Distance Education (online education) - Essay Example

However, it is to be born in mind that many of the distance learning systems also follow the semester system or quarter terms in terms of their academic schedule and the learners are asked to submit assignments and projects via Web or e-mail. Most of the online courses are either instructor-led or instructor-facilitated courses. Similarly, the online education system offers opportunity for the learners to receive timely instructions, clarifications and guidance from the instructors via internet.

In the same way, the distance education emphasise that education is a continuous life long process and even learners who are unable to attend regular schooling or on-campus programs can achieve various degrees at the Associate, Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate levels. This paper seeks to explore the various aspects of distance education and in doing so the paper also deals with the major advantages and disadvantages of distance education (online education). The success or failure of distance education depends on various components.

As Helm & Helm point out, “the electronic mail (e-mail), scheduled internet relay chat, and the World Wide Web are considered internet based components to online distance learning courses” (Helm & Helm 2) and therefore it is imperative that aspirants who wish to join online courses should have the necessary infrastructure for the same. Similarly, knowledge of the technology and essential computer skills are the two necessary prerequisites for online education and as Johnson and Manning point out, online education benefits the learner the most as one can plan one’s own schedule, save time and money, can complete many courses sooner than the regular stream, and can get rid of all sorts of pettiness and bias that prevail in traditional classes (Johnson, & Manning 12).

Convenience and flexibility are the two factors that attract many learners towards distance or online