The Effects of Online Learning

On-line learning, or as some prefer, distance learning, has become a major trend in our academic world. For some individuals the benefits far outweigh the negative aspects. For others, the traditional classroom is a more desirable approach to education.

Educational Responsibility

One positive aspect of on-line education is that it essentially forces students to become more educationally responsible. Students are required to attend virtual classes, provide documentation of work and complete formal assessments without a teacher providing direct supervision.

Technical Abilities

Students who are taking on-line courses need to become fairly adept at navigating their way through a variety of electronic media. Students become more technologically advanced due to their on-line courses.

Higher Levels of Education

Another positive effect of on-line learning is the increased desire that individuals experience to further their educations due to the availability of distance learning courses. Individuals have more avenues to pursue their chosen careers than ever before due to on-line education.

Learning Time

Individuals are able to enter their virtual classrooms at any chosen time, thus helping students by allowing them to attend classes when their learning potential is the greatest. Students will inevitably learn more when they are able to truly focus their attention on the materials at hand instead of at a pre-scheduled time.

Negative Aspects

One negative aspect of on-line learning is the lack of teacher-student interaction in a face to face environment. The role of teacher as facilitator is removed and thus the availability of an expert for students when help is needed is not always possible.

References

• Distance education at a glance