The pros and cons of distance learning is something you might be asking yourself right now. The course is exactly what you want to learn and the certificate is all the same if you went to class and were being taught at first hand by teacher. So why worry?
Well there are some definitive pros and cons of distance learning that you should familiarise yourself with. Especially before you accept that course and then suddenly have a commitment in your hands, without actually fully knowing what your getting into. If you’d like to learn more, then do read on. Here we’re going to list our top 3 pros and cons of distance learning.
The Pros
Let’s start off with the positives shall we.
Flexibility
This is a big one. Especially so when considering that students learn at different pace. Something that you may of understood in class, your friend didn’t. Distance learning enables the opportunity to progress through the course a pace suitable for each individual. Whether that may be due to differentiating levels of comprehension, busy schedule at home or even other commitments. Other commitments that you may feel could push you back too much if you were attending a course in the traditional sense. Distance learning can take off some of that pressure.
Time
Similarly to just being flexible in general, it is noticeable if you are a busy person already. With distance learning, it already removes all of the annoying aspects about having to go to class. Such as commuting, relying on public transport and even relocating. Anything that bares an inconvenience to your life just to physically sit in a room and learn.
Cost
Other than the costs you’ll be saving on your commute or even new accommodation, which is a huge hassle in itself (see our article on 5 Things You Should Know Before Moving into Student Accommodation). The course most likely going to way cheaper than paying for a course on-campus. So if you really want to do that course, but on your on a budget – then distance learning may be the more financially feasible option for you.
The Cons
Teaching
With the help of technology, distance learning is a growing industry. A lot more people every year are seeing the advantages to opt for this method of learning. However, without that physical interaction, a lot of students can struggle to learn. A proportionally large number of people still need the physical cues you get from people when they are trying to teach you and this get lost with distance learning.
Social Life
Another large disadvantage to distance learning is the social aspect. Whilst at university on-campus, a big factor of university life is the social life. Although it is really fun but it is also useful to network with people on your course. This could prove to be very beneficial in the future when applying for a job in a company were you already know the employer on a personal level.
Motivation
Distance learning can also really test you motivation. Having the temptation to procrastinate can be too great when you’re not actually required to physical be anywhere and stay at home. If you genuinely believe that you are not the most self-motivated person then distance learning may not be for you.
The Pros and Cons of Distance Learning
Whatever you decide to choose; distance learning, traditional methods of learning or not pursuing further education at all, we wish the best. Both forms of learning can impact on you individually and can have a different experience compared to someone else. These are just a few of the most common pros and cons that people have experienced with distance learning.
Like of the cons of distance learning, you find it hard to motivate yourself into being productive then make sure you don’t our blog article on the small changes you can make to be more productive.
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