Distance Learning Programs Lead The Online Education Revolution

Distance Learning Programs Lead The Online Education Revolution by Samantha Ellis

The notion of distance learning programs varies, as many individuals still aren't aware of what taking a distance learning course involves or whether an education through a distance learning school is the right one. There are advantages and disadvantages to studying online. Before enrolling in a distance learning course, the following points should be taken into consideration:

A better focus and concentration is a huge advantage of distance learning programs. Wasted time commuting and the distractions of listening to lectures amidst a group of shuffling people are gone. Distance learning courses can be worked on when the time is right and when the student can sit down to fully direct his or her attention to the course material.

Everyone in an online classroom gets a chance to contribute. Many times, students grouped in traditional classrooms are reluctant to raise their hand to either ask or answer a question. In a room full of fellow students, pressure to avoid embarrassment is high. With distance learning programs, students are able to think through a question carefully and can post the answer online to the distance learning school website or message board, when they are ready to do so.

Being taught online leaves very little room for cheating or slacking off. As with live classrooms, quizzes and exams through distance learning programs are timed. Through discussion boards of the distance learning school, it is easy to tell whether or not a student understands the ideas in a lesson. There is actually little chance for people to get by unnoticed while competing a distance learning course.

With online courses, there is no such thing as a 7 am class. There is no driving across town and having to hunt down a parking spot that is close to campus. Distance learning programs give students the ease of learning at their own pace and at their own convenience. Students can study their distance learning course in the comfort of their own home.

With that being said, working at home can have its own set of distractions. The sound of the television, the telephone, or the noise coming from kids or pets can be major distractions. Working online can also lead to temptation of doing something more fun, such as chatting via instant messaging or surfing the web. It may not apply to every student, but things like browsing can take out a chunk of time in your day that could have been used towards your distance learning program.

Personality may have a lot do to with whether you enjoy distance learning programs or not. The online environment and independent study involved in a distance learning course means that students don't have the social network of other students available. Everything is worked on alone and there are no study groups to provide support. Some people love working on their material on their own, while others do better in a group environment with conversation and discussion.

When a student has a problem while working on homework or on an exam, the student taking a distance learning course can directly ask a teacher for help. With distance learning programs, though, the teacher and students may not be together at the same time, meaning that an instructor cannot give a student immediate feedback and must communicate differently.

Distance learning programs are taught through a computer and a student must uphold a minimum level of computer knowledge. Knowing just the basics of computer technology is usually not enough for a student to excel within an online class.

With certain distance learning courses, reading material and discussion boards alone are not enough for students to understand a concept. Especially in classes such as math, it may take several examples explained by the instructor until a student finally understands the idea. Because of this, many students find distance learning programs difficult.

About the Author
Advance your education, improve your life, make more money and do it all in your shorts from the comfort of your own home. Learn how to get you online education in less time for less money. Free eLearning guide to distance learning programs at Distance Learning Degrees

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=758231