Disadvantages of Distance Learning

Main Distance Learning Disadvantages

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As much as there are countless distance education advantages, there are various disadvantages of distance learning we cannot ignore.

One main disadvantage of distance learning is:

Costly and complex technology. Despite the many opportunities of distance education, there are inevitable accompanying costs. Live video communication for example, requires careful planning of the equipment and facilities. For online learning, you must own a computer (possibly with access to the internet) or have access to one. Thus required technology is not always available. Some learners may also be afraid(technophobic) of technology.

Other disadvantages of distance learning include:

Advance planning. Both the instructors and students involved in distance learning may need to make sacrifices at times to get things done in time.

Hidden costs. If you work for the military for example, and you are on the ship, how do you get your materials? They may need to be mailed in advance incurring extra shipping and handling costs.
Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback. In a traditional classroom setting, a student's performance can be immediately assessed through questions and informal testing. With distance learning, a student has to wait for feedback until the instructor has reviewed their work and responded to it.

Distance learning does not always offer all the necessary courses online. Students pursuing a specific certificate or degree program may not have all the necessary courses available through distance learning so it is not suited for all subjects. While you can study a history lesson completely online, you cannot perform nursing clinicals online. Thus physical classroom attendance will be mandatory to complete the course.

Distance learning may not be acknowledged by all employers. Although most employers do acknowledge distance learning, certain employers do not. Students who want to work for a specific employer upon graduation should be sure of that employer's perspective about online education.

Distance learning does not give students the opportunity to work on oral communication skills. Students in distance learning courses do not get the practice of verbal interaction with professors and other students.

Social isolation. Most often you'll be studying alone. Distance learners may feel isolated or miss that social physical interaction that comes with attending a traditional classroom. However this impersonality has been lessening with advances and use of communication technologies such as bulletin boards, threaded discussions, chats, email and conferencing.

There are many disadvantages of distance education which the educators, through use of technology are working to overcome. Based on your unique circumstances, you can compare the disadvantages of distance learning over distance education advantages or traditional learning and decide which one is right for you.

We have listed some of the colleges we found that offer more distance learning advantages as opposed to distance learning disadvantages. Click to view the list and if you are interested in one of the programs, you can request for FREE information by filling out their online forms.

Alternatively, you can search for college by degree and request for more information.