Distance Education:
Distance Education Definition - Virtual classroom: any online area in which instructors and students ‘meet’, via their computer connections, for course activities.” (Ko, Susan, Rossen, Steve, 2004, Teaching Online: A Practical Guide)Virtual classroom: any online area in which instructors and students ‘meet’, via their computer connections, for course activities.” (Ko, Susan, Rossen, Steve, 2004, Teaching Online: A Practical Guide) Pros and Cons - Distance education is very beneficial for those students who like to work independently or unable to attend regular classroom courses. People who have a very busy schedule (work), are taking care of a family, or are ill or disabled, distance learning is a great option. Some drawbacks to distance education for some is the independence. Some people feel that they are all alone in some cyber space and lack the self discipline needed to meet deadlines. Cuthrell, Kristen and Lyon Anna. “Merlot Journal of Online Learning and Teaching.” Instructional Strategies: What Do Online Students Prefer? Vol3 No 4, n. pag Web. December 2007
Traditional Education:
Traditional Education Definition - A traditional classroom typically a place in an identifiable space, usually but not limited to a school or in an institution dedicated to learning. Some pros and cons to a traditional education are as follows: Pros Face to Face instruction. (Ability to also read people bodily language and tone) Classmates who are physically there in the room with you makes for sound richer discussion. Immediate feedback with both instruction and discussions. Overall tangibility of physically and collectively learning (physical human contact) Cons Inflexibility or limits with respect to the achievement of the assignment. (ie, curriculum modifications) Large classroom size. Little opportunity for one on one instruction. Distance Rovai, Alfred P. and Jordan, Hope M. “International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning”. Blended Learning and a Sense of Community: A commparative analysis with traditional and fully online graduate courses. Vol 5 no2 (2004): n. pag. Web August 2004 Many learners favor traditional learning while others find that it is more restrictive and lacks flexibility. If you enjoy learning directly from an instructor and surrounded by classmates with the daily measure of deadlines than the traditional education is the way to go,
Co-existance of Distance and Traditional Education.:
Co-existance of Distance and Traditional Education. The benefit of the two together are: Traditional education is not only supported but enhanced by the incorporation of technology. When distance education is met face to face with traditional education distance education students are more confident in their ability having worked with technology. The flexibility of having dual access to the instructor, class materials, and classmates. Making personal connections with overall classroom environment to enhance the total learning experience. Dual accountability and responsibility thus reducing learning gaps. Cavanaugh, Cathy. “Center for American Progress”. Getting Students More Learning Time Online. Distance Education in Support of Expanded Learning Time in K-12 Schools. May 2009