Distance learning is a superior way of getting an advanced education when a student has the discipline and skills to stay self motivated. Considering all of the hassles of getting to the campus, hiking to the classroom, listening to rambling lectures, dealing with personality issues and wasting money on fees that have nothing to do with class, of course distance learning has it’s benefits.
As a warning, the basic class workload is the same, meaning that an online student must be able to budget the same study and research time in order to get a decent grade. The time saved by not having to commute allows for even more study, but quality distance learning schools also have high standards.
Younger students may be better served by attending in residence. College or university in residence is a major part of getting out into the world and developing as an adult. The student will meet mentors, teachers, friends and others who will make the experience a life development process and challenge that cannot be replaced later in life.
But young people who are in the military or who are already working can benefit from distance learning. In fact, when a quality school is not locally available, on line programs may be the only option that will provide a choice in higher education.
With on line learning, the lectures are accessed, printed out, and read at will. In the lecture hall, the student cannot afford to get distracted and has to take the words as they spill out. In other words, the instructor has to step up his or her game to present a clear, well written lecture.
When the lecture is in print, it is more finely tuned than any verbal lectures and allows additional notes. The “lecture” can be “heard” again and again.
The coursework is clearly laid out. Assignments that are in writing tend to eliminate most areas of confusion. There is no mishearing of information and there is no missing information. If the student is still not getting the coursework or the point of the assignments, the instructor can use messaging, e-mail, and even phone calls to try to get to the bottom of the problem and to help the student.
The blessed relief of being able to “go to class” at midnight or the at the crack of dawn is priceless! There is no precious time spent commuting to campus. Having an online lecture file means that there will be no missed classes. There is no issue of being “late” to class since the student can only be “late” in posting work assignments.
The best benefit of an on line education is in the exchange of ideas. Before or after posting an assignment, the student is able to read the other student’s submissions. It is possible to find out how all of the other classmate have dealt with an assignment. As a result, a soldier in Germany can easily get the perspective of a city planner in Denver.
Finding out how other students think gives a unique opportunity to develop additional reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
When the assignments are posted, the ensuing discussion provides an expanded marketplace of ideas. The conversations can go on for a while.
Online education benefits the student who wants to go beyond ingesting, digesting and testing. There is time to explore and review other points of view. There is time to read written lectures that are well organized and can be read as many times as needed.