Distance Learning Pitfalls

Distance learning centers have realized the need for students to design their own curriculum and schedule while holding down a full time job. The on-line learning programs offered include many of the same degrees available from brick and mortar schools. Although at first glance, the on-line learning schools seem to be the answer for adult continuing education, there are downfalls. The problems with on-line learning centers, at times, outweigh the benefits.

History of Distance Learning

Distance learning centers have offered programs for medical billing, veterinary technicians and dental assistants for years. These programs, once offered as mail order classes, have become available through the computer and Internet access. Students drawn to this type of learning environment work at their own pace to accomplish a curriculum developed by the individual schools offering the courses.

Standards developed when the learning courses moved to the Internet. On-line courses were available from many different organizations. This created a need to create a uniform curriculum and degree. As a result, standardization allows students to earn the same type of degree, regardless of the school. Similarly, while mail order classes allowed months for students to complete their work load, on-line learning centers have deadlines. Students who do not finish the required assignments might be dropped from the class. Since for most institutions, tuition is non-refundable, this becomes expensive.

Features of On-line Learning

The student using the on-line learning programs often finds the flexibility to "attend class" at any hour ideal for their schedule. Interaction with their peers and professors takes place on a message board or forum. Although there is no face-to-face contact with the other members of the class, bonds do form. However, these same bonds can easily be broken by a misinterpreted message or comment on these same message boards.

Class projects, typical in brick and mortar schools, do not exist the same way in on-line learning programs. Students must make other arrangements to "meet" either by email or phone. In some cases, the students may not even be in the same country, so telephone calls get expensive and calendars difficult to match. The projects suffer due to the lack of communication by the student members of the team. The alternative are courses designed for individual completion, which means that students learning on-line may not get the same teamwork experience as students at traditional colleges.

Read the Fine Print

Standard learning centers, like state universities, require accreditation for the school to accept federal funding for tuition. The Pell grant or Stafford loan covers much of the tuition for most community colleges and technical schools. While many on-line learning centers are accredited, the tuition could be much higher. Students enrolled in distance learning classes need out of pocket money to pay for the course.

The credits issued by the on-line learning institution are not always viewed in a positive light. Students wanting to transfer often find the new college does not accept credit hours or semesters from many of the distance learning schools. The student has no choice but to re-take the course to receive the credit. Not only does this waste the student's time but also tuition because of paying twice for the same college course.

While on-line learning programs have become more popular than in the past, employers often view the on-line degree as less than exemplary. Students ready for the workforce after receiving an on-line learning degree often face stiff competition from others with a degree from a brick and mortar school.

Personal Interfacing

Colleges and universities teach critical thinking skills in the classroom. The same is true for distance learning centers. The difference is the interaction of the student with the professor. Although the brick and mortar schools demand a certain respect for their faculty, there is still the opportunity for debate in the classroom amongst teachers and students. These civil, though sometimes heated, arguments become a learning tool for both student and teacher. Through discussion, the lesson becomes more clear to the student and the teacher gains insight into the student's psyche.

This interaction is lacking in the on-line learning programs. Shy students or those lacking motivation are allowed to sit quietly on the sidelines. In the standard classroom, the professor has the ability to call upon the quiet student and have them open up. Although possible to do in the on-line learning environment, it is difficult to gain the same perspective and therefore experience the same learning.

Needed Skills

The on-line learning programs allow non-traditional students to go back to school to finish a degree or earn a new one. Through time management and proper discipline, the student has the ability to accomplish a great deal through distance learning. The student familiar with browsers, word processing and a thorough understanding of emails has a leg up on those without computer skills. While the brick and mortar schools offer computer and Internet access, those students wanting to attend a distance learning facility must have access to a computer. Some students view this requirement as an added expense to earning a degree on-line. The decision between purchasing a personal computer or paying the bills leaves some students left out in the cold.

The distance learning centers focus on clear and precise communication to accomplish their goals. Students able to write clearly and work independent of another person can flourish in this type of environment. Those lacking motivation, or struggle with basic sentence structure must overcome many obstacles before reaching their full potential with an on-line learning program.

Traditional schools offer special instructions for those with learning disabilities. Not many on-line learning programs have the same tools in place. Students who would learn and succeed in a conventional school, often find themselves left behind with on-line learning.