CheckPoint: Distance Learning I & II - LUCY

Distance Learning

Some people have difficulty going to school , especially those who have physical disabilities . The travel from one place to another can be very difficult and tiring for them , but they are aware that learning is a significant process they have to undertake . They view education as equally as important but their disabilities became a hindrance

The problem was resolved through the emergence of distance learning , a program that simulates learning process but does not require physical presence . The instructor and learner do not have to be on the same

place , like in a classroom , to facilitate the learning experience (Mantyla Gividen , 1997

I saw this advantage when I joined the program . Distance learning , or education through mediated communication , is a good way to learn new things . It is a process that removes the hassles of a face-to-face method . Although studies show that the conventional method of learning (i .e , face-to-face ) is more effective as a learning strategy , I saw the advantages of the distance learning and its numerous benefits for all ages . One of these advantages is its ability to break down barriers and limitations , which is the main reason why I chose distance learning . The time of the distance learning program can be agreeable to my busy work and home life . The program adjusts to my needs , and I am in control of my learning process

I found out that learning does not only take place inside the classroom where it is facilitated by mentors . Learning can also take place even if the students and teachers do not gather in the same place . I also realized that the educational system gradually adheres to the changing needs of some people . For instance , as not all people are able to attend time-constricted classes in schools and universities , educators and recognized the need to establish distance learning programs

However , mediated communication also has its drawbacks . For example there are discrepancies in how individuals interpret messages conveyed through face-to-face method and via mediated communication . To illustrate , I had this experience when I gave a comment on a friend 's blog that was supposed to be funny . I was surprised that he took the comment seriously , and for him , it was offensive . When we had the chance to talk , I explained that I did not write that comment as a snide remark . I was just playing around , so it was not my intention to offend him . Thus , the non-verbal messages in my comment were eliminated , making the messages insincere . Non-verbal messages convey underlying messages which may reinforce or disagree with the verbal messages

Thus , the example above poses a big problem for distance learning since most messages are conveyed through mediated communication . The instructor and learner exchange views and thoughts through the media used in distance learning , such as the computer and the Internet Instructors just send the materials to the learner and discussions are in the form of a chat room . The disadvantages of these aspects of distance learning are sometimes...