In recent years, distance learning has become increasingly popular. Reviews of students that can be found on the websites of various universities and private courses providing such services are mostly positive.
Why do people choose distance learning?
This is primarily due to the fact that most prestigious educational institutions are located in central areas and large cities. Those who live far from them often do not have the opportunity to receive a decent education. Especially considering the fact that life and study in another city is a pleasure, to put it mildly, not cheap.
The second important reason is the lack of free time. Many are forced to combine study with work, business and other occupations. And even the existence of correspondence and evening forms of training this problem is not always solved.
And finally, to enter a traditional university, you need to spend a lot of money. Tutoring services, preparation for admission, many other expenses ... Not everyone can afford it. And the cost of training at a paid department is inexorably increasing every year.
Types of distance learning
There are several methods according to which distance learning takes place. Student feedback can help us get an idea of the top three.
1. Case technology. This format of distance learning appeared earlier than anything else (back in the 70s of the twentieth century). And although case technology is now giving way to more modern means, it still exists. Its essence lies in the use of paper media: teaching aids (workbooks). Students are trained under the supervision of a tutor who communicates with them by telephone or mail. As a rule, there is an opportunity to meet with a tutor in person at specialized training centers or consultation centers.
2. The television-satellite system provides a more productive and faster distance learning. Reviews about it, however, are very rare, since at the moment this technology is considered expensive and not very often used. Its downside is perhaps only limited interactivity (that is, feedback when students can contact the teacher).
3. Online learning is the most common and affordable distance learning technology .
Often, distance learning combines the elements of all three of these technologies in different proportions.
Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning
The number of people who want to get higher education through distance learning is steadily growing . Reviews about this technology only reinforce interest. However, before making a decision, you should carefully analyze all the advantages and disadvantages of this format for obtaining new knowledge.
| Benefits | disadvantages |
Learning takes place at an individual pace, depending on how quickly the student learns new material, what opportunities and desires he has. | Home-based education lacks a whole list of individual psychological conditions. Therefore, for successful education, the student must be conscious, independent and aware of the importance of discipline. |
| Any person can learn, regardless of where in the world he is. | There is another negative point, which carries distance learning in high school. Reviews, as we have already said, are mostly positive, but often students are concerned about the lack of a practical component of classes, which should reinforce the theoretical knowledge gained. |
Obtaining new knowledge takes place in a free mode: the student has the opportunity to independently choose the courses he is interested in and devote as much time to classes as he sees fit. | E-courses and specialized training programs do not always meet international standards and work 100% correctly, which can cause some difficulties. |
| In the learning process, the latest telecommunications and information technologies are applied. | There is no constant control over students, which is also a minus to some extent - few people manage to overcome laziness on their own. |
| High speed feedback, the ability to quickly contact the teacher at almost any time. | Training takes place only in writing. For some students, in turn, the lack of the ability to present the learned material orally can cause serious problems with the consolidation of knowledge and not only. |
Greater freedom of creative expression. | There is no element of live communication between teachers and students. Nearby there is no teacher who could give the knowledge an emotional coloring, which does not affect the assimilation of the material too well. |
| Any person can receive an education remotely, regardless of his place of residence, nationality, material well-being and state of health. | |
Conclusion
Looking at this table, you can see how controversial distance learning is considered. Testimonials of students who have already encountered him personally will help you make the right decision, weigh the pros and cons. We should not forget that if you firmly decided to study remotely, you need to take this matter with all responsibility and not abuse the freedom granted. Only in this way you will achieve the desired result.