Bethel University: An Overview Of Distance Learning

We, as humans, fear the unknown, and change is after often at the root of our fears. One of the greatest catalysts for change is today’s rapid technological development, but the concept of traditional education has always been the same. Even that is changing, and as to be expected, there is a substantial amount of fear and apprehension towards distance education. With this, students are presented the chance to overcome of a

“Can You Be Educated from a Distance,” an insightful essay by James Barszcz, brings to focus some of the benefits and disadvantages of Distance Learning education (DL). In it, Barszcz discusses the mechanics of DL courses available to students, the quality of education DL can offer, and some reasoning behind its rapidly growing popularity. “Can You Be Educated from a Distance” is an engaging article that students of all ages can benefit from.

Setting up a Distance Learning Task Force is necessary to assess university resources, and student needs (Hillman & Corkery, 2010). This will allow administration to have all the facts needed to decide on a path. Task Force determines the expansiveness of the online program and the courses implemented (Hillman & Corkery, 2010). Departmental head’s research will navigate the universities decisions. Students take classes towards specific degrees, which the Task Force identifies. Priority of classes should focus on gaps in regionally based education (Hillman & Corkery, 2010). The Task Force efforts in developing a rationale has an effect on university

For the years, many individuals have decided to pursue their education via distance learning. Distance learning has given individuals the opportunity to learn and study course material at their own pace. Distance learning offers many advantages. First, many enjoy the convenience of distance learning that works around their schedule. Second, distance learning offers flexibility to learners with no set time to complete assignments and readings. A leaner is the master of their own schedule and can choose a time that works best for them (Study magazine). Lastly, the cost of distance learning is often cheaper than traditional education, with no added expenses.

Many students are absent numerous days throughout the school year due to illness, vacations, bad weather, or other complications. Consequently, these students get left behind in class. Perhaps a big test was missed, or an important lecture or activity, these problems can easily be solved. Some schools have already taken the step to eliminate these problems by offering distance learning; a way to attend classes from home even if the student is not able to attend class physically. Offering these online classes would allow students the ability to attend classes even if they are home sick, on vacation, or if the weather is bad and school is cancelled. Setting up distance learning in a school could improve grades and learning opportunities throughout the

One other outstanding advantage of distance learning is that the 'student ' can pursue the studies at his/her own pace. You do not need to worry about the class attendance; you need not worry about tight schedules and all that because you can study from the comfort of your own home. You can be in the 'class ' the moment you log in. It is as easy as that.

Online education is especially valuable to those students who juggle demanding work, familial and social schedules that necessitate access to learning in special forms. The idea of online training becomes valuable to the business world as well as trainers also face situations with adult learners who may experience similar constraints especially those of time and geographical distance. (Bartley & Golek, 2004).

Imagine this: A student wakes up, eager to start their day of school. They eat breakfast and get dressed and then walk across their house to their computer where they log on and start their school day. Although this may seem like a very futuristic way to do school, it is a reality for many students across the United States. Although the benefits and downfalls of this idea are almost even, it is still being explored and researched. Supporters of this idea say that students could learn different things not usually offered in a classroom, a computer can customize to students’ needs better, and online classes cost less. The other side of the argument references John F. Kennedy’s quote,

Distance learning (education) has become an integral part of the education process over the past few decades and is growing in popularity as technology advances.(Willis 1992) describes distance education (as) "the organizational framework andprocess of providing instruction at a distance. Distance education takes place when ateacher and student(s) are physically separated, and technology…(is) used to bridge theinstruction gap." (Coutts 1996). Furthermore, "distance learning activities are designedto fit the specific context for learning, the nature of the subject matter; intended learningoutcomes, needs and goals of the learner, the learner's environment and the instructional echnologies and methods." (American

The author believes that as the United States prepares individuals to enter the workforce in the twenty-first century addressing individual learner's needs and differences becomes even more critical. Rapid development of on-line and other distance learning distance-educational

Learning is more than just receiving information. Traditionally learning was to be in campus, where students would interact with one a another, there were no other ways for learners to get educated beside going to the classroom and listening to the instructor. Nowadays the Internet has brought different ways for people to receive information, such as getting education and degrees online. A few years ago online education was never thinkable, and yet it has become to reality and it is widely expanding with popularity. Online education is a type of educational instruction that delivers learning to individuals to their own homes, and it is getting very popular among nontraditional student and others. Individuals prefer online education

Distance learning does not provide the advantage of building a strong academic or interpersonal relationship with your Instructor. It also does not allow you to express your individuality in the classroom. Distance learning is more of a multimedia-type learning than anything else. This is because distance learning is accomplished via the Internet. Receiving instruction via the Internet is analogous to receiving instruction to, say, a CD ROM.

A student may learn effectively at his own pace.With the distance learning you have the opportunity to replay audio/video or aportion of it or repeata particular partwhich is not clear enough for you.You can have a personal rhythm of study without missing tutor support, and chat or email with the tutor and classmates about any doubts any time. The distance learning provides student the one on one attention he usually miss with traditional learning.It is worth to be mentioned that effective distance learning is dependent on the needs of candidate, requirements of the class.Distance learning also allows for enhancepotential of students. Distance learning would be more effective in countries where thepopulation is dense or the population is dispersed in a large area, and in the developing countries. A huge population with limited resources in developing countries is an obstacle to get learning with the traditional ways. Distance learning is a better solution to this problem and more

Education is an important part of people’s lives; it will either make them or break them in the future depending on the careers they choose. Education is greatly diverse today in comparison to the 1950s because of advancements in teaching and other great inventions that provide easier techniques of teaching. One major issue that has been raised is distant learning courses and online education.

Another reason as to why online distant learning is not practical is because, easy and convenient access to a computer and internet is essential for online distant learning courses, without it the course work getting done is made harder. For people who share computers, it is difficult for the individual to get enough time on the computer in order to accomplish the necessary coursework. Other online distant learners do not own computers and others if lucky, only have computer access at work, but are too busy with their work to spend the sufficient amount of time on their online distant studies. Majority of students in learning programs are self-providers, under strict funds only making money for them tighter, and are not able to afford computers or even the internet connection needed to correspond with their online distant learning programs.