Anyone know any major disadvantages of Distance learning?

[himmiy]

Hi there,
I intend to soon join an online college but was wondering if there are any disadvantages to distance learning classes I should be aware of before I join.
Thanks a lot!!

[lexa10881]

The only advantage I can think of is that it is very fast paced and if you fall behind it can be very difficult to catch up. I am one of those people who learn well on my own, so I have few issues, but the potential is there for problems if you don't make yourself focus on work and getting it completed.

http://www.cvtips.com/advance_your_career.html

[Dixiedarling4u2@aol.com]

Just setting yourself set up on a schedule will actually correct most problems. You must carve out time. It is amazing how quickly a day will pass and you didn't get the work completed that you intend to do. Stay in a positive place. Good Luck. I love it. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a desire to better their educational level. You pretty much get out of it what you put in to it. Most institutions have excellent resources for you to use for any problems that arise. Use all the resources available to you.

[cv]

I think you MISS the

Fun part of University
Meeting new people
Extra curricular activities (sports etc)

[lexa10881]

More for you to consider:

The Disadvantages of Distance Learning


Distance learning has its advantages, especially for those who have a full schedule or a family life to work around. But just as it has its advantages, there are numreous disadvantages also. The largest disadvantage associated with distance learning has to do with the amount of complex technology involved to participate, and the associated costs. For those considering distance learning as a way to further their education, full consideration should be given to the following disadvantages:

1. Cost of complex technology, and associated pains with having to use that technology. To engage in distance learning, one must own a computer and have internet service, or have full and ready access at all times to a computer with internet service that is reliable. Other technologies may be necessary depending on the degree, including expensive software programs and equipment needed for such activities as video conferencing.

2. Advance planning to anticipate work load. Careful planning and time management is a must in order to be a successful student, and at times this may mean sacrificing activities in order to get things accomplished.

3. Hidden costs. The educational institution does not always mention the full lists of costs associated with learning, including such things as shipping charges for textbooks or having to buy software on one's own, which typically are not costs in the traditional school setting.

4. Immediate feedback does not happen in the online learning environment. In a traditional class, questions get answered immediately, and clarification is easy to obtain. In an online session, the student has to wait for the instructor to respond or review work, sometimes taking more than a day.

5. Distance learning does not offer all the courses a student may need. Distance learning is not suitable for all degrees, especially those that require hands-on training. There is no substitute for live work in some fields, such as medicine.

6. Not all employers recognise distance learning. Some employers do not recognise distance learning as adequate, and may prefer that their workers learn in a traditional setting to properly develop themselves.

7. Distance learning may improve computer skills, but oral communication skills suffer. Since students are not interacting vocally with other students and their professors, they may not develop the necessary oratory skills many employers seek.

8. Social isolation from peers. Distance learners are often on their own and seeking out help from peers is near impossible. In addition to this, the online learning environment lacks many of the traditional college activities found enjoyable and that help students network for future jobs.


Technological advances continue to improve and lessen the gap between distance learning and the traditional college setting, but there will always be differences that cannot be compensated for.

[ronnie666]

You should thoroughly analyze the advantage and disadvantage of distance learning before you make the decision for continuing your education using distance learning services. It's true that this type of learning is convenient and not that expensive (let me clear that its "convenient" because its self passed study, you are not bound to go to university on daily basis or have to be in class in required time). Today, with the help of web conferencing tools the experience of distance learning is considerably better. There are a lot more benefits as far as distance learning is concerned. The online facilities that have been developed on the Internet have brought distance learning to a higher level as now students and professors can communicate easily.
Some are of the opinion that the communication is much difficult as far as distance learning is concerned and that the information is not always as clear as it is in face-to-face learning. Some people find it hard to schedule their time by themselves and studying without being kept under supervision. One such website (in fact a search engine for online schools) which I know about is Schools Galore, having useful links of institutions which offer online courses as well as traditional institutes too. Just check out the following links to give it a try.
http://www.schoolsgalore.com/distanc...-directory.cfm

[ericmoore]

As a graduate myself with an online MBA degree, I have only good things to say about distance learning. What I will admit however is that you need to be extremely committed and disciplined if you wan to get the most out of your degree program. Yes, distance learning education allows you to juggle studies with your other commitments but the main stress is on actually sitting yourself down on a daily basis and tackling your workload. Otherwise, you will be left with too much to do and might just give up. So, plan in advance. And as a second point, I really didn't miss the actual classroom interactions. The chat rooms and forums available online gave me enough opportunity to meet students from all over.

[Annia]

I totally agree with ronnie because there many pro and cons attached to distance learning option, therefore one must look into the whole scenario before making any decision.

[sendintomyid]

Hi dear members:
I am also here to share some disadvantages of distance learning and education as i also have experienced with these problems. There is not physical proximity of both the students and lecturers. Eye contact is most important in the process of teaching, there is no eye contact of students and lecturers with each other. Cross questioning is also lack in distance education. All these problems i realized in distance learning. Hope you will agree with me.

[Prince]

I really agree with CV. You will miss the fun of university and lose the chance of make new friends. You will Also unable to develop your confidence by meeting with people daily.