Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning

There can be no debate that the computer and the Internet have forever changed the way people learn, and perhaps there is no better evidence of this than the new opportunities being afforded students through distance learning. Distance learning is an educational model in which instructor and student, separated by physical distance, communicate instead through the use of various technologies. These types of programs allow students, who would otherwise be excluded from these educational opportunities׀excluded due to constraints of time, distance, transportation or disability׀the opportunity to continue their education from a distance. And while many colleges and universities have implemented distance learning programs as part of their overall curriculum, most admit that in addition to the numerous advantages these programs offer students, there are also a few disadvantages that must be noted. These advantages and disadvantages are presented below.

Distance Learning: The Advantages

瀀 Limited travel. In a time when gas prices have now soared above $4 a gallon in many regions, limited travel is definitely a plus. Aside from the occasional face-to-face interaction that is necessary in distance learning, typically, students in these types of programs will not have to commute.

瀀 Convenience. Studies show that the majority of students who opt for the distance learning model are working adults, most with families. For these students, distance learning affords them the freedom to study during hours most convenient for them, such as nights or weekends׀hours that traditional in-class courses are not typically offered.

瀀 Self-Paced. One of the indisputable facts regarding education is that different students learn at different paces. Distance learning allows students to work at their own pace, without being hampered by classroom time restrictions that are either too short or too long.

瀀 Course Availability. These days, when budget cuts to higher education seem to be the norm, finding the one or two courses to complete a particular course of study can be difficult, if not impossible. Distance learning allows colleges and universities to offer a wider range of courses, which in turn can help students finish their degree or occupational program in the shortest amount of time.

Distance Learning: The Disadvantages

瀀 Technology requirements and knowledge. Prerequisites for participating in distance learning programs almost always include the possession or acquisition of the suitable technology (computer, web cam, Internet service, etc) and at least a basic knowledge of working with this type of technology. Consequently, those who cannot afford a computer, or those who lack the appropriate computer skills may be excluded from participating in distance learning.

瀀 Isolation and Motivation. While some distance learning programs include some student interaction׀interaction which enhances the educational experience׀the majority of the coursework will be completed independently. Thus, those who lack the motivation and/or organizational skills to work in this self-paced style manner may do poorly with this type of delivery model.

瀀 Lacks Immediate Feedback. Classroom discussions and assignments allow for immediate instructor feedback, whereas distance learning does not. Students who require this type of immediate feedback and/or recognition may have the tendency to fall behind in a distance learning environment.

While research statistics have consistently shown no significant difference between distance learning and traditional classroom instruction, it must be noted that those statistics assume a well-constructed program, one that utilizes appropriate and relevant materials and includes opportunities for both student and teacher feedback.

Distance Education: What Is It and Is It Effective?

Have you recently considered going back to school, either to earn a degree or perhaps receive additional training and education as it relates to your current profession? Are you hampered by time constraints due to work and/or family demands, or by geographical distance between you and the nearest school? If so, there may be another option: distance education. In recent years, many institutions, faced with the dilemma of how to offer increased educational opportunities without increased budgets, have answered this challenge by offering more courses and programs through distance learning. To help explain this educational opportunity in a bit more detail, here we will briefly define distance education and the primary tools used to deliver it, followed by a discussion on the overall effectiveness of this type of delivery model.

Distance Education Defined

Much like the name implies, distance learning is characterized by educational situations in which the instructor and student are separated by physical distance. In this delivery model, instead of imparting the required knowledge in a traditional classroom setting, the instructor will use various technologies׀data, voice, video and print׀coupled with the occasional face-to-face meeting. Distance education programs allow schools and institutions to reach a wider cross-section of the population, including working adults with various time constraints, those limited by distance and/or transportation and the disabled.

Distance Education: Delivery Methods

While distance education may not have been possible, and certainly not as effective twenty years ago, technological advances since that time have provided instructors with several tools to enhance the distance learning experience. These tools or delivery methods generally fall into four main categories as outlined below:

瀀 Voice. Although instructors still employ the use of one-way audio tools׀tapes and radio׀the advent of interactive audio tools, such as audio conferencing, allow teachers and students the opportunity to audibly and effectively communicate from even the greatest of distances.

