Benefits and Drawbacks of Distance Learning

Among those who have accompanied on-campus and online courses, 85% said online learning is as good as or better than on-campus courses.

Fremont, CA: Online education has a baby history compared to traditional-on on-campus education, but one thing is sure. It's here to stay and will remain to grow.

A survey on online education conducted by Learning House and Aslanian Market Research confirms the hype about the online degree is very real – at least in the USA. Based on the study, 86% of online learners considered the value of their degree equal to or greater than the cost they paid to pursue it.

Furthermore, among those who have accompanied on-campus and online courses, 85% said online learning is as good as or better than on-campus courses.

2/3 of online college students reported that they'd achieved the original target that motivated them to enroll in their program. Graduate students were more probably than undergraduates to feel that way.

The five main Benefits of taking an online degree:

1. Online courses are very flexible.

As distance learning programs don't require you to be physically present in a classroom or follow a predefined timetable, you are free to set your schedule. Distance education allows you to complete your coursework from anywhere, at any time, and at your own pace.

2. You can learn and earn

Numerous students taking online classes are full-time professionals looking to advance in their careers.

Even if you're not presently working full-time, distance learning courses offer a flexible schedule that allows you to learn, work simultaneously, and pay your way through college.

3. Forget about geographical boundaries!

Since you can complete a distance-learning course anywhere, you are not bound by geography. You can select any school that provides the program you require, no matter where it's located anywhere in the country or internationally. Also, if you ever relocate, you don't have to fear transferring to another school.

4. Get educated even with a limited budget

Online education supports you save on fuel, parking, books, child care, and more.

And as so many of these programs are self-paced, they can allow you to graduate in less time than a traditional program. Shorter time spent in college equals lower educational costs. Also, many online degrees have lower tuition fees.

5. Online courses help you turn into tech-savvy.

Distance-learning programs make use of sophisticated technology to offer education. By accessing study material electronically, presenting assignments via websites, and participating in online forums to interact with professors and classmates daily, you can become more technologically savvy than your classroom counterparts.

The five drawbacks of taking an online degree:

1. Questioning quality

In spite of its popularity and growth, some people may question the quality and validity of distance education. The biggest cause for this prejudice against distance learning is the presence of online "diploma mills" that hand out fake degrees.

The sole way to beat this bias is to ensure you earn your online degree from a properly accredited institution. Also, surveyed online students tend to argue that some courses are too basic, not practical, or applicable.

2. Not enough student accountability

The temptation to procrastinate can be immense in online education, as you are on a self-imposed schedule. Therefore, you must stay focused, disciplined, and motivated to finish a distance learning program.

3. Being overwhelmed by the material

Distance learning is mainly self-directed. However, this may not function very well for you if you require more attention from your professors, especially for the more complex parts of the coursework.

Self-directed learning can make you a free learner, but it's not for everyone. Online degrees deliver the crucial knowledge and tools to form a precise skill set for your career development.

4. Lack of individual attention and feedback

Numerous students consider the lack of interaction with students and professors the biggest disadvantage of distance learning. Online classes can make you feel isolated.

Nonetheless, many professionals are enrolling in online degrees from their workplaces and joining their workmates in online classes. Also, many blended courses combine distance learning with classroom teaching, giving you that classroom vibe from time to time.

5. Missing out on on-campus life?

By taking classes online, you might think you miss out on the activities associated with campus life. From cultural activity to inter-college games, from prom nights to graduation. But you can see it as a small price for getting the quality education that may have otherwise been beyond your reach.