Distance learning pros and cons эссе

Pros and cons of online education.

   The world is a dynamic system that gets changed every now and then. The pandemic has set its own rules that we must obey and has affected all aspects of social life. The education has also had to adapt to the new conditions. That is why studying online is a common practice at all educational institutions (levels) nowadays. However, students have rather controversial opinions about this topic. Some believe that online studying is much more convenient and better than full-time education. Still others consider a face-to-face studying the best way to learn and to teach. Today I will try to elaborate on this up-to-date issue.

   In my personal view, online studying is a leader of tomorrow and people should not be so critical about it. Firstly, this type of education helps you to allocate your time in the most suitable way and easily find balance between relaxation and work. Secondly, you can study from any place, which means that you do not have to spend time getting to school or university. In addition, I can tell from my personal experience that online education has helped me to reduce stress. This major change in lifestyle has had an enormous effect on my mental health.

   On the other hand, many people claim that while studying at home, students become reckless and do not take this type of education seriously. Such careless behavior leads to getting low marks and not succeeding at an educational process. What is more, the supporters of face-to-face studying say that online schooling is not efficient as it depends on many factors like the availability of the Internet connection. The presence of other family members near the student can also affect the process of learning. The last thing is that primary school pupils find it difficult to work with high technology and operate with computers without the control of their parents.

   Mainly, I do not support this idea. When the person is responsible and understands the significance of education, he tries his best to achieve high results so online studying cannot distract him from it. Exactly the opposite, the concerned person tries to take all necessary knowledge, attends all available courses and does not get lazy. He still feels in charge of his future. Yet I agree that this type of studying may not fit everybody owing to age. That is why online education should be primarily for high school students.

  Overall, I can tell that the topic of learning from home is disputable. I personally believe that this area has to be developed and perfected. The society has a wrong mindset of being afraid of something new.  We should be open instead.  That is why I am of the opinion that from now on online education is an important part of everyone’s life.

Introduction

Computer and information technologies have significantly affected all spheres of human life. These technologies have also changed the field of education, since the improvement and development of this direction is one of the main mechanisms that make up the public life of the United States. Thus, a new form of distance learning has appeared in modern human life, which, along with the traditional form, has taken an important place in our society. This kind of training allows not only to study but also to improve the qualification level of its users.

The research paper offered to the reader is devoted to the concept of distance learning, as well as its advantages and disadvantages. The question of the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning has been in the focus of research attention especially against the background of a general quarantine, which justifies the actuality of this topic. To facilitate the preparation of this final project, the author formulates the problem in several forms of proposals, namely:

1. Analysis of the phenomenon of distance learning.

2. Analysis of the pros and cons of distance learning.

This study focuses on analyzing the pros and cons of distance learning, as well as predicting its further application. The results of this study are of practical use, because they will be of interest to students and teachers who are choosing whether to switch to remote learning.

Sawsan Abuhammad, the Assistant Professor in Jordan University of Science and Technology, in his article “Barriers to distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak: A qualitative review from parents’ perspective” (2020) states the following. The author claims that many parents have faced serious problems in the process of distance learning of their children. The author believes that the barriers that arose among the parents were of a personal, financial and technical nature. The author also states that these barriers need to be eliminated with the help of some changes, including through communication with other parents and students.

The author used the social network Facebook to recognize local groups, as well as keywords including distance learning, parents and Jordan. The author used a general qualitative method and analyzed all the messages and posts of parents related to this topic. This article was written by the author in order to describe and clarify the ideas of parents about the obstacles to distance learning during the coronavirus crisis (Abuhammad). The main audience of this article is parents, as well as persons representing the government and making decisions regarding distance learning. Thus, in the process of distance learning, many parents have various barriers that need to be overcome. We intend to use this source to demonstrate the problems and difficulties of distance learning.

Živko Bojović, Petar D. Bojović, Dušan Vujošević and Jelena Šuh, in their article “Education in times of crisis: Rapid transition to distance learning” (2020), state the following. They claim that the pandemic crisis has a negative effect on the standard of living and education. The authors believe that violation can pose a serious threat, and therefore a working model is needed that will allow switching from the traditional form of training to distance learning quickly and painlessly. The authors also argue that distance learning is acceptable on a long-term basis, if it is implemented correctly.

