Methods of Distance Learning - Essay Example

Lecturer’s Distance Learning Introduction Any system of learning where the behaviours of teaching is set apart from the behaviours that are involved in learning is known as distance learning. Distance learning can be considered as being effective but sometimes can also have some effects, which are negative to the student undertaking the study. This is mainly because the student cannot have a close contact with the tutor, and this has been a problem to other students who cannot work without being supervised. Distance learning has been considered to be more expensive than the normal learning lessons. This is considered a significant problem to the people who have chosen to use this mode of studying, so as to meet the requirements of their courses and the relevant units in their field of study. In addition to this, the students may lack proper guidance because they are not near the learning institutions. Although there are some cases where the issue of implementing distance learning can affect the individuals’ concentration, the use of distance learning with a combination of technology has been effective and should be considered for use so that people can be able to study and do other types of tasks at the same time developing the nation. Relative to many studies that have been carried out, the traditional way of studying was done by ensuring all students were in the institution, and all the activities were carried out in an environment where there was a protocol to be followed. This meant that all the lessons were to be attended, and all the concentration was to be in the classroom environment (Chickering and Gamson 5). The implementation of the traditional way of learning, however, affected the way of operation of other students as they felt uncomfortable working under strict rules and regulations in their studies. This meant that they had to look for other ways, which could enable them to operate under some free environment, and this affected their relationship with the instructors. The issue of having to implement the distance learning to students have also been analysed from those who have been using the method before and different individuals had different reasons as to why the idea was either effective or not, to their studies. Relative to those who had experienced working with distance learning, they had to complain about the congestion that was being experienced in rooms, that were used for chatting as they studied. This meant that, the work they were being given had to delivered to them after the time required and students also had to give in the work after the time that they were expected to submit. This influenced the way that the students and the instructors operated (Mantyla and Richard 12). The traditional way of studying, however, is being replaced with the introduction of technology in the world today. This has led to people having to learn from their own comforts, and finally being awarded a certificate in the long run after they are through with their course work and examinations. Benefits of Distance Learning Distance learning has been immensely beneficial to the environment as it influences the operations being carried out by the people, as well as the organizational aim to improve the economy of the nation. This is mainly because, individuals can be able to work as they study and finally have all the requirements of the society met within a specified range of time (Chickering and Ehrmann 7). The time that is needed for several years of study can be reduced by ensuring that an individual embraces the use of distance learning. This is mainly because, the individual will have time to work as they study at the same time. This ensures that as the individual works they also get some income to help them improve their living standards and work according to the requirements of their families and society. Distance learning helps those individuals who are not able to be found at the place of study because of various reasons that they can hardly avoid. This has mainly been found to influencing the people who already have a place to work from, and need to do some other courses to improve their skills and knowledge on the various fields that they are working in the diverse organizations (Green 2). Expences that can be incurred when an individual has to be enclosed to the learning environment is considerably reduced with the implementation of distance learning in the society. This is mainly because some people who use the distance learning method may prefer to have done their studies from their respective homes, reducing the expences of travelling, accommodation and tuition among others. This helps people to save money that they could have used, and be able to cover up some other expences that are more basic in their lives. Possible Compromise Individuals undertaking studies experiences some ineffectiveness when they do not have a close and physical contact with the instructors of the various courses they are undertaking. Some students also find it to be effective having time to interact with the others so as to learn more from what their colleagues have learnt in class. Having interaction with the other colleagues creates an environment where students can be able to hold discussion groups and brain storm each other on the different disciplines, which they are undertaking, and the relevant ways to handle the problems that seem difficult for them to handle on their own. Undertaking distance learning can sometimes require that the individual is well informed on the use of technology and the mediums of communication. This can be a challenge to several individuals who have no idea of what to use and what method of communication to implement (Moore and Greg 55). Conclusion There has been some cases where students had to complain about some issues, which affected their study life as they used in a new method of distance learning. This, however, is not a significant problem as more improved software can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the mediums that are used to transmit the signals so that they can be delivered on time and communication is not delayed. The implementation of distance learning has also proved to be more effective, since there can be enough time to study and work at the same time without having to be at the place of learning physically. This is made possible with the introduction of new technology, which has to be embraced in the society for effectiveness of the work that needs to be done in several places at a given time. Works Cited Chickering, Arthur. W. and Gamson, Zelda. F. “Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education”.AAHE Bulletin. 1987. Web. 18 October 2012 Chickering, Arthur. W., and Ehrmann, Stephen.C. “Implementing the Seven Principles: Technology as a Lever”. American Association for Higher Education. 1997. Web. 18 October 2012 Mantyla, Karen and Richard Gividen. Distance Learning: A Step-by-Step Guide for Trainers. Alexandria: ASTD Press; 1 edition. 1997. Print Moore, Michael G and Greg Kearsley. Distance Education. A systems view of Online Learning. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print. Green, Kenneth. C. “eCommerce comes slowly to the campus”. The Campus Computing Project. 2001. Web. 18 October 2012 Read More