Disadvantages of Distance Learning and Online Education

What Distance Learning Disadvantages Exist in Online Learning?

While there are countless distance education advantages, there are also various disadvantages of distance learning, also referred to an elearning or online education, that students should be aware of before starting any distance learning online program. These disadvantages of distance learning include:

• Distance learning and elearning education requires costly and complex technology. Despite the many opportunities inherent to distance education, it is also quite expensive for the institutions offering online classes. Live video communication, for example, requires careful planning, equipment, and facilities. For online learning, you must own a computer (usually with access to the Internet) or at least borrow one. Some learners may also be afraid of technology (technophobic).

Other disadvantages of distance learning are:

• Distance learning requires advance planning. Both the instructors and students involved in distance learning will need to make sacrifices, at times, in order to get things done on time.
• Distance learning may come with hidden costs. If you work for the military for example, and you are on board a ship, you might have to have some materials mailed to you in advance, incurring extra shipping and handling costs.
• Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback. In a traditional classroom setting, a student's performance can be immediately assessed through questions and informal testing. With distance learning, a student has to wait for feedback until the instructor has reviewed his or her work and responded to it.
• Distance learning does not always offer all the required coursework online for every degree program. For example, while you can study a history lesson completely online, you cannot perform nursing clinicals online. Thus physical classroom attendance is mandatory for the completion of some degree programs.
• Distance learning degrees may not be acknowledged by all employers. Although most employers do acknowledge distance learning, certain employers do not. Students who want to work for a specific employer upon graduation should be sure of that employer's perspective about online education.
• Distance learning does not give students the opportunity to work on oral communication skills. Students in distance learning courses do not get the experience of practicing verbal interaction with professors and other students.
• Another disadvantage of distance learning is social isolation. Most often, you'll be studying alone. Distance learners may feel isolated or miss the social-physical interaction that comes with attending a traditional classroom. However, many distance learning participants have reported that this sense of isolation has been decreasing with the use of communication technologies such as bulletin boards, threaded discussions, chats, email, and video conferencing.

Unfortunately, there are still many distance learning disadvantages that educators and developers are working to overcome, through use of technology. Based on your unique circumstances, you can compare the disadvantages of distance learning with its advantages and decide which option; either an online distance education or a more traditional on-campus program, is right for you.

Here at the Distance Learning Colleges Guide, we have listed some of the online colleges that should offer you great benefits and a worthwhile distance learning experience so that you can overcome some of the distance learning disadvantages and earn a credible education online on a flexible schedule.

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