瀀 Video. Video instructional tools include Power Point slides, pre-produced film or videotape, and video conferencing technologies.

瀀 Data. With regard to distance education, the data category, which includes any use of the computer as an educational or organizational tool, is by far the largest. This includes using data to deliver self-contained lessons to the student, organize instructional sessions, track student progress and manage records. This category also includes any secondary computer use, including the sending and receiving of emails, computer conferencing and searching the Internet.

瀀 Print. While some contend that printed educational materials are Ӏon their way outԀ due to advances in computer technology, many teachers still find these materials, which could include items such as textbooks, study guides and workbooks, very beneficial in distance education.

Distance Education: Is It Effective?

The opponents of distance education are quick to say that these types of programs are not nearly as effective as traditional classroom instruction, but the data on the subject does not bear that statement out. According to several separate research studies, when students possess the necessary technology, and when instructional tasks are appropriate, distance learning, as long as there is timely instructor feedback, can be just as effective as the traditional instructional model. What this seems to prove is what many proponents of distance learning have always contended: The instructional model used to impart knowledge is not nearly as significant as the student(s) motivation to receive it.

Glimpse Correspondents application due Thursday, June 30

This message is to announce that due to unprecedented response, we've decided to extend the application period for the Glimpse Correspondents Program one more week.

The new deadline is Thursday, June 30, 2011.

Powered by Matador, and supported in part by the National Geographic Society, the Glimpse Correspondents Program provides talented writers and photographers with a $600 stipend as well as one on one editorial training and support to complete an independent journalistic work based on their experience abroad.

To apply, visit: http://glimpse.org/correspondents

Students Recruitment Programs

Purpose

The purpose of the Linton Recruiting Students program is to extend the reach of International Student Office  (ISO) Admissions through the volunteer recruitment efforts of well-trained, knowledgeable, and passionate team. The program will help to expand the UniversityҀs brand presence on a national and international level and help to increase enrollment at Leganda Group. With well-trained, knowledgeable and enthusiastic team members, we can truly put millions of ringgits into Legenda through our recruitment efforts. 

Regardless of an individualҀs economic situation, one of the greatest gifts they can give back to Linton is their time. The efforts of this program will capitalize on the passion our team have the group. Their ability to volunteer in the recruitment process or refer students to any of the programmes will enable us to secure the future of Linton University College and ensure the longevity of the Legenda Education Group.

The overall goal for the program is to have people coming together to assist the International Student Office Admissions by representing Linton University College (LUC) at various enrollment events and activities, adopt local high schools and identify and maintain contact with prospective students from their community. The members will be informed of basic academic information, provided the opportunity to participate in student programs and activities and be asked to provide feedback to LUC regarding materials and activities.

Roles
There are a variety of ways you can become involved in the ISO Recruiting Students program. We invite you to recommend a student to the ISO Admissions through the student referral form or call, sms to any of the detail below and one of the team member will get back to you as soon as possible.

Current students of the Legenda Education Group can also enroll to serve as Volunteer Recruiters. These volunteers will assist the ISO Admissions by representing Linton University College at various recruitment events and activities such as college fairs across the country and on campus events. 

Volunteers can also adopt their local high schools as a way to become involved in recruiting future LUC students. By adopting a school, volunteers are able to help identify and maintain contact with prospective students from their community and country respectively. 

Join Us Today
To begin assisting Linton University College and Legenda Education Group in students recruitment, contact us now: - 

Mr. Daniel, Ms. Hidayah, Ms. Dayana

lagos@legendagroup.edu.my

OR

daniellegenda22@gmail.com

Use Summer to Boost Scholarship Applications for Fall - The Scholarship Coach (usnews.com)

Use Summer to Boost Scholarship Applications for Fall - The Scholarship Coach (usnews.com)

An Education in Saving on Textbooks

Every year students flock to the college bookstore to purchase the various textbooks that they require for their classes. Little do these students realize that, in doing so, they are throwing good money away. As unbelievable as it may seem textbooks, in some cases, actually cost as much, if not more, than tuition.

