Anyone know any major disadvantages of Distance learning?

yenki

[FONT=&quot]Hi there,[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I intend to soon join an online college but was wondering if there are any disadvantages to distance learning classes I should be aware of before I join.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Thanks a lot!![/FONT]

[FONT=&quot][/FONT]

redmel1621

Hi Yenki

I am currently studying with the Open University. I personally find the hardest thing for me is setting aside time to study, students attending a college or university walk out of the house and leave everything behind them for those hours they are ther. Similar to when you go to work, your mind focuses on the task at hand.
With distance learning it is easy to think, of doing the washing, ironing, hoovering, cleaning, dog walking etc, etc. before sitting down to study as these tasks are glaring you in the face all the time. I don't know your situation so these things may not apply to you!

The other difficulty with distance learning is one of isolation. Again if you attend an institution you will be mixing with like minded people, who have the same interest (the subject) as you, and you are able to bounce ideas off each other. When studying at home it can be frustrating not having those conversations, and as much as friends or family try to be supportive you can see they are bored to tears whilst you are showing off what you have just read/learnt.

But aside from that I can honestly say it is very rewarding and fulfilling, and knowing that there may be career opportunities at the end of too, makes it all worthwile.

I hope that helps you

Mel x

sockospice

Disadvantages? Motivation, especially when you're working/have family commitments/etc. It can be very easy to put off studying because something is 'more important'

Unlike a classroom, if you don't understand something you don't always have immediate access to a tutor to help you. When I've studied by distance learning the tutor has been available at specific times only by phone, or by email.

You don't have the advantage of being able to discuss what you are learning with other pupils, while you are learning. Although some distance learning providers have forums where those studying can discuss their work, it is not as immediate and easy to do as classroom learning. Plus, as everyone is learning at their own pace, there is no guarantee someone will be looking at the same thing as you at the same time.

I really enjoyed distance learning because I could do it at my own pace, but it can be a challenge.

mentat72

• You need a massive amount of discipline.
• It is very easy to spend too much time on a problem.
• You are not within a class environment so support is difficult.
• It isn't necessarily cheaper than studying in a physical classroom.
• If you don't get on well with your tutor you may have problems.

I have a Certificate of Natural Sciences with the OU, an OND in Computer Studies with Erith College of Technology, an HND in Computer Studies with Greenwich University and am doing a part time BA English with Birkbeck University. On the whole I found OU fine for entry level subjects and self improvement classes. When I was dealing more complex subjects however, I found it much easier to be in a classroom. I could never get to the OU tutorials alas.

I would say sort out your support structure first if you can, once you have that in place, you will find the OU a breeze.
How to do this? See if there are any forums for your subject online, speak to the admin for the region and tutor for your subject to find out if there are any 'study-buddy' groups for your subject and get to know the tutor so they are more open to providing advice and guidance.

Hope this helps.

Oldernotwiser

yenki wrote: »

[FONT=&quot]Hello friends,[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am going to join distance learning course but before joining I want to know the disadvantages of it. So I can well be prepared for it and find out some solutions to solve future problems. If you people have any idea, please help me in this matter.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Thanks a lot!![/FONT]

Hi
Most people answered you as if you're looking to study with the OU or at a similar level. I was going to do the same and then realised that this might not be true and that, in fact, you might be looking to do something practical at NVQ level. Could you let us know what sort of thing you have in mind as it's not much use pointing out the fact that you'll miss not having access to an academic library if you're planning on studying something like NVQ Childcare!
Having said this, isolation and motivation are going to be drawbacks at whatever level you're studying.

QueenDebbie

I'm doing a distance learning degree with Northumbria University, which I've currently put on hold until next year. I work full time.

My degree is a full time course, via distance learning, with no time for holidays and breaks. It's been quite hard going, and it is hard to stay motivated. The first year was okay, but there wasn't really a lot of support from the tutors, and it was frustrating. The second year has been much more difficult. There were classes every few months or so, and while it didn't really happen at first everyone on the course got into emailing each other for support as it got harder.

I've recently just moved, was at risk of being made redundant and was looking for another job all at the same time, and it just got too much for me. I've put it on hold, and will be rejoining the course next year. I think I just needed a break, which I haven't had since I started. Other people on the course have said their houses are always in chaos because they don't have time to sort out the house work, and people are getting up early or staying up late to try and keep up.

However, the advantages are that it's much cheaper than doing a full time degree, and you can continue working. It's workable if you can keep up your motivation, and if the course tutors are helpful when you need to take a break.