By investing in distance learning technology and resource sharing platforms like Learning Management System, we’ve been able to build on our nationwide network to make quality educational opportunities available anytime, anywhere. Courseware are sent to students, classroom/lecturer halls or online workshop, online assignments, online assessments and moderation and most importantly, online / telephonic and on campus support.
Advantages of Distance learning
- Flexibility: Flexibility is not to be confused with freedom and liberty. At the beginning of a course, the learner will be given deadlines for the various modules and assignments. You can study around other commitments like work or family time, giving you freedom to create a work-study balance.
- Comfort: A conducive and peaceful learning environment brings out the best in any learner, and distance learning is more likely to help establish this. For those who find a busy classroom or lecture hall overwhelming, studying at home can provide a much more productive environment.
- Instant Support & Updates: With distance learning, tutors are able to quickly create and communicate updates to courses just as easily as students are able to receive and respond to such changes and messages. The support is nearly always available at the click of a mouse. Courses can be delivered to thousands of students at a time.
- Cost of Distance Learning: Expectedly, the cost of implementing distance learning courses is much lower than that of traditional classrooms and the physical presence of staff at lectures are basic requirements. With this said, learners can be assured that more of the money they do spend is being invested on actually improving/researching courses, rather than on imposed overheads.
- Distance Learning is Eco-friendly: It is proven that distance learning provides an alternative to paper-based learning and students don’t have to travel to and from lectures, meaning the pollution is reduced substantially. Electricity is also saved on lighting and heating large lecture halls and electronic equipment that might be used in classroom settings.
Disadvantages of Distance learning
- You Need to be Disciplined: With autonomy comes greater responsibility. Distance learners can’t afford to take their eye off the ball even for just a couple of days, since there is nobody around to remind them of deadlines or incredibly important announcements. It is imperative that emails are checked and study timetables are stuck to, no matter what.
- Isolation and Lack of Community: While studying at home surely create a more conducive learning environment, learners are to tackle the course without the in person support and camaraderie of fellow peers, and this could lead to frustration or demotivation. Furthermore, distance learning centres are often few and far between so face-to-face encounters are very rare.
- Hands-off Learning Approach: Distance learning doesn’t cater for all learning styles; so, some people may find it an unpleasant experience. Anyone suited to practical, hands-on learning, for example, will have to adapt to the new approach and might find they get easily bored and frustrated.
- Logistical Issues: For distance learners, receiving the courseware on time and in good condition is the greatest challenge. Submitting assignments and assessments is another predicament that learners and training institutions need to navigate through. The safety of the couriered courseware and assignments has been a challenge, and more resources might be needed in order to secure registered service providers.
- Diminished Social Life: Unfortunately, as a learner, your social life will be affected by your studies, and you must have the discipline to both accept and endure this. However, there is a reward for all those nights spent sitting in studying, researching or re-editing assignments.