Traditional And Distance Learning Programs

“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.

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.

I chose to discuss Online Learning vs. Traditional Learning for this final project. Since 1999, the debate on the differences and similarities between traditional and online learning has been ongoing. Notably, this was the time when institutes began to use internet as a way of conveying distant education. Despite the differences that are there, it is worth noting that they are being narrowed down since technology is emerging prevalently. These facts beg the question; how do the two learning formats differ and what can one expect during transition to eLearning? Before seeking answers to this question, it is worth mentioning that I chose this topic because even though I am currently taking online classes, I wanted to research and learn more about the different benefits of online learning. Also, I am interested in researching on the major differences between online learning and traditional learning.

This source looks into progress and the foundation of distance and online learning. According to Kentnor “ Online education is no longer a trend, but mainstream” (3). Distance education is defined as a method of teaching where the student and teachers are physically separated (Kentnor). Online learning can be done by mail, internet, face to face, and television. This shows the importance of the progress and how many people participates in distant learning. Distant learning has become an important part of education and the data is here to show 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).

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

Spencer, K. (2011). “The difference between online and distance learning”. Retrieved 4 January 2016 from

Many advocates of distance education are ardent about their venue and very critical of traditional education. These online education devotees view traditional classes as being unchangeable, inflexible, teacher-centered, and static (Angiello, 2010). However, proponents argue that many simply would not be able to get a degree without distance education—the full-time police officer, the mother of four, or the individual living in a rural area approximately 100-200 miles away from any educational institution. Many individuals desperately need distance education courses because they "have jobs, families, civic responsibilities. They are thirsting. But some want us to say, 'Sorry you don’t want to drink the water there, but we can’t bottle our fresh spring water, so you’ll have to come here or drink nothing" (Baker, 1986). Proponents contend that distance education is "as good as" traditional education. In other words, learning occurs as much in distance education as it does in traditional education. However, is this really so? Does distance education work better for some students

Non-traditional students are finding it easier and easier to maintain a job, a family, and pursuing a college career at the same time. This is possible because more and more non-traditional students are receiving an education using distance learning, as opposed to traditional, in-the-classroom teaching. Distance learning is basically taking college level, credit-bearing courses via the Internet. One of the most obvious advantages of distance learning is that it puts the classroom in your home, office, or wherever you can find a computer and log on to the Internet. However, there is much controversy regarding the quality of the courses being offered on the Internet versus the quality of

In today’s society, so many people are continuing their education beyond high school. We realize that in order to make a decent living, a degree is most likely a requirement. In some cases even a bachelor’s degree is not enough to qualify for many positions. Nevertheless, thanks to technology, we now have the option to learn online or in a traditional classroom setting. There are very few differences between the two, and students need to understand that as much time and energy will need to be devoted to the online courses as on a campus. “A 2010 meta-analysis and review of online-learning studies concluded that online learning was as good as or slightly more effective than traditional face-to-face instruction” (Mendenhall, 2011).

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.

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

Distance learning (education) is a modern system of non- formal education. There are different terms used for

Advocates and supporters of distance learning believe that it is more profitable to study online vices face-to-face instruction. Regardless, online instruction is more beneficial for many due to the flexible programs offered, cost effectiveness, time management, increased personal values and self-discipline, dedication, self-obligation. The Literature Review To better understand the controversy between online instruction vs. classroom instruction there are several peers reviewed journals and thesis papers dedicated to bringing attention to the disadvantages and advantages of online instruction vs. classroom instruction. Equally, there are debates on the benefits and pitfalls of which method is more efficient to obtain a degree. Further- more, this paper will explain what online education is, its increasing popularity and its origin and the rapid growth of an online college education. Moreover, to better account for the focus of this paper, a virtual study with that of traditional classroom is explained throughout this article. Additionally, the so-called short-coming of online education are discussed in contrast to that of regular classroom instruction. The History of Online Education Online or virtual learning is an effective strategy that has been around, but as time has progressed technology is becoming more modernized. In the written

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