Distance Learning

Distance Learning

In recent years, there has been a trend in the way that many major institutions of higher learning have been teaching their students. This change of pace in the education world is what is known as distance learning. Distance learning is the form of schooling that can be done over the Internet, and never actually being forced to be present in a classroom or even on the campus. According to Joel Snell, correspondence courses were the predecessors to what we now know as distance learning (258). Many people say that distance education is the future of our nations’ education, however there are many arguments against the wide spread establishment of distance learning programs. Although distance learning may seem like a bright future for education, nevertheless, it will never be as successful as campus learning, because every student must be self-driven and also highly motivated, the lack of access to libraries and other sources of information, and also face-to-face interaction is necessary for a good education. Many people think that distance learning is a perfect fit for men and women working on their master’s while still maintaining a job.

When a person enters the real world and gets a job, they will not always have a lot of time on their hands that would allow them to go to classes. The ability to take their classes at anytime possible is one of the most appealing factors for distance learners (Flanagan). Another reason as to why distance learning is a perfect match for men and women taking classes while working is the motivation factor. Both Snell and Mariani agree that in order for a person to succeed in distance education, they must be highly motivated, which does not describe the ...

... middle of paper ...

...he newest equipment today will just give you out-dated equipment a few months after the initial implementation (Porter 41-42). Based entirely upon the facts that are presented in so many academic sources, distance education programs are hard to implement as well as to maintain, so that it why that many fail, and they are not widely accepted in today’s day.

Works Cited

Flanagan, Robert. Personal Interview. 27 Oct. 2001.

Mariani, Matthew. “Distance Learning in Post-Secondary Education: Learning Whenever, Wherever.” Occupational Outlook. 45. 2 (2001): 2-10.

Minoli, Daniel. Distance Learning Technology and Applications. Boston: Artech House,

1996.

Porter, Lynette. Creating the Virtual Classroom: Distance Learning with the Internet.

New York: Wiley, 1997.

Snell, Joel. “Distance Learning: Observations.” College Student Journal. 35. 2 (2001): 258- 259.