The authors of this article used a modeling method that allowed them to determine organizational and technical solutions for maintaining the quality of teaching. In addition, the authors used the method of comparative analysis of the survey data of students and teachers. The article was written by the authors in order to facilitate the transition from traditional learning to distance learning against the background of the pandemic and quarantine (Bojović et al.). The model developed by them has many advantages and thoughtful solutions. The main audience of this article is teachers and other representatives of educational institutions who face the difficult task of implementing distance learning. We intend to use this article to better understand the essence of distance learning, as well as its advantages.

Tim Surma and Paul A. Kirschner in their article, “Technology enhanced distance learning should not forget how learning happens” (2020), state the following. They believe that the traditional type of learning is under threat due to the accelerated process of adapting the traditional learning process to a new, remote one. They argue that modern technologies are both a danger and a chance for education to reach a completely new level.

The authors of this article used the methods of surveys and interviews to find out the attitude of students and teachers to the new form of education, and to track the progress in learning. This article was written by the authors in order to provide the importance of clear guidelines and optimal use of distance learning technologies (Surma and Kirschner). Moreover, the authors identified important principles that will help students get used to a new form of education, for example, feedback and an individual approach. The main audiences of this article are students, parents and teachers who will be interested in this information for the successful implementation of distance learning. We intend to use this article to understand the possible future prospects of the distance learning method.

John Traxler, the Professor of Digital Learning in the Institute of Education at the University of Wolverhampton, in his article, “Distance Learning—Predictions and Possibilities” (2018), states the following. The author claims that the definition of distance learning is not clear, but vague and changeable. The author considers the process of distance learning in a global context and studies the issue of adaptation and implementation of distance learning. The author believes that people should be ready for global changes, be open and aware, since changes are inevitable.

The author of this article uses observation and comparison methods that allow determining the essence of distance learning, the danger of pressure on educational institutions, as well as the importance of innovations in education. This article was written by the author in order to create a complete understanding of the phenomenon of distance education in a global context (Traxler). In addition, this article demonstrates the difficulties of distance learning application in conditions of ignorance or isolation. The main audience of this article is teachers, students and parents who want to get acquainted in more detail with the concept of distance learning in a global context. We intend to use this article to learn more about what distance learning is, as well as its goals and objectives.

The Essence of Distance Learning

The main benefit of distance learning is that it allows a person to study anywhere, but requires a computer and the Internet. The material is easily accessible and easy to handle and structure, and it also has all the necessary features that students of higher educational institutions need. In addition, the student is free to build their own individual training schedule, depending on their free time and desire to study (Lassoued et al.). The difference between classical distance learning and its more advanced form is small – the lack of personal communication between students and teachers (Bojović et al.). In this paper, the pros and cons of distance learning will be considered, but first it is required to understand the very essence of distance learning.

In the process of remote learning, students and teachers are at a significant spatial and temporal distance from each other. Teachers use a variety of computer technologies to make the process of remote learning as interesting and useful for students as possible (Schneider and Council). Distance type of education has an important goal-to expand opportunities and provide new services for those people who want to acquire new skills or change their profession. There are six main forms of distance learning, which are the most common.

• external education;

• university education;

• training that involves the cooperation of several educational institutions;

• creation of specialized institutions where distance classes are held;

• autonomous learning systems;

• special multimedia courses that differ in a certain informal component.

At the same time, different technologies are combined: pedagogical, informational, and often andragogic. There is a British synchronous model of distance learning and an American asynchronous one. Distance education is a new, specific form of education, somewhat different from the usual forms of full-time or distance learning (Dietrich et al.). As for the present, the real contingent of potential students can include those who are often on business trips, military personnel, women on maternity leave, and people with physical disabilities. In addition, this category consists of those who want to get additional education with a lack of time. Distance learning has several key characteristics that are important to consider when analyzing this type of learning.

• flexible and convenient schedule of classes;

• modularity;

• mass character;

• active mutual communication and a variety of communication tools;

• the totality of knowledge and orientation to the independence of students, to the motivation of learning.

Indeed, the effectiveness of distance learning directly depends on those teachers who work with students on the Internet. Such teachers should be psychologically ready to work with students in a new educational and cognitive network environment. Another problem is the infrastructure of student information support in networks. The question of what the structure and composition of the educational material should be remains open. Also, the question is raised about the conditions of access to distance learning courses.

