Distance Learning Pros and Cons
|
|
Deciding to go back to school can be a difficult decision for a busy adult. There are so many things to consider. Can you really handle school assignments on top of your work and family responsibilities? You may be looking into distance learning, but are not sure that it is for you. Considering the pros and cons of distance learning programs can help you make your decision.
The Pros
Distance learning can fulfill many needs that traditional classroom learning cannot. For many people, distance learning may be the only way that they can go back to school. Here is a list of the positive things about distance learning:
-Flexibility: You can earn your degree anywhere you have access to the Internet and you are not locked into a schedule, unless you are taking a live-time web-based course. You do not have to waste time with a long drive or stress your nerves by getting stuck in traffic.
-Time for your family: You can spend more time with your children, your spouse, and with older parents or other older relatives that may need your care.
-Design your own program: Some schools allow you to customize your own program. You can choose a wide-variety of courses from more than one school and integrate them into a balanced program through your degree-granting institution.
-Affordable: Online courses can be cheaper than comparable classroom-based courses. Look around and compare your options; traditional classes at a community college or local state college are sometimes less expensive than online programs from schools that specialize in distance learning.
-Less extra expenses: Studying at home or on the go means that you don’t have spend extra on clothes for school. You cut out transportation costs to school.
The Cons
Of course, there are cons to distance learning as well. Examining them will help clarify your understanding of distance education and help you to decide if it is for you. Here is a list of negative things about distance learning:
-Lack of face-to-face interaction: For many people, this is a really negative part of distance learning. If you learn best by talking to people, a degree earned entirely online may not be the best choice for you. However, many people find that online discussions are very helpful in the learning process and some online programs do include web-based, real-time classes so that you can talk to your instructor and the other students, via the web.
-Flexibility: Now wait a minute, how can this be a negative thing? For some people the time flexibility inherent in distance learning can actually be a drawback. If you have trouble setting your own schedule and sticking to it, distance learning with an asynchronous discussion board may not be the best option for you. Many people find it easier to stick to a schedule if they must get to class on time and turn their assignments in to the instructor in person.
-Quality of instruction: Some online instructors are more adapt than others in presenting course material on the web. The school you choose has a lot to do with this; many schools make sure that their instructors are well-trained in presenting material online, but some do not. This is why it is very important to carefully research schools before you commit to a program.
-Less access to remedial courses: If your academic background is poor or you have not been to school in many years, you may need some remedial work. In-person classes and one-on-one tutoring can sometimes provide better remedial work than an online class; this is something that depends on your learning style and the amount of remedial work you need.
-Limits on what you can study: Many fields of study require hands-on-work that simply cannot be taken online. Fortunately, the lab and fieldwork needed for degrees such as nursing and teaching can be combined with online courses which teach the components generally learned in traditional classrooms. For example, it is possible to study classroom management techniques online and combine the course with field observation of a teacher putting these techniques to work in his or her own classroom. Many online programs combine the online components with lab work, practicums, and internships. Practicums and internships may be done in your own town, even if you live in a location far from where your school is based.
Still Undecided
If you still feel overwhelmed at the thought of committing to an online degree program, consider taking things one step at a time. Try taking one online course to see how you like it and how you can fit it into your schedule. This does not even have to be a credit course, if you are really unsure about your ability to successfully handle an online course. Take a continuing education course that interests you and ease your way back into the school routine.
If you are concerned about your need for remedial work, you might consider taking some remedial courses at the campus of your local community college. Community colleges have flexible schedules and many offer weekend classes for busy adults. You can catch up on the skills you need and get back into the school routine; if you decide to continue with a distance learning program, you will feel more prepared and your time will not have been wasted. Some remedial classes do not count towards a college degree, but some do and these credits will generally transfer into whatever online program you choose.
Remember if you take an online course and then decide it is not for you, it is not the end of the world. Even quitting in mid-course is okay; you are entitled to a refund on a portion of the class if you officially quit before a certain date. You may be better suited to traditional classroom studies or you may have simply chosen an online course that was not of high quality. The important thing is that you took a chance and tried to improve your life. Consider it a learning experience and do not be afraid to try another class in the future.
Carli Alexander is an editor for the Directory of Online Learning. She specializes in knowledge of the options for online nursing programs. You can learn more about how to earn a college degree online in the nursing field. Review all available online learning opportunities for nursing degrees plus several other occupations.
Looking For More Information?
Make sure to explore other articles in the Education category or contact us to suggest a website or a service to review.
|
|
