Distance learning

Distance Learning

Idelaouad Fatima

With the tremendous development in information technology, long-distance education enables people to study at home without going to school. Whether this teaching approach is more beneficial to pupils than the traditional way sparks off a heated debate. Distance learning, a modern phenomenon, has become widely popular, despite a boom in home-based learning trend due to the technological advancements; it is not as much beneficial as attending a formal educational institute.

To begin with, university education is not restricted to some textbook lessons as it also focuses on creating an enlightened generation through a favorable environment where students learn to interact with each other, discover the diversity of cultures, and learn to face real-life challenges. Some video scripts and printed documents cannot teach them how to use those in the practical world. For instance, someone who learns a skill online finds it difficult to implement it in the real world. This their poor performance in professional life is imminent.

It is obvious that universities or colleges help students gain abilities that are more essential rather than acquiring knowledge. This is because, with the guidance of different brilliant professors, learners also get practical and professional skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, which are crucial for becoming qualified employees. Therefore, attending universities are much more helpful for students to develop different competences

Moreover, instructors have extensive experience in dealing with students from different backgrounds and modify their lessons according to the capacity of the students. This is completely missing in the distance learning method and thus the single-package-fits-all model is less productive. Taking an online course to learn to play the guitar could be a classic example. A recent study by the University of Sussex reveals that nine out of ten online guitar learners fail to master it due to the lack of motivation and this is where the formal education comes in - motivating students. Taking distance-learning courses for learning a programming language, or how to cook a cuisine can be useful for many but this can never be the alternatives to education we receive from colleges and universities.

On the other hand, universities offer to students a golden chance to augment their relationship. For example, clubs play an indispensable role in every university communities. By joining a club, students can make more friends and can even make valuable practical experience. Classroom-based learning has undeniable merits. In face-to-face classes, by a virtue of coursework and projects, students are required to corporate with their friends. In this way, they can learn about team spirits and develop collaboration, one of the key soft skills for their future career.

Furthermore, in the third or fourth year at college, students have chances to internship at companies connected to their schools. As results, they can obtain not only theoretical but also practical knowledge and experience while observing and learning from a true working environment. Unsurprisingly, when it comes to job market, they can be more competitive candidates and likely to find an ideal job.

However, the option to study online is attractive for several reasons. Studying at home save the pupils enormous time and considerable expense. Students who use distance-learning programs can cut down their commuting time, tuition fees, textbook fees and so forth just by an internet connection. This especially makes a significant difference for the students who live in the far-off countryside and the students whose families are living below the poverty line.

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