Analyzing the components of distance learning related to the educational institution, they can determine the structure of the network system. It should include educational material submitted in the form of programs, tasks, control and graduation papers, and scientific and practical assistance (Costa et al.). The student should be provided with fundamental printed textbooks, teaching aids, and hypertext multimedia programs (Arthur-Nyarko et al.). Additional materials may include lectures prepared by teachers on disciplines that can be transmitted via the network. In addition, distance learning provides communication in various modes, teacher advice on implementing term papers, theses, or other final work.

The essential component of distance learning is the ability to consider situations that are close to reality. In addition, important elements are creating conditions for the self-realization of students, the disclosure of their potential, the systematic learning process, the individuality of the approach (Bojović et al.). This component is the basis of academic and cognitive activity and affects the quality of distance learning.

Electronic versions of textbooks, which became the basis for the creation of distance courses and traditional books, do not solve the problems of independent activity in obtaining knowledge. These software products only create a virtual learning environment in which distance learning is carried out. Here there are psychological problems, such as inexperience, lack of self-education skills, poor volitional self-regulation, the influence of group attitudes, etc. When developing distance learning programs, it is crucial to carefully plan classes, including each of them with the setting of learning goals and objectives.

If interpersonal communication between students and the teacher is ineffective, there is a possibility of a communication barrier. If this happens, the information is delivered in a distorted form, which leads to the fact that there is a threat of the cognitive barrier growing into a relationship barrier. The barrier of relations turns into a feeling of distrust and hostility towards information and its source.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning

There are also many disadvantages in distance learning that should be listed and that cannot be ignored. It is worth starting with technical and methodological problems, including ignoring the psychological laws of perception and assimilation of information using multimedia tools of different modalities. There are also methodological problems, including the complexity of developing electronic versions of traditional educational materials, primarily textbooks and practical manuals.

Many students and experts believe that distance learning has many indisputable and obvious advantages.

1. A student studying remotely independently plans their schedule and decides how much time to devote to studying.

2. The opportunity to study anywhere. Students studying remotely are not tied to a place or time, as they only need an Internet connection.

3. Study on the job from the main activity. Distance learning allows to work or study at several courses at the same time to get additional education.

4. High learning outcomes. Remote students study the necessary material independently, which allows them to better memorize and assimilate knowledge.

5. Distance learning is much cheaper, since it does not require expenses for accommodation and travel, as well as for a foreign passport if the university is located abroad.

6. Remote education provides a calm environment, as exams and communication with teachers are held online, which allows students to avoid anxiety.

7. Teachers who conduct remote classes have the opportunity to do additional things, cover a larger number of students, as well as teach while, for example, on maternity leave.

8. Remote learning allows teachers to use a more individual approach to their students, as well as to devote a sufficient amount of time to all students.

Experiments have confirmed that the quality and structure of training courses, as well as the quality of teaching in distance learning is often much better than in traditional forms of education. New electronic technologies can not only ensure the active involvement of students in the educational process, but also allow them to manage this process, unlike most traditional educational environments (Arthur-Nyarko et al.). The interactive capabilities of the programs and information delivery systems used in the distance learning system make it possible to establish and even stimulate feedback. Despite the predominant number of advantages of distance education, this system is not perfect. During the implementation of e-learning programs, the following problems of distance education were identified.

1. Remote learning requires strong concentration and motivation. Almost all the educational material is mastered by a remote student independently. Remote classes require students to have perseverance and developed patience.

2. In the process of distance learning, it is difficult to develop interpersonal communication skills, since contact with teachers and other students is minimal.

3. In the process of distance learning, it is quite difficult to acquire practical skills, thus, specialties that require practical skills suffer.

4. The problem of user identification. It is difficult to track whether a student wrote their exam honestly, since the only way to check this is video surveillance, which is not always possible.

5. Insufficient computer literacy. In every country there are remote areas where there is no direct access to the Internet. Moreover, often the residents of such areas do not have any desire to learn, so it is necessary to spread computer literacy.

