In recent years, increasing popularityacquires distance learning. Feedback from students who can be found on the websites of various universities and private courses that provide such services are mostly positive.
Why do people choose distance learning?
В первую очередь это связано с тем, что Most prestigious educational institutions are located in central areas and large cities. Those who live far from them, often do not have the opportunity to get a decent education. Especially considering the factor that living and studying in another city is a pleasure, to put it mildly, not cheap.
The second important reason is the lackfree time. Many are forced to combine study with work, business and other occupations. And even the existence of correspondence and evening forms of education this problem is not always solved.
And finally, to enroll in a traditional university,need to spend a lot of money. Tutoring, preparation for admission, a lot of other expenses ... Not everyone can afford it. And the cost of training in the paid department inexorably increases every year.
Types of distance learning
There are several techniques according to which distance learning takes place. Student feedback can help us get an idea of the main three.
1. Case technology.This format of distance learning appeared first of all (back in the 70s of the twentieth century). And although case technology is giving way to more modern means, it still exists. Its essence lies in the use of paper media: teaching aids (workbooks). Students study under the supervision of a tutor who communicates with them by phone or mail. As a rule, it is possible to meet with the tutor in person at specialized training centers or counseling centers.
2A satellite television system provides more productive and faster distance learning. Reviews about it, however, are very rare, since at the moment this technology is considered expensive and not very often used. The downside is, perhaps, only limited interactivity (that is, feedback when students can contact the teacher).
3. Internet-based training is the most common and affordable distance learning technology.
Often, distance learning combines the elements of all three of these technologies in different proportions.
Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning
The number of people who are desperately increases.to receive, using distance learning, higher education. Reviews of this technology only reinforce the interest. However, before you make a decision, you should carefully analyze all the advantages and disadvantages of this format for obtaining new knowledge.
| Benefits | disadvantages |
Training takes place at an individual pace, depending on how quickly the student learns new material, what opportunities and desires he has. | Homeschooling lacks a listindividual psychological conditions. Therefore, in order to successfully get an education, a student needs to be conscious, independent and aware of the importance of the discipline. |
| Anyone can learn, regardless of where in the world he is. | There is another negative point that carriesin a distance learning at the university. Reviews, as we have said, are mostly positive, but often students are worried about the lack of a practical component of classes, which should reinforce the theoretical knowledge gained. |
Obtaining new knowledge occurs in a free mode: the student has the opportunity to independently choose the courses of interest to him and devote as much time to his studies as he sees fit. | Electronic courses and specialized training programs do not always meet international standards and work 100% correctly, which can cause some difficulties. |
| The latest innovations of telecommunication and information technologies are used in the learning process. | There is no constant control over the students, which is also a disadvantage to some extent - very few people manage to overcome laziness on their own. |
| High speed feedback, the ability to quickly contact the teacher at almost any time. | Training takes place only in writing.For some students, in turn, the lack of the opportunity to present the learned material orally can cause serious problems with the consolidation of knowledge and not only. |
Greater freedom of creative expression. | Between teachers and students missingelement of live communication. Nearby there is no teacher who could give knowledge an emotional coloring, which is not very good for learning the material. |
| Anyone can get an education remotely, regardless of their place of residence, nationality, material well-being and state of health. |
Conclusion
Looking at this table, you can make surehow ambiguous is distance learning. Feedback from students who have already encountered him personally will help you make the right decision, weigh the pros and cons. We should not forget that if you have firmly made the decision to study remotely, then you need to treat this matter with full responsibility and not abuse the freedom provided. Only in this way you will achieve the desired result.
