Bilins’ka L.I., Chyzhykova I.V., Bozhok O.I.

Prydniprovs’k State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Ukraine

Pros and cons of distance education

We live in modern age which is based on technology and changes. Nowadays everything is changeable, especially in learning the English language.

There are a lot of discussions in higher education about rising costs and a hope that technology could be used to make education more efficient and effective. Distance learning and digital education is the latest fashion in education.

Distance learning applies physical technology and education processes to serve the needs of students when they are removed from the source of instruction and resources by either time or distance. As with most instructional tools, the purpose of distance learning is to help universities meet the instructional needs of their students and to enable students to access information more effectively and apply what they learn in universities to the world in which they live. Distance learning uses a group of systems to bring teaching and learning together by transmitting information or expertise from one place to another for learner benefit. Formally, distance education is characterized by physical separation of learners from the information, an organized instructional program, use of technological media, and two-way communication.

Distance learning technologies should be seen as one more tool at an educator's disposal. Some educators have an almost ideological reaction to distance learning. They hate it and think it is an evil, or they love it and think it is the solution to all of our educational problems. But you must realize that distance education might not be the best choice for every student, understanding its advantages and drawbacks can help you decide if distance learning is right for you.

The benefits of distance education include:

•Distance learning does not require commuting. This saves you money and time that you would otherwise spend on travel back and forth to university. You can schedule learning around other aspects of your personal and professional life.

•You can complete most of the classes at your convenience. Most of the classes are asynchronous, which means you don't have to attend a lecture at a particular time and place. You can review the assignments and do your homework during off-hours or from home.

•Live anywhere, study from anywhere while pursuing the education of your choice. You don't have to live in the same city or the same country to attend the learning institution of your choice. You can study wherever you have access to a computer and Internet connection.

•Gain extra knowledge. You can transfer the computer skills that you'll gain in the process of your distance learning experience to other facets of your life.

•Self-paced learning. This reduces stress and increases satisfaction.

•Accessibility. Online classes address physical accessibility issues that some people with limited mobility encounter when taking traditional classes. You don't have to worry about gaining access to a classroom or sitting on uncomfortable desks. Instead, you can use your comfortable furniture in your home while enjoying free movement and a chance to further your education.

But there's a flip side to every story. A factor that's advantageous for one student might prove to be a drawback for another. Here are some situations that can turn out as disadvantages of distance learning:

•Costly and complex technology. Despite the many opportunities of distance education, there are inevitable accompanying costs. Live video communication for example, requires careful planning of the equipment and facilities. For online learning, you must own a computer (with access to the Internet). This required technology is not always available. Some learners may also be afraid (technophobic) of technology.

•Advance planning. Both the instructors and students involved in distance learning may need to make sacrifices at times to get things done in time.

•Hidden costs. If you work for the military for example, and you are on the ship, how do you get your materials? They may need to be mailed in advance incurring extra shipping and handling costs.

•Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback. In a traditional classroom setting, a student's performance can be immediately assessed through questions and informal testing. With distance learning, a student has to wait for feedback until the instructor has reviewed their work and responded to it.

•Distance learning does not always offer all the necessary courses online. Students pursuing a specific certificate or degree program may not have all the necessary courses available through distance learning so it is not suited for all subjects. While you can study a history lesson completely online, you cannot perform nursing clinicals online. Thus physical classroom attendance will be necessary to complete the course.

•Distance learning degrees may not be acknowledged by all employers. Although most employers do acknowledge distance learning, certain employers do not. Students who want to work for a specific employer upon graduation should be sure of that employer's perspective about online education.

•Distance learning does not give students the opportunity to work on oral communication skills. Students in distance learning courses do not get the practice of verbal interaction with professors and other students.

•Social isolation. Most often you'll be studying alone. Distance learners may feel isolated or miss that social physical interaction that comes with attending a traditional classroom. However this impersonality has been lessening with advances and use of communication technologies such as bulletin boards, threaded discussions, social networking, chats, email and video conferencing.

Despite these perceived drawbacks, distance learning is gaining popularity among students like never before, with many students satisfied with their learning experience. With further advances in technology and more training to adapt teachers to this new mode of learning, the disadvantages in distance learning can soon be sorted out. And a primary goal of distance educators will be to humanize and improve distance learning by facilitating interaction among learners and with others in the learning community.