Distance Learning

Distance Learning

Technological advances have made a big impact on society today Communication has been easier for families and even professionals with the use of mobile telephones , the Internet , and computers . It has even made its impact on the field of education through distance learning Distance education involves a student body who never see each other or the instructor , who communicate via e-mail , phone , or chat , and who hand in assignments via e-mail or via posting to a common work group area (Howard , Schenk Discenza , 2003 ,

.178

Distance learning has many

advantages including lower costs (Alden 1998 ,

.3 , schedule flexibility , and bridging distances . Tuition fees for the online courses might be the same with those of the universities however , distance education can greatly lower students ' educational expenses because they do not have to spend money to travel or rent apartments just to be able to go to school . Students are also given the chance to study at their own pace and their time through distance learning . This is helpful for those who are involved in other activities aside from studying . Distance education can also bridge gaps because people only need a computer and an Internet connection to be able to connect with other students and their professors . It does not matter where they are as long as they have Internet capabilities . This is the most important feature because then , students no longer have to travel across the globe to receive quality education that they deserve

Web-based education is for everyone . Race , age , or sex does not matter as long as they have the need to learn . As such , many people , especially those who are busy with other things , prefer to receive education through the Internet . Although this is the case , universities are not affected because there are still those who choose to attend a physical school where they can interact with other students and their instructors personally

The most important effect distance learning has made is on adult education . There is no doubt that most adults have so many things going on in their lives at one time . They have families to take care of , jobs to attend to , and social lives to be concerned about . Still , this does not mean that they do not want to continue their education and acquire more knowledge . Distance learning has made it possible for adults to have an academic life and at the same time , attend to their family and social duties

Although web-based education seems to have numerous advantages , it also has its disadvantages . Since it mainly uses the Internet to connect to the school , instructor , and other students , distance learning is very prone to cheating problems . Copying assignments from other people 's work or taking material from the Internet is seen as the easy way out for the students (Luppicini , 2007 ,

.281 . They have easy access to almost everything because of the Internet , and if instructors do not take any precautions as to checking their students ' works for...