Students thoughts on distant education

After a semester and a half, none of them have ever seen their teacher and probably never will...more

Students and teachers discuss benefits of online learning programs...more

Distant education offers a different kind of learning environment compared to the traditional classroom or seminar.

These programs allow for the student to study where they choose and at a pace that is comfortable for them from any internet connected computer.

Getting an education or training through a distant education program is convenient and beneficial to the student, instructor and the universities offering the programs.

Information on the Distant Education program in Nevada.

Unlv offers WebCt a learning opportunity that is less restrictive by time.. more

Advantages to Distant Education

Students 

Students may

• Learn at their own speed
• Form personalized study habits
• Learn independence
• Computer experience

Discipline is one skill that students really need/learn from participating in a distant education program. Without the direct contact from the instructor learning really becomes an independent action.

Some students may not have the opportunity to attend traditional schools or classes.

Distant education offers a knowledge and training by computer to even rural areas.

These programs are also helpful to people without the advantage of tromping off to class twice a week or spending endless hours on the campus.

Instructors

Scheduling is difficult for everyone even instructors. They are able to give their full commitment to their students with less hours worked by offering online direction and lectures.

Instructors are more of facilitators vs. teachers in an online classroom setting.

They rely more on student collaboration and independent work during the learning process.

Universities

The universities that offer online classes simply pay the instructors for time spent but are able to utilize materials for future semesters such as:

• Online lectures
• Class notes
• related materials
• projects and assignments

Most of the information provided during an online class is reusable, unless outdated.

By paying the instructor once and using their materials later at a lower cost saves the school money and resources.

Disadvantages to Distant Education

Some programs have had problems with student and instructor plagiarism.

There is little to no interpersonal contact between student and instructor. The teachers are less aware if the students really understand the material.

Without the face time students could become less committed to their education and become so, with less accountability.

contact information

quinnj3@unlv.nevada.edu

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The Future of Distant Education

Distant education has become very popular with students, instructors and even universities.

With the cost efficiency and the overwhelming advance in computer access, distant education will eventually take over the training and education of people everywhere.

A computer based learning environment is really coming full circle.