On the surface the college bookstore may seem like a convenient source for textbooks. Titles are usually in-stock and students may purchase new textbooks or opt for the cheaper alternative of used books. In truth the money saved by purchasing used textbooks from the college bookstore is only a fraction of the amount that students could be saving if they shopped online.

More and more online booksellers have begun selling textbooks at a considerable discount off of the cover price. In fact, many major booksellers now have special areas of their web sites that are devoted to selling nothing but textbooks. Online used bookstores are another source for college books as they stock a large number of textbooks, which means sizable savings for students. There are also web-based retailers whose inventory is entirely devoted to college books.

Students should avoid purchasing their textbooks at the first store that they browse. Instead, they should investigate the alternatives offered by other online booksellers. Price isn't the only factor to consider when making an online purchase. Students should also factor in shipping costs and delivery time when making their buying decision.

Online auctions are another option for students seeking a bargain. This option, however, has its pros and cons. A plus is that students can get incredible bargains when obtaining books via online auctions. One downside is that established retailers have channels in place to ensure that you receive your order within a reasonable amount of time. With an auction purchase, however, you are at the mercy of the auction seller's timetable.

One way that students can really save is by obtaining books for free. Project Gutenberg is one resource that English majors will find invaluable. At this site students can peruse a vast collection of classics that have entered the public domain. In the past students seeking assistance with their studies had to pay for the privilege of that help by purchasing study guides. Today that is no longer the case. Cash-strapped students can now visit Spark Notes for free downloadable study guides as well as free downloadable classics.

Students who elect to buy online will no longer be able to resell their books to the college bookstore at the end of class, but that doesn't mean that they are stuck with the textbooks. Many web sites that sell textbooks also offer students the option of selling their books to fellow bargain-seekers. This allows students to easily recouping a portion of their money.

Textbooks normally consume a major portion of a student's budget, but that doesn't have to be the case, because while the cost of tuition may be set in stone the price of textbooks isn't. By taking the time to do a little research on the best textbook values available college students can save money now rather than acquiring debt to be paid back later.

Getting An Online Masters Degree

What seems like a very long time ago you left high school and entered college where you completed your bachelor program. You found a job in your industry of choice, married your childhood sweetheart and started raising your family. Despite your many long years of experience and loyalty you notice that your company is bringing in a whole new batch of people who have completed their graduate degrees and now many of them have moved to higher positions within the organization.

You know what you have to do, go back to school and get your graduate degree but how could you ever imagine leaving work and your family to head off to university for four years? You canҀt. Luckily you donҀt have to anymore. You can take get an online graduate degree through a distance learning program. As long as you have the willingness to learn, the ability to learn independently and a modem on your computer you are ready to go and get it.

You can learn and work on your online masters degree at home after the kids are gone to bed. Instead of watching another rerun on television you go online to learn and study. As far as costs go taking an online graduate program qualifies you for a series of low-cost loans and tax deductions. You may even be able to get your employer to pay part of your costs because they will also benefit from your improved skills and knowledge.

Best of all you can learn anywhere you have an Internet connection. At home, at the office after work, or at the local library at lunchtime.

You pick the space and the time and go online to learn. Some people create a home office or study area and as long as you are comfortable it will work for you. Develop a regular routine that allows you to get your study done and your assignments e-mailed in on time and you will be well on your way to your online masters degree.

In addition to the joy of learning an online masters degree makes you more valuable to your employer. The Unites States Census reported that on average a person with a masterҀs degree is about $9,000 per year higher than those with only a bachelor's degree. So thatҀs why all those younger guys are getting more money than you.

Soon you can demand and get that kind of money, so get to work and study hard. Your future and your salary may depend on it.