What is Distance Learning?

What is distance learning? One form of distance learning is the ability to learn through an electronic communication while separated by time and space. (Hellman, A., 2003) This can be accomplished best by use of computers. One of the benefits of distance learning is the ability to obtain a college degree. Obtaining a degree can be difficult and inconvenient when attending a campus university. That is why distance learning is an option to be considered. Attending online college courses at home saves valuable time and money while allowing students to work at a pace that accommodates personal needs. How amazing is the possibility of getting an education without leaving the house?

Comfort is not essential in the learning process, but it is convenient. The ability to stay home while attending class at the same time is comfort with convenience. Online courses make it possible for students to make their own schedule because these courses are easily accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Distance learning is perfect for stay-at-home Moms and people with other responsibilities, like a job. For students who prefer odd hours distance learning is ideal. Another convenience is location.

Commuting is no longer necessary. Attendance can be accomplished at home saving on fuel and other vehicle maintenance. Deloris Reed, a student attending UOP, says, “I don’t have to get transportation and I don’t have to deal with gas problems and public parking.” (Personal communication with Deloris Reed on August 29, 2008) Time that is saved by not commuting allows extra time for study and quality family time. Without the need for travel, location of a student’s residence is not an issue. As long as internet is accessible, attending class is achievable.

A computer with internet access is absolutely necessary to participate in online courses which may seem like an expensive requirement. However, if a student is to succeed at a campus college, than a computer is just as necessary. Therefore, it is a detail that is important in all forms of education today.

Another issue of concern is computer illiteracy. Many fear the vastness of computers and look at it like it is too difficult to understand. Once again the table can be turned. Campus colleges are at some point going to require computer knowledge or courses for training in this area. For those who fear the computer, it is something that will have to be overcome in the future because today’s world demands the use of computers. Almost all jobs require some form of computer skills. These skills are being taught at an early age and all through grade school. Regardless of computer skills or the lack there of, a student must be self motivated to succeed in online colleges as well as campus colleges.

Isolation is also something that should be taken into account, assuming that the lack of face-to-face interaction might hinder a student. Though there are probably quite a few students who prefer the solitude. However, it is not as isolating as one might think. When asked if she felt isolated, Carolyn Moore replied, “No, I enjoy it.” (personal communication with Carolyn Moore on August 26, 2008) At the University of Phoenix online campus participation in classroom discussions is counted as a grade. According to Patt Bromberger, “The gradual development of online relationships, though, helps build their confidence and contributes to the successful completion of their course work.” Interacting is much easier when there is no pressure of being embarrassed. Sadly though, the lack of face-to-face interaction makes it easier for students to justify the urge to dropout.

There is a higher dropout rate of students who attend online college. (Hellman, J. 2005) It is safe to assume however that if a student cannot commit to online college, the chances are he or she cannot commit to a campus college either. This is where self motivation comes in again. It takes determination to achieve a higher degree of education, regardless of whether it be obtained online or at a campus college. Without this determination one would surely fail.

Every student works at a different pace, be it slow or fast. Online instructors at the University of Phoenix provide all assignment directions and materials at the beginning of each course. This helps the student manage enough time for each assignment. Spending adequate time on each assignment will ensure quality in the work turned in. Working at one’s own pace is one of the many benefits of attending online courses. The University of Phoenix is a popular source for online college courses.

In 2005, the enrollment of students at the University of Phoenix Online Campus more than doubled other Universities. (IES. National Center for Education Statistics) (see figure 1.1) According to Li, C. and Irby, B., “The explosion of technology has also made teaching outside the traditional classroom possible for teachers and has also provided learners with easy access to course materials.” Over the last 10 years online education has grown tremendously. (Li, C. and Irby, B. 2005)

In the April of 2005, Chi-Sung Li and Beverly Irby conducted a survey with 15 students and two faculty members who had hands-on experience, to better understand online courses. In doing so, they learned that “many colleges and universities in the U.S. are now providing distance education to students all over the world.” Instructors have the option of communicating with individual students or groups of students. Students can submit their homework as attached files or via email messages otherwise known as threading. Instructors then return graded homework via email or threading. Instructors provide assignments by posting them in the main classroom, so there is no excuse for not turning in homework. Instructors teaching from home are also saving on travel time and hours spent photocopying class handouts. Distance learning serves students from all backgrounds and ages.

Online colleges provide extensive library materials for research. With these libraries, librarian assistance is provided. To learn to how use the library the University of Phoenix provides a tutorial to walk students through each step. The library materials include full-text electronic periodicals, millions of volumes, many databases, and electronic reserves. The databases contain index journals, or newspapers, or full-text articles. (Wyss, Paul. 2008) What cannot be found in the library provided, can always be looked up online being that the student will have already been logged on to the internet.

In their study they came across research done by Karber, D. J. According to Karber (2003) there are four reasons in which he listed as to why online programs were so appealing. The first is because people are busy with life in general, families and work, and they benefit from the flexibility of online colleges. Second, students who live in crowded cities do not have to travel back and forth to their college campuses. Third, is the option to choose different universities because distance is no longer an issue. Lastly, interaction all around the globe can broaden a student’s perspective of various topics. As much as online college appeals to the students, it also appeals to school leaders and administrators.

In one Texas University, when given the choice to attend an online program for superintendent’s certificate, 90 educators signed up for the first class. (Reeves and Brown, 2002) Judith Hellman says, “The idea that teaching and learning can successfully take place through electronic communication between teachers and students widely separated by space and time is a concept that has inspired both hope and dismay, excitement and fear.” Distance learning has proven to be appealing to both teachers and students.

When interviewed, three out of four students who are presently attending online courses at the University of Phoenix said that they were finding the experience satisfying. Messina Cox is a 32 year-old woman who has in the past attended a campus college and now lives 30 minutes from the nearest one. She is now in her second block at the UOP. Messina chose distance learning over a campus college because she is busy with her family and work schedule. When asked if she felt isolated she said, “I feel a little isolated because you cannot see the person face to face, but I still feel an interaction with all of the students and teachers.” When asked if money was being saved she said, “I would say I am saving quite a bit of money at the present time by attending distance learning.” Messina was the only student out of the four interviewed to say that the online courses were easier than campus college courses. Three out of the four said that distance learning did not take up too much time but fit nicely into their schedule. Lastly, when asked if the students believed that they would complete their courses and obtain the degree they desired, three out of four said yes. Below is a chart showing the results of the interviewed students. (personal communication with Messina Cox on August 27, 2008) (See figure 1.B)

While distance learning is probably not right for everyone, it is at least an option that is striking the interest of many. For some this could be the solution to many problems and obstacles standing in the way of furthered education. The writer of this passage has attended and is currently attending online college courses, through the University of Phoenix, of course. Who better to describe the benefits of distance learning than one who has personal experience? Distance learning could be the best, and possibly the last, chance one has at obtaining a college degree.



Written by: Singing Butterfly




Reference List

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