Technology is advancing at alarming rates. In order to keep up with this ever growing field new means of education must be implemented. Distance Learning may very well be the best way to reach mass amounts of people rapidly. The advantages of Distance Learning are clear. The results are rapid and affect a broad community of people. Particularly with the field of technology, these qualities are necessary when examining way to teach those eager to learn. However, along with the advantages come the disadvantages. The purpose of this website is to outline a few of the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning, paying special attention to the field of technology.

Cost: The cost of distance learning may eventually be significantly less than that of education as we know it today. Classrooms require books, binders, pens, transportation, and the actual expense of rent. Distance learning may one day rule out al of these expenses. Books may be available online, notes very easily could be taken using any word processor, and rent is eliminated as both students and professors could logon from the convenience of their own homes.

Outreach: The greatest advantage of Distance Learning is its ability to reach many users' that would otherwise have no way of taking classes. A grandmother may be too embarrassed to go to the local community college and sit amongst 18 year olds fresh out of high school. Distance Learning eliminates the need to feel judged by classmates. This may also help students who have physical or mental disabilities and wish to be home schooled. Another example of the broad outreach Distance Learning accounts for is the person that works 9-5 and has a family to provide for. This person may not have the time to travel to class, or the money to afford a baby-sitter. Distance Learning allows those with difficult schedules to learn on thier own time.

Interaction: A major disadvantage of Distance Learning is the lack of interaction between teacher and student. Even when a lesson is taught live on the internet, the instructor misses cues, such as confused faces, that can only be seen live. The instructor cannot yell at a student for passing notes, or talking to their friend. Distance Learning may not be for everyone. Those who do not have a strong desire to really learn the material may easily be distracted. Already on the internet, they may be online talking to friends, or playing online pool. When a student needs extra help it may be hard for the professor to guide them without actually being there to walk them through every step of the way.

Cheating: When a class is given online, cheating may be very hard to detect. It is very easy to cheat on exams that are given online, in the privacy of one's home. Conceivable a student could receive an A in a course that another student took for them. Even at SUNY Albany, there have been cases of student cheating on online quizzes and Web CT submissions. Before Distance Learning is implemented on any large scale, this issue must be further examined.

Written by Sara Volkell

References Used

Deakin, Michelle Bates. 2001. The Failings of Distance Learning. Computer World. Vol.35. Page 68.

Hartley, Sarah. 2001. Twelve Tips for Potential Distance Learners. Medical Teacher. Vol.23. Pages 13-15.