It is required to start by creating special Internet conferences and forums in schools that would guarantee the relative “live” communication of groups of students to deal with disadvantages (Chen et al.). It is also necessary to cooperate with traditional and distance learning, cooperation between teachers and students using a broad terminological and methodological base of psychology and pedagogy (Abuhammad). Despite all these problems, distance learning is very much appreciated by psychologists and teachers (Traxler). Nevertheless, the complete replacement of traditional education systems with similar ones-distance ones still causes some caution. One thing is indisputable – remotely studying students are more adapted to external conditions, are responsible and active, and therefore more successful in the modern business world.

Conclusion

Speaking about the distance form of education, it is necessary to talk about the creation of a single information and educational space. When it comes to distance learning, it is necessary to understand the presence of a teacher, a textbook and a student in the system, as well as the interaction of a teacher and students. It follows from this that the main thing in the organization of distance learning is the creation of electronic courses, the development of didactic foundations of distance learning, and the training of teachers-coordinators. It is not necessary to identify the distance form with the correspondence form of education, because it provides for constant contact with the teacher and imitation of all types of full-time training.

The dynamism of economic and socio-cultural processes in society causes changes in the field of education. Since the features of distance education are simply not acceptable for many students. Based on psychology and the methodology of independent learning, distance learning has some advantages and disadvantages. Summing up, we can unequivocally answer that distance education has a future. However, much depends on how quickly the problems of eliminating information illiteracy, technical equipment and improving the quality of e-education will be resolved. These factors arise during the implementation of remote scientific programs and projects. So, the factors and examples given above show the need to create and expand distance learning in the United States.

Works Cited

Abuhammad, Sawsan. “Barriers to distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak: A qualitative review from parents’ perspective.” Heliyon (2020): e05482. Web.

Arthur-Nyarko, Emmanuel, Douglas Darko Agyei, and Justice Kofi Armah. “Digitizing distance learning materials: Measuring students’ readiness and intended challenges.” Education and Information Technologies (2020): 1-16. Web.

Bojović, Živko, et al. “Education in times of crisis: Rapid transition to distance learning.” Computer Applications in Engineering Education 28.6 (2020): 1467-1489.

Chen, Emily, Kristie Kaczmarek, and Hiroe Ohyama. “Student perceptions of distance learning strategies during COVID‐19.” Journal of dental education (2020). Web.

Costa, Roberto D., et al. “The theory of learning styles applied to distance learning.” Cognitive Systems Research 64 (2020): 134-145. Web.

Dietrich, Nicolas, et al. “Attempts, successes, and failures of distance learning in the time of COVID-19.” Journal of Chemical Education 97.9 (2020): 2448-2457. Web.

Lassoued, Zohra, Mohammed Alhendawi, and Raed Bashitialshaaer. “An exploratory study of the obstacles for achieving quality in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Education Sciences 10.9 (2020): 232. Web.

Schneider, Samantha L., and Martha Laurin Council. “Distance learning in the era of COVID-19.” Archives of dermatological research 313.5 (2021): 389-390. Web.

Surma, Tim, and Paul A. Kirschner. “Technology enhanced distance learning should not forget how learning happens.” Computers in human behavior 110 (2020): 106390. Web.

Traxler, John. “Distance learning—Predictions and possibilities.” Education Sciences 8.1 (2018): 35. Web.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Distance Education? We will consider and evaluate them one by one. Because it is necessary to eliminate unwarranted worries in the minds. Because one of the most intriguing subjects of recent years is Distance Education. You know, with the Coronavirus Pandemic, restriction decisions have been made worldwide. Quarantine processes have been activated. Companies shut down. The business world has moved on to work from home plans. Digitalization has started to affect the whole world rapidly. Of course, the education system could not stay out of it. Schools are closed. However, education should not have stopped. For this reason, taking urgent measures came up. At this point, Distance Education has become more on the agenda than ever before.

Advantages of Distance Education

Flexibility in Time

The biggest advantage of distance education is time flexibility. Participants can directly decide for themselves when and at which venue they will attend the classes. Moreover, while continuing to work in any workplace. At the same time, it is a very suitable education model for those who want to receive distance education.

