Online and Distance Education

Nowadays, people all over the world are provided with a variety of on-line courses developed by various educational institutions. I used to think that there is no better way of getting a high-quality education than face-to-face learning. However, perceptions change, and now I am well-aware that distance learning can be equally effective if organized and planned carefully.

In distance learning both the learners and educators are presented with new opportunities as well as new challenges.

http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/learning.html

Firstly,one of the important features about distance learning as compared to face-to-face learning is that it requires greater autonomy form the learner. This implies that learner independence plays a  central part in this type of education. In order to have the maximum benefit from an online course the learner should be able to adapt to the new learning environment. For this the learner should process strong management and organizational skills. The learner is more isolated from study context and, therefore, does not always have an opportunity of receiving an immediate feedback from the teacher (White, 2003).

http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/learning.html

Currently, one of my friends is taking an online management course and I asked her about the challenges and the positive sides of the course. What she really finds exciting about the course is that after having done the assigned readings on a particular topic she discusses it with her professor via skype. Besides, this is a good way for her to combine her work with her studies. One of the challenges, though, is that there is no group work and everything should be done by herself. Another limitation is the time difference between the countries.

http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/learning.html

Another thing worth mentioning about distance education is that teachers here assign a different role. Here tutors have the role of a facilitator. They should help the learner's learn independently. Besides, while designing an online course the educators should take into account different learning styles and implement a variety of technologies such as skype, blogging, moodle, telephone conferences (White, 2004).

According to Hill (2012), at present some educational institutions are closely cooperating with other external organizations to get help with online content, curriculum and instructor/learner services.

Thus, distance education contributes to lifelong learning. Nowadays you can take as many coerces as you wish. In fact, you can become educated in many fields. I thing, in the future I will take some online coerces other than my chosen field of study.