Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning

Distance learning is becoming increasingly popular. Distance learning offers numerous advantages, especially for professionals who want to continue their education alongside their job or obtain a degree. Distance students can organize their study times flexibly and study anywhere. Depending on the provider, you will receive your documents online or by post. However, those who would like to have direct contact with their fellow students and would like to work in learning groups, could be better off in a face-to-face study or course. For instance, A level chemistry tutor at StudyMind gives students a chance to stay interacted with fellow students and also with the tutors.

Advantages of distance learning

Advantages that speak in favor of distance learning are, for example:

1. You can design your learning units flexibly. You are not tied to a timetable and decide for yourself when or where you want to study.
2. Depending on your personal time allotment, you can study many distance learning courses full-time or part-time. As a working person, you have the opportunity to complete distance learning alongside work. Those interested who do not have a job can concentrate full-time on their distance learning.
3. Not only the beginning of the course, but also the duration of the distance learning is variable with many providers. Often the students can extend their standard period of study free of charge. If you have a little less time to study in the meantime, just take another semester. Finding more time to study can shorten your study time.
4. As a rule, distance learning is possible alongside your job. This means you don’t have to lose your salary and you don’t have to quit your job. In this way, you will also gain practical experience during your studies, which you will benefit from when you apply later.
5. Since you study at home and only take part in a few face-to-face seminars, you have neither long journeys to nor from the airport and therefore no high travel costs and time expenditure.
6. In the case of distance learning, you often have a personal contact. They will look after you individually, answer questions and help you with your studies.
7. At some distance universities you can exchange ideas with your fellow students and professors via the online campus.
8. Many employers appreciate employees who receive further training via distance learning and even support them with additional vacation or by taking on part of the costs.
9. Just like participants in a face-to-face course, distance students can take advantage of numerous funding opportunities. These include student loans and scholarships.

Disadvantages of distance learning

In addition to the numerous advantages, distance learning also has some disadvantages, such as:

1. In distance learning, you rarely have personal contact with your fellow students and lecturers. Since you are not regularly present at a university, you will not experience the typical “student flair”.
2. Reading the study letters is part of the compulsory program of a distance student. These already cover several hundred pages. Without an effective reading behavior, you will need a lot of time to work on the study material.
3. Private life and social contacts are limited due to the frequent double burden of work and study. Friends and family may need to be able to do without you for a while when taking part in distance learning.
4. There are no timetables for distance learning. You have to plan and organize your study times independently.
5. Distance learning can be more expensive than face-to-face or face-to-face learning. In addition to the tuition fees, there are also costs for study materials and accommodation for face-to-face events.
6. Not all departments are suitable for distance learning. Courses with a large amount of practical work, such as biology or arts subjects, cannot be completed by distance learning. As a result, you are more limited in your choice of course than with a face-to-face course or course.

Lack of recognition?

Is distance learning recognized in the same way as face-to-face study? Basically yes. Whether Bachelor or Master – a degree via distance learning is equivalent to a degree from a face-to-face university. Because whether state or private – even distance universities have to be approved by the state and the courses have to be accredited.

Nevertheless, some graduates from distance learning universities have the feeling that the alternative route via distance learning is not as popular with employers as traditional face-to-face learning. This can lead to better jobs, a higher salary and / or more attractive opportunities for advancement. Whether this impression actually corresponds to reality remains questionable and must be viewed individually.

What is certain is that it is quite difficult to predict whether and to what extent a degree via distance learning will improve career opportunities. Some invest a lot of money and free time for years without it ultimately paying off for them. People who have chosen the classic, straightforward path have the advantage that they were able to achieve the desired career at a young age and gain more professional experience on it. Those who do not decide to study distance learning until they are 30 or 40 years old will only achieve the same career later. In a direct comparison, people of the same age with a first CV could have an advantage here.

But time cannot be turned back, and CVs are very different. Therefore, the recognition of degrees via distance learning cannot be generalized. Especially since distance students score with other things. With a successful degree you have proven that you are well organized, motivated, disciplined and resilient. A distance learning degree is proof that you have successfully mastered the challenges. It also says a lot about the personality structure and existing soft skills. Factors that should not be underestimated in the free economy. Graduates from distance learning courses also have a lot of professional experience and are ahead of younger graduates from face-to-face universities in this regard.

Ultimately, a multitude of factors play a role in professional success after distance learning. Subject of study, profession, practical relevance, current economic situation, demand on the job market, personality, etc. are just a few aspects that have to be thrown into the pot. There is no guarantee that a distance learning course with top marks will automatically lead to more success, money and fame. However, it can be a door opener and, in combination with the necessary specialist knowledge, also help those who do not have a traditional educational path to top positions.