Considering the Negatives Disadvantage of Distance Learning

It helps a student to know the disadvantage of distance learning while considering taking up a course offered through this medium. New Age educational tools like e-courses are a godsend to people who want to study further but do not have the means to do so, however it is not necessary that every individual is cut out for distance education. So while weighing your options for advanced learning through distance courses, be sure to assess the downside of it and determine if your personality is compatible with distance education.

No Space for Procrastination The greatest disadvantage of distance learning is the constant self-motivation that a student needs to keep himself from lagging behind. In distance education, a teacher and student are not in the same room physically, and there is no real inter-personal interaction between them. In case of an assignment submission in the traditional form of education, the constant reminder by your ever-present teacher may put the necessary pressure on you to perform. However, due to the remote nature of distance learning, the students might find themselves putting work off for another day.

Moreover this procrastinating attitude hurts student's prospects, as they will find it difficult to keep to timelines and complete the necessary assignments. Technological Know-How is Critical The reach of online means of distance education has increased over the last few years as the IT sector has flourished. However, not everyone has access to these upgraded technologies, and there are millions who might not have the technical proficiency to utilize these resources to their optimum. People who live in remote areas may not have access to computers; moreover the high cost of computers keeps some people from purchasing one.

Even if they do, their systems might not be compatible with the new technologies and they would be unable to use the educational tools. In such a case, distance learning is rendered futile, as low penetration of computers and high internet costs turn out to be an alarming disadvantage of distance learning. Further yet, even though distance education has seen an unprecedented rise in the last few decades, the mindset of many people is still negative about its effectiveness. Though educational institutions are fast adopting this means of teaching, there is still time before online education becomes a first choice for students.

A positive attitude and greater technological awareness seem to be the cure for this disadvantage of distance learning.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Please visit to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered. http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com/index.html