledge online, you have to learn through practical and actual doings.
In short, distance learning possess both advantages and disadvantages. According to your own capabilities, requirements and preferences, make an accurate decision.