For the average adult American with a job, children or other obligations, online learning, also known as distance learning, is a viable means of learning, and a step in the right direction towards making education available for everyone. Wherever you may be in the country, may it be in a big city or in the rural areas, you can take advantage of your Internet access and take an online course while learning at your own pace.
But most of us may be best suited for the human touch of a real classroom - distance learning isn't meant for every Tom, Dick and Harry. The traditional educational model has three important elements that are not present in any distance learning module, and therefore would serve the majority of us in a better way. This human touch discussed earlier manifests itself through student-to-teacher interaction, the ability to see and hear a human explain the lesson, and the initiative a student has to take notes based on the lesson plan.
These three features are sadly absent from distance learning, and it can be difficult for many students regardless of age to understand the lessons and process the information properly.
This is not to totally discount online learning, but if you wish to take an online course and succeed, you will need to accept the fact that it is, very frankly, sterilized education. It can be hard for some of us to accept these things.
If you don't study your lessons or fail to turn in all the required homework assignments, that could mean a lack of motivation, thus an obstacle in the distance learning process. Real-life learning includes the gentle (or not-so-gentle) motivation from a teacher to complete required assignments and study for quizzes. Avoid minor or major distractions and pay full attention when you have to - just because this is a self-paced course isn't an excuse to pay it no heed or to relax needlessly.
Distance learning is best for busy people, but only to a certain extent - if you're too busy, you may not perform as well as you'd hope. Let's say you're studying next to the pool, while your spouse grills the burgers and your kids are swimming - kids can be reckless, so what if one of them pulls you AND your laptop into the pool? Or you can try juggling your busy work schedule with your studies - it may work for a while, but don't be surprised if you fail to submit a few assignments.
Online education or distance learning is well and good for some of us, let's admit it. But if your schedule is too hectic, forget about it.
But most of us may be best suited for the human touch of a real classroom - distance learning isn't meant for every Tom, Dick and Harry. The traditional educational model has three important elements that are not present in any distance learning module, and therefore would serve the majority of us in a better way. This human touch discussed earlier manifests itself through student-to-teacher interaction, the ability to see and hear a human explain the lesson, and the initiative a student has to take notes based on the lesson plan.
These three features are sadly absent from distance learning, and it can be difficult for many students regardless of age to understand the lessons and process the information properly.
This is not to totally discount online learning, but if you wish to take an online course and succeed, you will need to accept the fact that it is, very frankly, sterilized education. It can be hard for some of us to accept these things.
If you don't study your lessons or fail to turn in all the required homework assignments, that could mean a lack of motivation, thus an obstacle in the distance learning process. Real-life learning includes the gentle (or not-so-gentle) motivation from a teacher to complete required assignments and study for quizzes. Avoid minor or major distractions and pay full attention when you have to - just because this is a self-paced course isn't an excuse to pay it no heed or to relax needlessly.
Distance learning is best for busy people, but only to a certain extent - if you're too busy, you may not perform as well as you'd hope. Let's say you're studying next to the pool, while your spouse grills the burgers and your kids are swimming - kids can be reckless, so what if one of them pulls you AND your laptop into the pool? Or you can try juggling your busy work schedule with your studies - it may work for a while, but don't be surprised if you fail to submit a few assignments.
Online education or distance learning is well and good for some of us, let's admit it. But if your schedule is too hectic, forget about it.