DISTANCE-LEARNING

While it cannot be denied that technology has benefited the education in miscellaneous
ways, there is still a controversy over whether distance-learning is both efficient and
convenient or not. As far as I am concerned, distance learning has contributed to the
education a lot, as it provides multiple advantages.

To begin with, distance learning or e-learning among others benefits offers the
possibility of flexible courses. To be more specific, having already a heavy program,with e-
learning, students have the opportunity to adjust their courses according to their obligations
at their own pace. Besides that, distance learning is also a greener approach concerning the
environment. That is especially true if we consider the fact that there is no need of “material
prima” such as pencils and notebooks because everything theς what students need is a
computer and network connection. In addition, pupils conserve fuels inasmuch they learn
from their home. Last but not least, lessons can become more appealing to the students as
they can be enriched with visual resources contributing to retention of the curriculum.

On the other hand, a major drawback of distance learning is that there is no or little
control. As long as the control is on the student’s hands, the teachers are not able to
motivate them, create a routine for them and encourage them in order to make studying a
priority to them. Instead, students neglect the fact that they have to study and do not pay
the attention required. Students may also browse through irrelevant websites while
attending the e-course. In conclusion, distraction is the main problem of distance learning.
Here also lies another major drawback and that is that the lessons are solely dependent on
technology. In very few cases does the system function properly and technological problems
are a very common disadvantage that has to be combated.

To take everything into consideration, e-learning is an extremely useful approach of

education that nowadays but mostly in the future can become even more common. It
appears to me that distance learning is more convenient as it effectively revitalises the
established ways of learning.