The Essay

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Abstract

With new technology always being introduced, it has introduced a new way of learning. This new of learning is online distance education. Where you can obtain an accreditation for learning done via the internet from your own home.

This report considers different aspects of online learning. It puts the advantages and disadvantages in focus, as well as outlining the two types of online distance programs.

Introduction

Online distance education is becoming increasingly popular over last few years, where most tertiary institutions are now providing ways of offering course via distance education. This report aims to show the advantages and disadvantages of using online distance education, as well as the different types that are available.

What Is Online Learning?

Online learning can have many different meaning but the main definition is any learning experience or environment that relies upon the Internet/World Wide Web as the primary delivery mode of communication and presentation. It can be supported by other networks such as a local area network (LAN) or an intranet.

What is Distance Education?

Distance education can be defined as education that takes place when the instructor and student are separated by space and or time. It is a process where by students and teacher communicates through information technology. It requires structured planning, well-designed course, special instructional techniques and methods of communication by electronic and other technology.

Advantages of Online Distance Education

There are many positive learning outcomes for students undertaking course via online distance education Jennings , M (2004). Alexander, S. (2001) state that the major benefits of online distance education are an improved quality of learning; an improved productivity of learning; an improved access to learning; and an improved student attitude to learning. Some other advantages of online distance education, which are stated by Fitzsimmons, H & Pontier, D (2005) include:

Self-Paced Learning: computers individualise learning with immediate reinforcement and feedback
Real-Time, Interactive Instruction: integrate use of remote study materials supported by computer-based multimedia teleconferencing
Multimedia Tool: links of various technologies are incorporated into computer-based instructional units, lessons and learning environments
Interactive: flexible and maximum learner control
Advancing Technology with Related Costs: constant emergence of innovations
INCREASED ACCESS: network links within and among districts, resources, and individuals. Some institutions offer complete programs, undergraduate and graduate, that rely almost exclusively on computer-based resources. Site-to-site and site-to-multiple site communication is available world wide.
Convenience and Faster Feedback: e-mail provides access to messages that can be quickly retrieved, read, and saved for later reference at the students' convenience
Student Participation: there are no back seat students for on-line based classes. Instructors have one-on-one contact, dialogue, and feedback with each student.
World Wide Interaction: exposure to different disciplines, different cultures, and different perceptions
Communication Skills Enhancement: strengthens communication skills, oral and written, that are required due to the absence of fact-to-face interactions
Cost Efficient: less expensive than onsite training
User Driven: common interests at a given point in time cause the natural formation among groups of students
Economically accessible: due to developments in digital computer-based desktop video, video conferencing is now affordable

Disadvantages of Online Distance Education

There are also many disadvantages associated with online distance education. Some of these being because students are not keeping up with the work, or just simply not doing it; to cost restrains, cheating and many others.

Distance education has an extra challenge associated with it (Esteban, J 2004); it would be quite easy for students to cheat. As Esteban, J (2004) says an individual may give his or her password to some one who is knowledgeable about the topic, and that individual will take the test for them.

Loss of interaction among student and instructors is another disadvantage, especially if the instructor does not realise that students are not grasping what is being taught (Neumann, PG 1998). A way of fixing this problem is stated by Neumann, PG (1998) by including some live lectures or video teleconferenced lectures, and requiring instructors and teaching assistants to be accessible on a regular basis, at least via email.

Other disadvantages of online distance education are said by Fitzsimmons, H & Pontier, D (2005):

Impersonal: often impersonal medium, due to the lack of nonverbal communication and visual cues
Costly to develop: expensive to establish equipment base for program
Rapidly Changing Technology: expensive to maintain equipment base and instructor knowledge for program
Existence of Computer Illiteracy and Inhibitions: computer literacy and motivation required
On-line Access (Internet & World Wide Web) are Necessary For All Students In An Internet Class: expensive to establish equipment base for students (if not already available)

Types of Online Distance Education

There are two different types of online distance education. They are asynchronous program and synchronous program. Each have there own advantages and disadvantages, it depends on the individual person and the institution of which the distance education course is being offered to determine which program to use.

Asynchronous Program

Asynchronous program is stated by Taylor, RW (2002) it is a program where students can log onto the web and access the lessons whenever it is convenient to them. This is the most popular style of Internet-based learning, as it allows the student complete time freedom. The instructor usually communicates with the individual student by e-mail.

Advantages of the Asynchronous Program

Also said by Taylor, RW (2002), some advantages include:

Students do not have to be in a classroom, by their telephones or in front of their computers at specific time
For instructors who work with students in many time zones, it is very advantageous

Disadvantages of the Asynchronous Program

Also said by Taylor, RW (2002), some disadvantages include:

Asynchronous classes preclude getting an immediate discussion going
Students may feel the need for more immediate responses to their questions or submissions

Synchronous Program

Synchronous program is stated by Taylor, RW (2002) it is a program where all students log to the Web, at the same time and are able to communicate with the instructor and each other via Internet Relay Chat (IRC) or I Seek You (ICQ).

Advantages of the Synchronous Program

Also said by Taylor, RW (2002), some advantages include:

The instructor has all students together at the same time. This can be an opportunity to introduce new materials, assignments, guidelines or other instructions
Students get to talk to each other during an online session
It is a good opportunity to get a group discussion going
Students, who often in a regular classroom might be reluctant participants, often will participate if they can do so using their keyboard. They do not feel so intimidated by others in the class

Disadvantages of the Synchronous Program

Also said by Taylor, RW (2002), some disadvantages include:

Students may not all sign in at the same time. If their participation is necessary, it could upset the entire lesson
Lessons are always limited. Someone joining late detracts from the lesson if everything has to be recapped. Time is money – students may be paying for their access time on an hourly rate. Running overtime can be expensive.
Time zones make it difficult. Much thought and co-ordination has to go into the process. An instructor must be conscience of where his or her students live or work. If overseas students are expected to participate, the problem is compounded. Assuming the learners are adults, they may very well have work, family or other conflicting commitments

Conclusion

In conclusion online distance education is a very good option for people who are unable to make to an institution for any reason. As the evidence above shows, the advantages online distance education and the benefits in provided out way the disadvantages. With way technology is moving and how society has taken to the whole concept of online education, maybe one day all further education as such will be undertake through online distance education.