Is distance learning as good as classroom learning - Essay Example

6 December room learning vs distance learning With the evolution of technology, new ways of education and learning have been explored, one of which is distance learning. Distance learning, as the name indicates, is the learning in which the teacher and the student are physically distant unlike the classroom learning in which both the teacher and the student are in the same classroom. The shift from the traditional classroom learning to the distance learning has occurred entirely on the basis of technology, specifically computer and internet.

This paper compares classroom learning with distance learning. It is fundamentally the environment of education that makes the classroom learning different from the distance learning. In the classroom, learning takes place in an enclosed environment, wherein the teacher is in more control than the student. In the classroom, the teacher guides the students from activity to activity. The teacher keeps a close eye on every student along the way. Minimized interaction between the teacher and the student in the distance learning has negative implications on the quality of education.

“As with new teaching methods, online learning has faced much criticism from many sources as they claim it has devalued post secondary education and will reduce the effectiveness of obtaining quality career positions by obtaining higher education” (“Online Vs Classroom”). Education is not entirely about acquiring the certificate or the degree. Educational system in the schools is designed in such a way that not only grows a child academically, but also nurtures him/her morally, socially, psychologically and physically.

In the schools, children get to meet a lot of children of their age. They interact and make friends with them. The friendships started in the early childhood are often ever-lasting. As they grow up, they help one another not only in education, but also refer one another to their bosses and other employers. Friends made in the school happen to be the most common source of news about employment opportunity. In addition to the increased social interaction, schools provide students with the opportunities to participate in sports.

Schools arrange matches with other schools. Often, it is the very event when a child finds a potential player in himself/herself, and carries on the practice to become an international level player. Furthermore, schools motivate the students to take part in all sorts of competitions. Students compete with one another to excel in the studies, sports as well as the extra-curricular activities. A student is deprived of all of these benefits in the distance learning. Distance learning suits the people who need to work along with their studies.

The flexibility, accessibility and the convenience provided by the distance learning (“Comparing Distance Learning”) enables them to adjust the studies according to their work. However, just to gain something, they have to compromise upon many things, including the social interaction, physical activities and the competition to excel. “Distance learning students may not have exposure to the cultural richness of [the school city]” (“Online or Distance”). Concluding, distance learning is just learning whereas the frequent opportunities of participating in sports and extra-curricular activities make the classroom learning much more than just learning.

Distance learning promotes isolation whereas classroom learning promotes social networking and integration. The more distant the teacher and the student are, the lesser the control and supervision of the teacher over the student becomes. This may affect the quality of education. Hence, distance learning is not as good as classroom learning. Works Cited:“Comparing Distance Learning vs. Traditional Learning.” 2010. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. .“Online or Distance Learning versus Classroom Learning.” 2011. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. .“Online Vs Classroom Education.” N.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. .