There’s nothing quite like the conveniences of home, even though it involves getting an education. The age of the internet has altered the way we do many things, including the way we learn. It is now possible to get a degree or earn a diploma without leaving the house despite job or family commitments. (e.g. university of phoenix )
While this circumstance appears to be great, it is always beneficial to look at both edges of the coin before choosing the right avenue for you.
Advantages of Distance Learning
Convenience
The time and energy kept through distance education can be astronomical. Avoiding a stressful commute and the hassle of trying to get to class on time can help to keep your mind free of anxiety and stress. When the weather turns bad, forget about fighting the elements; just start the coffee pot. If you are in a distant area, choosing distance education can mean living in your home in a comfortable area instead of packaging up and moving to a new place.
Flexibility
With online education, you will be able to study at your rates and do the course work at a period that meets with your active life. In addition, you are the master of your schedule and can pick to remain up late if you are a nighthawk or hit the books early on if you are a morning person.
Less Interruption of Daily Life
With online education, you will be able to study at your rates and do the course work at a period that meets with your active life. In addition, you are the master of your schedule and can pick to remain up late if you are a nighthawk or hit the books early on if you are a morning person.
Affordability
Tuition for on-campus classes is usually more costly than for Online Learning courses. This is understandable since a physical location must be taken care of, and faculty must be paid. With distance education, you will also save money on commuting or pay for a house within the vicinity of the school. If you want an education but have to have it within a budget, this option could be fiscally feasible for you.
Disadvantages of Distance Learning
Isolation
The classroom setting creates an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. As is the situation with some who work from home, isolated students may find it difficult to be self-disciplined enough to complete the course requirements. Face-to-face conversation with other students creates a learning environment with friendly discussion and a network of support.
Indirect Contact with Professors
Often, a teacher is more than someone who dispenses facts and information. Many students gain significantly from immediate contact with a direct connection with Professor who offers personal experience, valuable advice, and inspiration and encouragement to succeed in their studies.
Lack of the ‘College Spirit.’
Many believe that post-secondary education should be an ‘experience’ that includes more than simply class learning. But unfortunately, distance learning does not have the on-campus atmosphere and ‘school experience’ that, for a few, is one of the key reasons for attending. In fact, in a few views, there continues to be a stigma attached to distance education.
Limited Course Options
There is an increasing variety of licensed programs available through distance education. However, a few programs still require in-class work, such as hands-on sensible applications and experimentation, etc.
If you are a highly driven, self-disciplined person with a busy personal schedule who loves to work on your own, distance education could be for you. However, if you are a social person who thrives in the setup environment of any classroom with face-to-face connections, you might decide that regular learning is a much better fit for you. Either way, you can go after advanced schooling and reach your goals.
