January 31, 2007

Limitations Of Distance Learning

Ryan Larson

Academics, teachers, and educators are all united in one voice on distance learning. It is an effective and efficient way for students of all ages and at all levels to learn. It has a number of advantages that allow it to be cheap and universally accessible to almost everyone who can access the Internet. But they also recognize that in comparison to the traditional classroom, distance learning does have its limitations, and in order to overcome them they are first working to identify them.

Here are a few that they have identified to date:

Limited connection between course material and its explanation. This is in contrast to the traditional classroom where students follow the written material and are guided by the human interaction of the teacher and their peers.

Limited human teacher expression and interaction. Instead of following the human teacher’s body expressions and language patterns to learn, distance learners following an inanimate computer screen. Students then miss the teacher’s gestures and the full impact of the oral interaction with the teacher.

Lack of human connection. Most of us have become accustomed to receiving direction and instruction from a human, our parents are our very first teachers, and that is how we learn. In distance learning some students find it difficult to relate to an online tutor and they miss and need that human touch.

Limited peer support. Although you can and will develop friendships amongst your co-learners in a distance learning program, we do learn in the interaction with our peers. Think about your first smoke or your first drink, the messages from your peers were pretty crucial to convincing you to experiment. In learning we support one another and that is a little more difficult in distance learning.

Lack of contextual understanding. In the traditional classroom all of our learning is done by using examples to help us understand the context of what we are learning. In distance learning there are fewer examples or explanations past the initial concept or theory and we have to find that contextual understanding by ourselves. For some students who are accustomed to learning through contextual discussion it may be difficult to grasp or understand some basic and important ideas.

None of these limitations are insurmountable by a student who is anxious and eager to learn, but they do slow some people down in their distance learning program. The good news is as the experts have identified these limitations they are already at work to find ways to improve distance learning to remove them. Like education itself there are no limits on distance learning, only limits on ourselves.

About the author:

Learn more about Online Degrees and University of Phoenix

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January 29, 2007

Is Distance Learning Right For you?

John Sanderson

Congratulations. You have finally made the decision to go back to school to get your college degree, but you are worried about the cost and the time away from work. Maybe distance learning is an option. In order to find out if distance learning is right for you it may help to ask yourself a few questions.

Are you self-motivated and can you learn and study without a teacher looking over your shoulder? If you think you have the discipline to follow a course outline and study by yourself then distance learning could be a great fit. If you are someone who can force themselves to complete projects and assignments on your won and within specific deadlines then you are also well-suited to learning on line.

Can you eliminate or avoid the distractions that come from learning at home? Just remember that unless you live by yourself then other people will continue on their normal activities all around you as you try and learn. Successful distance learners have a quiet place to listen, learn and study and they find this time and space regardless of how many kids they have or how hectic their household may be.

Can you learn alone? Some people need the support and companionship of others in order to learn and it is a drastic step to move to the isolation of distance learning. Maturity and dedication to your studies will help but at the end of the day it’s you and your computer screen and you will need a plan to deal with the lack of classmates in your distance learning program.

Can you ask for help? At a regular school many people are reluctant to “bother” the teacher with questions that they think other people will find stupid, so they stay quiet and try to pick it up on their own. The result is less than successful. With distance learning the same problem could certainly arise and unless you are prepared to ask for help the results will be similar. Most programs offer an e-mail question and answer service and some even offer special assistance and tutorials. If you want to ensure your success you may have to take advantage of these services.

There are many benefits of distance learning but remember that there are also some difficult challenges to overcome. Distance learning may not be for everyone but if you are self-motivated, avoid distractions, learn alone, and ask for help, it just may be the right way for you. About the Author

Learn more about Online Degrees at http://www.schoolguideusa.com

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January 27, 2007

Improve Your Life Style And Self Esteem Enroll In A Distance Learning College

I Henman

 

It’s just a fact, you can’t ever be over educated, how ever it is possible to become under education. Has this ever happened to you. you’ve applied for that dream job you’ve been waiting for, how ever you get passed over because another person had a degree therefore was viewed to be more qualified? It’s happened to me, and I always think how do they know he/she will do a better job? They don’t but the fact is they have to go with the better odds.

How ever there is a solution to this, and the fix is to earn a qualified degree without re-arranging your current life or day-to-day schedule. How can you do this? By enrolling in a distance learning college/ Depending on what your current studies are like a distance learning university might be the best solution.

Distance learning establishments are more or less easy to find. Because the majority of them operate online now you should be able to do some searches to locate a few schools to choose from. Once you’ve found one that offers the program you’re interested in be sure to check and ensure the program and the school are accredited. Often times a school might be accredited how ever a particular program at the school is not.

When checking into the accreditation of the school ensure that it was issued from an authorized party to do so. There are numerous organizations that accredit colleges and universities online, how ever they may not be authorized to do so meaning that after all your hard work your degree would never be recognized.

What will enrolling in a distance learning college do for you?

If you’re just one of those unfortunate few that didn’t have the opportunity to finish your university studies when you should have then earning your diploma now will ensure you a better position in your career as well as an increased salary. If you have never attended college after high school, you just thought secondary education wasn’t for you then a university degree will push you up the ladder and increase your pay.

There’s no question in anyones mind that furthering your education will bring about better things in your life, along with raising your income and self esteem. No matter what your gender or age enrolling in a distance learning college is sure to bring more joy and good to your life.

There’s always time

Remember it doesn’t matter how old you are, you’re never to old to further your education. Enrolling and completing your higher education is a choice only you can make, and not gender or age should effect it. Chase your dreams, and enroll in an online college today.

About the Author:

Ready to chase your dreams today? Then visit our website to find out more about enrolling for online distance learning courses here Online Education

 

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

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