Do you think Distance Learning is safe for our academic environment?
Distance Learning is still growing in Nigeria. Can this untapped resource be effective in our academic environment? Could it be the way forward for a country whose academic circle is still finding their second foot on the ground?
Hi
I am thoroughly convinced by using an e-learning system which by its very nature can be done anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. I am biased a little as I am an online coach/tutor to a Masters Degree in Leadership and change, where we have students from all over the world working individually and at times collectively through a VLE (virtual learning environment) similar to Open University and many other university college virtual learning platforms. I use the e-learning platform in conjunction with other systems like Adobe connect or good old Skype conferencing facilities to connect my students together when needed. It will never replace perhaps face to face learning but is the way to go when time, cost, geographic spread is an issue in bringing students together for a programme, the great benefit is the system is 24/7 which is great for busy working students.
Jamie
I definitely think Distance Learning is a better option. There is more one-on-one teacher/student opportunities. Easier to have a better understanding of what is being taught, without having to keep up with other students. Learning can be more tailored to the individual.
It is indeed the future.
Sites like Coursera, MIT OpenCourseWare, Khan Academy allows us to get in touch and learn different perspectives of teachers around the world.
Another important aspect is one can collaborate with other colleagues doing an online course over a project, getting some international experience, also gaining valuable cross-cultural education and networking.
Distance learing is still growing ,but with the technical information development ,it will effect the prodedure within the comeing 5-10 years , It will be more ecceptable as Learing procedure , Plus it will reduce the cost of learing , the gab is very wide between on site & learing distance , but I think there shall be some restrictions on learing distance to stringthen the ties among the people to accept it .
Distance learning is important. However having a formal distant learning programme can be very daunting. The reason is because of the warmth that is not available. We read and learn on the internet. In fact some of us spend our entire time online.Creating a way of making the learning process extremely can help you on the long term in attracting and retaining your customers.
The way in which education is offered -- the methodology (face to face, online, video, etc) is not the critical factor. The critical factor is how learning is offered through these methods.
I have seen face to face learning experiences that border on the abysmal, and I have seen distance learning that is engaging, interactive and of very high quality.
Qualities of highly effective learning environments:
1. Questions are valued over answers
2. Ideas come from a variety of sources
3. Learning models are understood and used
4. Criteria for success is clear
5. Effective learning habits are consistently modeled
6. Practice is a constant expectation
7. Opportunities to experience and try out learning is pervasive
Yes for sure. In fact the distance learning has improved quite a lot over few years. In the current environment where students like to do multiple courses at the same time. Distance learning really a boon for such multitasking minds.
Apart from this people prefer distance learning for following reasons,
1. Easily accessible
2. Less transport and commuting issues
3. Self paced learning
Distance/E-Learning is a great way to begin to learn how to communicate, foster relationships, and work with all types around the Globe. I am fully supportive of online education, for the right students who are willing to commit to the program, are self motivated, and are also structured and good with time management.
Hi,
I think that distance learning is a very powerful tool for teaching in general, not a replacement for conventional, but it can complement it very well and depending on formats used, it can be used to deliver live classes and learning materials. If you look at organizations like Open University(www.open.ac.uk) and how they deliver courses, and have done for many years you see true potential. Ultimately it can maximize resources, just think of a situation where a course only has 100 people interested and they tend to be great distances apart from one another, how would you deliver the course via physical premises? The odds are the course would not launch at all. It also allows people to get educated on their free time, which permits them to work and study. I am not sure what you mean by "safe", but if you mean the quality of qualifications, the formal exams for academic qualifications are normally undertook on physical premises, only the learning is delivered online. I hope this helps.
When you refer to Distance Learning, do you mean E-Learning (i.e. online) or by Correspondence? If the former, E-Learning is the education model of the future (refer to http://www.edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2015/03/20-facts-about-e-learning-todays-colleges-infographic).
By 2019, roughly all worldwide college classes are estimated to be via E-Learning. Via the Internet, we have enabled innovation through the free exchange of ideas. This can only be a good thing as Nigeria joins the party.