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Distance Learning Essay

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Distance Learning

Currently, computers already play a prominent role in many aspects of our lives from personal works to education fields. The Internet can also be invaluable in linking people culturally and socially (Hacker & Capehart, 1999). Geographically and historically, most universities in the world offer distance learning to students through the Internet, and the distance learning is becoming a new trend of the 21st academy. In particular, computers will permit a degree of individualization-personalized coaching or tutoring (Gardner, 2000: 31). Through easily accessible teaching communication online, distance learning comes to replace our support problems in traditional campus learning. The distance learning is an educational …show more content…

Those who don’t want to waste hours hanging around on campus can use flexible schooling on the Internet. For instance, according to Lehrer’s study (1998), one of ITT’s students can take care of her family and do her studying before her child wakes up. In addition, currently many campuses have developed online education course work. Some of them offer distance education for their students during summer or vacation, not in regular semester. The Standford University offers 30 courses designed for a master degree in teaching English and is geared toward employed professionals. Thus, the slogan of distance learning “learning anytime, anywhere, at any rate (Uhlig, 2002:672)” is a main advantage in online education. With the help of advanced technology, students not only get lectures from a computer monitor in real time but also choose the time of day that they would like to participate in the course.

Another strength of the distance learning is the collaboration between the instructor and students. According to Hofmann (2002), some tools or programs such as bulletin boards, chat rooms, electronic mail, and white boards all encourage students to communicate with their instructor and each other. Online communication brings students’ broad and interesting opinions into the class bulletin without any hesitation or anxiety. Those who have high anxiety about face-to-face talk or communication in front

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