The great improvement in technology and the increasing demand for innovative ways of delivering education has created changes in teaching and learning methods. With technology now available everywhere, many universities and colleges are now offering qualifications through distance learning. Both the learners and instructors do not have to be present in class physically, but they can still interact and make learning to occur through the internet. The new learning and teaching skills have changed the way and convenience through which people acquire qualifications. While it has come with more convenience within the education system, it has also presented some drawbacks. It is undoubtedly true that this development has both benefits and disadvantages. However, the major controversy arises on whether the benefits of distance learning outweigh the cons. Despite the controversies, distance learning offers greater flexibility, more convenience and more cost-saving, which makes the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
Distance learning offers greater flexibility, which makes it more beneficial compared to the drawbacks. Distance learning programs provide the students with an opportunity to pursue and complete their courses from any place using the internet ( Sadeghi, 2019 ). According to Sadeghi (2019), a large number of people who enroll in online classes are usually persons working. With such an arrangement, the program allows the learners to study and get their qualifications without affecting their work schedule. It offers learners the opportunity to meet their learning needs in their own free time. The learning can take place at the weekends or at night, according to the learner’s convenience. In most cases, people undertaking distance learning courses learn in the evening and weekends. It is beneficial to them because they may not have time to attend the physical classes during the day, they still have the opportunity to meet their learning needs, though at their convenient times. Based on this, distance learning is more beneficial in terms of flexibility compared to its drawbacks.
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Distance learning offers more convenience and cost-saving, which makes it more beneficial compared to the drawbacks. According to Avella et al. (2016), online-based education is usually cheaper compared to physical class learning education. Online classes cut many costs associated with brick-and-mortar institutions. For example, distance learning eliminates the costs of rent and commuting. With more cost-saving, the students can get their qualifications more quickly than physical classes. Other than the costs, the learners can pursue their course at the convenience of their homes. All that a learner needs is self-discipline and motivation to have maximum learning at home at more convenience and less cost. Online education comes with a combination of eLearning, tutorials and video conferencing, which improves the satisfaction of learning for the students. With more convenience and fewer costs, distance learning offers more benefits than drawbacks.
The critics of distance learning view it as an ineffective method that could not result in the best students' outcome. Learning best takes place when there is a social interaction between the learners and the instructors in a physical setting ( Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2015 ). Distance learning occurs without physical, social interaction and comes with increased chances of distractions, especially at home. While it is true that disturbances can arise when learning at home, all students need is self-discipline and motivation to enhance learning outcomes. It is a drawback that can, therefore, be overcome by the learner. Thus, this becomes a much easier drawback to overcome to ensure maximum outcome learning outcomes.
In conclusion, the development of distance learning has made many changes to the learning and teaching methods. Many people can acquire their qualifications through more convenience and lower costs due to new technology. Distance learning is more beneficial than its weaknesses as it offers greater flexibility, more convenience and affordability. Even though it has some disadvantages, learners can always overcome these to enhance the learning outcome.
References
Arkorful, V., & Abaidoo, N. (2015). The role of e-learning, advantages and disadvantages of its adoption in higher education. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning , 12 (1), 29-42.
Avella, J. T., Kebritchi, M., Nunn, S. G., & Kanai, T. (2016). Learning analytics methods, benefits, and challenges in higher education: A systematic literature review. Online Learning , 20 (2), 13-29.
Sadeghi, M. (2019). A shift from classroom to distance learning: Advantages and limitations. International Journal of Research in English Education , 4 (1), 80-88.
