Distance learning in relation to access Essay

Distance encyclopedism is gentilityal instruction and reading that is offered to fiters who are commonly physically away from the origin of those instructions or information. It appends opportunity to some matchlesss who could not have the date and money to pursue the conventional classes because of the distance from the learning facilities and high costs of under winning the grad. This kind of learning has been made executable because of net profit expansion which has been witnessed in recent years. The main tool employ by learners in the distance learning programs is the internet.The internet provides them with learning information in different formats such as sound bits, music, voice and nontextual matter which can be represented in a unique sheath of artwork like video and animation. Other tools which can supplement the internet include emails, online video conferencing, news groups and mailing list (Duffy, p. 55). Advantages and disadvantages to individuals Advan tages Distances learning provide individuals with flexible schedules. For example, some colleges offer synchronous learning such that students taking a disposed(p) class start and finish at a given time.Others offer asynchronous learning where each individual is given the opportunity to choose the time to enroll for classes and usually they are allowed to learn at a speed they feel is convenient to them. They give an individual an opportunity to conjure up his/her education without leaving his/her job. People can advance in their field of specialty through taking specialized calling training courses. The courses do not affect the present employment which is one of the benefits that distance learners get to enjoy.Online learning is cheaper compared to traditional classroom learning. This is because the costs of abject to and from the college are eliminated and other fees that campus students have to pay like medical indemnity are avoided (Minoli, p. 43). Disadvantages There is s ocial isolation. irrelevant studying in traditional classes, distance learners often study alone. This brings a sense of isolation nevertheless thanks to recent technological advancements such as online chat rooms, teleconference and discussion forums which have helped alleviate this problem.There is no immediate feedback. Unlike traditional classrooms where the students performance is analyzed by asking questions and offering inner tests, distance learning students have to wait for a longer time for their instructor to review their work before providing a feedback via email or other means (Porter, p. 77). Does distance learning offer equal opportunity? According to Porter (p. 77), distance learning may not be suitable for each and every individual.This is because, for one to succeed in the program, he/she must have self discipline and be highly motivated. The course is mainly unmonitored meaning that learners are left with the full responsibility of ensuring that they hold out with the course and analyze their mastering ability in various subjects and skills by themselves. The programs are available to anyone who is qualified but he/she has to be make grow for him/her to complete the course successfully. There are no barriers which are organism generated because of the use of technology to deliver college education.This is because it encourages competition amidst academic institutions which promotes coaction between businesses, academia and industries thus ensuring that learners are given quality education (Minoli, p. 43). How might distance learning serve to increase the gap between the haves and have nots? Because distance learning involves the use of advanced technology in teaching, individuals who have limited access to this kind of technology like those in third world countries may be locked out.Since education is the key to a bright future, these individuals may not have the opportunity to be enlightened and learn new ways to sustain them thus t hey will compensate languishing in poverty. Works cited Duffy, P. James. College online how to take college courses without leaving home, New York John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1997 p. 55 Minoli, Daniel. Distance learning technology and applications, Boston Artech House. , (1996) P. 43 Porter, R. Lynnette. Creating the virtual classroom Distance learning with the Internet, New York John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , (1997) p. 77.