Easy Access

Distance Education programs offer participants the opportunity to receive training in the most comfortable place without leaving their home or office environment. The system is also extremely advantageous for international institutions. Universities, trade schools, and private educational institutions around the world now offer worldwide certificates. You can easily access and participate wherever you are in the world. You can also register for any course. You can start a second course while continuing the training. All these features are differences that never exist in face-to-face education.

Lower Costs

The Distance Education method reduces the high costs of education to almost zero. Take, for example, a 4-year faculty that you earned in Digital Marketing. In these 4 years, you will have many expenses such as university fees, travel money, food and beverage expenses, accommodation expenses, kitchen and rent expenses if you rented a house, educational materials. When you calculate all these expenses for 4 years, a huge amount of money will emerge. However, there are none of these costs in the distance education method. You only pay for the training package you will receive. This fee will most likely be reduced. Let’s consider the fact that nowadays everyone has the internet and computers in their homes. You will experience the comfort of getting high-level education for a very low fee.

Easier Access to Information

The existence of distance education programs has made learning much easier today. This can never be ignored. Modern time is an information age. Also, people are not afraid to spend money to get the right information. This is very nice. Because it is their right to access information. Digital technology is a great blessing people will use this right to the fullest. People need new information to keep up with changing times. Online education, in short, e-learning platforms seem like medicine to these people. You will never find the comfort of being a social media expert in a short time like a few months in traditional training methods.

Opportunity to Learn While Working

The distance education model is flexible in all respects. You can enroll in a distance education program and study even while working full time. This feature is one of the most striking aspects of distance learning. You are at work. It was afternoon. You can follow your lessons while eating. This is undoubtedly a great blessing. You do not have such an opportunity in traditional education methods.

Individual Approach

In traditional teaching, it is quite difficult for the educator to pay the necessary attention to all students and adapt to the pace of each of them. However, the use of web technologies, ie the distance education method, is more suitable for organizing individual approaches. Although the participant can choose their own learning speed, they can get support from the instructor quickly.

Disadvantages of Distance Education

As in many subjects, there may be some disadvantages in distance education. However, let’s note that. These are limited as personal problems and can be corrected. For example, while attending the lesson at home, the household members listen to loud music. Such situations never overshadow the wonderful benefits of distance education. However, let’s take a look at the disadvantages.

Strong Motivation and Discipline

Almost all training materials are managed by the participants themselves. This will require enhanced will, responsibility, and self-control. Therefore, individuals who cannot achieve this control may have problems in learning.

Lack of Practical Knowledge

It is difficult to teach specialties remotely, which require lots of practical exercises. Even the most modern simulators do not replace future doctors or teachers. Absolutely face-to-face for practical applications, touching the material (eg lifeless mannequin for a surgery application) However, with the further development of technology, this is a problem. it will be greatly overcome in a short time and time.

Certificate Validity

Sometimes, the validity of a certificate obtained through online training or the reliability of the instructors may not be sufficient. Therefore, it would be a good idea to review the credentials of the instructor and the user comments of the distance education institution you plan to attend. To ensure the best quality and reliability, it is recommended that you choose experts and reputable institutions in their field.

As mentioned above, despite these few drawbacks, online training platforms are a great comfort to acquire new generation professions. You might think that there is no exact alternative to normal education. But remember that the world has changed completely. Digitalization has affected all life. Therefore, it is necessary to keep up with this. Otherwise, time and developing technology will be left behind and many problems will be in question.

Ниже приводится школьное сочинение на тему «Pros and Cons of Studying Online», которое размещено в качестве примера подобного рода сочинений, не претендует на идеальность и безошибочность, не предназначено для дословного копирования.

Because of rapid advances of modern technology school and university students of different ages have a possibility to attend classes staying at home. The global pandemic of coronavirus has proved it, whether we like it or not. Although most people agree that this is the only way to continue education without leaving the house, many fear that online learning will replace the traditional school teaching.

The most important benefits of online learning are: it can have a flexible schedule; students can work independently; it is more convenient for students who are pursuing education at an older age.

The weaknesses of studying online are: it is considered to be of lower quality than traditional education; staying motivated and keeping up with assignments is often more difficult; online students do not get the one-on-one interaction with their teachers.

In conclusion, I can say that although technically it’s possible to get education online, I prefer traditional form of learning at school as it is more than just getting knowledge. For me it is also a way of learning to interact with others, to socialize and make friends.