Está en la página 1de 4

RESEARCH PAPER TEMPLATE

North American University


Education Department
M.Ed. in EDLE & CUIN
EDUC 5324: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION
Name: Fatma Uguz

Date: 10/24/2016

Topic Selected: Topic 3: What does the research say about advantages and
disadvantages of distance education?

1. LITERATURE REVIEW:
What does the literature/research say about this issue/topic? By using NAU Library
or Online Search engines, conduct a literature review.

You need to include 5 different sources (book, journal article, web article
etc.) in your review. Try to use current sources as much as possible.

You need to summarize and synthesize your sources by discussing a common


theme or issue.

You don't need to critique your sources

You don't need to evaluate your sources (if the sources are trustworthy,
weather the author has a bias or not)

You need to provide background information such as history and definitions

Brief Literature Review:


Introduction to Distance Learning
Distance learning traditionally has provided access to instructional programs for students
who are separated by time and/or physical location from an instructor. Distance learning
has been thought of as prepackaged text, audio, and/or video courses taken by an isolated
learner with limited interaction with an instructor or other students. This perspective is
changing. Today information technologies and the Internet can allow rich interactive
distance learning experiences that may surpass the interactivity of a traditional classroom.
Distance learning can be provided in several contexts including stand alone distance
learning, blended learning where the student participates in a regular class and distance
learning class concurrently, and hybrid learning where distance learning supplements
classroom instruction.
History of Distance Learning
Distance education traces its origins to mid-19th century Europe and the United States.
The pioneers of distance education used the best technology of their day, the postal
system, to open educational opportunities to people who wanted to learn but were not

able to attend conventional schools. People who most benefited from such
correspondence education included those with physical disabilities, women who were not
allowed to enroll in educational institutions open only to men, people who had jobs
during normal school hours, and those who lived in remote regions where schools did not
exist
Advantages of Distance Education
Distance education provides opportunities for people who may have trouble
attending a traditional institution such as stay-at-home mothers, people working
full time or members of the military. With distance learning courses, students can
complete their course work from just about anywhere, provided theres a
computer and internet connection.

The most significant advantage of distance learning is that one can pursue his
choice of education during any time of his life. There is no control about city,
college, etc.

Money saving as no commuting: This program did not require regular classes, it
saves time in commuting. It also saves money.

Attend classes at your suitability. In distance learning, one need not to attend class
exact time and place, so students can finished their classes at their own time and
suitability

One more advantage is that more knowledge of computer and Internet skills that
one gain in the process of distance learning experience can also be moved to other
sides of life.

Availability. Many people while taking traditional classes come across physical
availability problem because of inadequate mobility issues. But through online
classes overcome the problems and by using own comfortable furniture in the
home.

Disadvantages of Distance Education

One of the main disadvantages of distance education is the loss of interaction with
other students in the classroom. In distance learning, study in a group is difficult,
one just have to do by himself which becomes publicly one-off as there is no
communication with other classmates. Youll likely get some interaction on chat
rooms, discussion boards and through email, but the experience will be quite
different than traditional courses.
Difficult technology and accessibility. It is true that distance education provides
good chances to learn new things and technologies but it is complicated. It comes
as challenge for people who are frightened of technology. A computer with
continuous Internet facility is required for distance learning.
Unseen costs: Some unseen charges cannot be escaped. For instance, if a student

lives or works in a outside area where irregular supply of things then the study
material need to be mailed in advance. There will be sure extra charges and other
costs which comes another point in bringing uneasiness to many.
No feedback immediately, instead students have to wait for their teachers
reviewing the task and send them for comments.
Format isnt ideal for all learners. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for online
learning. If you know you have problems with motivation, procrastination and
need lots of individual attention from a teacher you may want to think long and
hard before enrolling in an online learning program.
Some employers dont accept online degrees. While a majority of employers will,
there are some who still see a stigma attached to distance learning. Realize that
your online degree may not be the ideal tool for some job fields or for future
learning.
Requires adaptability to new technologies. If youve never been one to like
working with technology you will probably get less out of an online course than
your more tech-savvy counterparts. Make sure you feel comfortable working with
computers and with online programs before you sign up for a class.

2. REFLECTION:

What is your personal opinion on this issue? Do you agree with the research?
If you agree or disagree, please explain why?
Provide examples/experiences regarding this issue from school perspective or
If you are not working in a school, from your profession. Be specific with
your examples. You can mention software/hardware names, specific methods
that you plan to use, etc.
How would you implement this research in your career? (At least 1
paragraph)

Reflection:
I believe that the main advantage of distance learning is that it allows you to fit your
learning around your work and home life. The distance educator student set their own
pace of study. It is students decision as to when and where she/he studies. One of the
advantages of Distance Learning is it allows Students can access their course at any time,
from anywhere they can log on. This means that parents, working students, and
professionals on the move have the option of attending classes no matter their work
schedule. Students only need a computer and Internet access to take online classes.
Students may not have to sit for long periods of time. Lessons can be paused when
needed, and notes read at will.
Instructors can be more approachable in the online setting. Students may feel more
comfortable talking openly with their teachers through online chats, emails, and
newsgroup discussions rather than face-to-face. Online correspondence also cuts out
having to wait for office hours that may not be convenient for either party.

Also, Students may be able to save money by not having to physically attend classes.
Online courses may help individuals cut down or eliminate costs of transportation,
babysitting, and other expenses incurred by attending classes in a traditional setting.
Some web-based classes may not require physical textbooks, as reading materials may be
available either through the school's own library or their partnerships with e-libraries and
other digital publishers. E-textbooks might offer substantial savings for students, adding
up to hundreds of dollars a year.
3. REFERENCES:

Cite at least 5 References in APA.


You may use http://www.citationmachine.net/apa/cite-a-journal for citing
your sources in APA style.

References:
References
1. Porter, L.R. (1997) Creating the virtual classroom: distance learning with the Internet. New
York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
2. Ryan, M. (1997) Education casts wide net. TechWeb News, October.
3. Moskowitz, R. (1995) Wired U.. Internet World, October.
4. Duffy, J.P. (1997) College online: how to take college courses without leaving home. New York:
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

También podría gustarte