Disadvantages to Distance Learning

If you didn't know, distance learning is the new and improved college experience. It's an online campus with online classes, assignments, tests, and chats.

Distance learning is a relatively new form of the college experience. Although, yes, the University of Phoenix, has offered online classes since 1976, for the most part, it is still relatively new and improved.

It may sound pretty easy and simple. I mean, you're taking tests online and unsupervised... Ha. That doesn't necessarily mean that it's easy...

Yes there are many advantages to choosing a distance learning program, but have you seen all the disadvantages?

Okay, I really can't go over the disadvantages without at least touching on the advantages a little bit.

The advantages to an online education are fairly simple to understand and figure out.

1. You can work at your own pace.
2. There are no scheduled classes or meetings.
3. You can do your tests and assignments when you have time, as long as you still meet the deadlines.
4. You can work around your school in regards to your normal work and family schedule.

Distance learning works well for those busy adults and working parents who cannot make scheduled on- campus classes.

Now, for the nitty- gritty of it all. The advantages are easy to see when your a busy person wanting to further or finish your education. But, when you really get down to it, distance learning is not for everyone and every lifestyle.

The disadvantages include:

1. Even though, you don't have to go to class, you still have to meet the deadlines.
2. Tests and quizzes are usually timed, so if you opt to use the book while taking the exam, you still have to meet the time limit or risk a penalty to your grade.
3. Most professors require you to make discussion board posts and replies to threads started by other classmates. These can be easy to forget.
4. It can be hard to find the right time to study and basically teach yourself the lessons. Yes, the teachers tend to provide a syllabus and assignment schedule at the beginning of the semester, but the time really flies when you're working and keeping a family.
5. When it comes to the more advanced courses, you may need to find a tutor at a local college because again, you're basically teaching yourself. Yes, the professors and other classmates are available usually by phone and email, it can be hard to find the time to discuss the lesson. And, you still don't get the same one- on- one as live, on campus classes and discussion.
6. For those auditory learners, distance learning may not be the ideal option. In most cases, you won't be able to hear the professor's lecture, you'll be reading powerpoint presentations, lecture notes, and book assignments.

When making the decision whether or not to take distance learning classes, you need to consider your learning style and whether you think you can handle the classes, virtually on your own.