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There are many advantages to Distance Education, the first one focuses on accessibility. This idea of giving absolutely anyone the opportunity to study whatever they like, whenever they like is what distance education is all about. The fact that technology has developed so much has led to people everywhere now being able to access the internet and therefore able to participate in the distance education program. As well as this there are members of society in the not so fortunate countries that would love to get a decent education and with the internet being available to them this is now a reality. 'Less expensive computer technology and the increasing speed and capacity of computers in relationship to their cost and therefore distance education appears to provide the opportunity to train more people better and at lower cost (Hellman 2003).' The cost of Distance Education is definitely cheaper than the normal education that a majority of people would pay for.
In terms of what can be studied and when you study it is entirely up to the student. There is complete flexibility in regards to scheduling timetables and subjects as well as when you complete your study. The opportunity to proceed at the students own pace is also a huge advantage as everyone has different learning abilities as well as techniques of learning and being able to do it yourself and not move on to another topic until your confident in what you just learnt is extremely helpful. For those students who pick things up that little bit quicker, they are able to move through the work and not feel as though they have to continually wait for others before learning more. Opportunities such as not having to leave the house to study may not appeal to some but to single parents with small children, it is a blessing in disguise. They are able to get the education they need as well as raise there family. Families who live out of town because of work or other commitments can still give their children a great education without making them board or move out of home. They can still be apart of their family as well as receive an excellent education at the same time. (Hellman, 2003)
In regards to the cost, there is a huge possibility that Distance Education will save a large amount of money. The physical equipment that schools must have, for example classrooms, parking lots, student housing etc. all a huge amount of money. With Distance Education, however there is no need for these physical assets. (Hellman, 2003)
Quality and consistency is ensured when using Distance Education. The programs used are created by professionals who are experts in their field. Depending on each person will also depend on what sort of program they will use. As mentioned before, each student is different and therefore the best techniques that they learn and respond to must be used to enable a successful program. (Calvert, 2003, p. 17-28)
Calvert, J. (2003). Quality Assurance and Quality Development. In Davies, G & Stacey, E (Eds.), Quality Education @ a Distance (pp. 17-28). The Netherlands: International Federation for Information Processing. ISBN 1402075685
Hellman, J. (2003, June). Distance Education: Its Advantages and Shortcomings. Un Chronicle. Retrieved October 7, 2005, from http://www.un.org/Pubs/chronicle/2003/issue4/0403p47.asp
Stephanie Shield 06:08, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)
