Does the advantages of distance learning outweigh the disadvantages ? Universities and colleges are now offering qualifications through distance learning from the Internet rather than teachers in the classroom. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Nowadays, more and more universities and colleges are offering online courses instead of providing courses in the classroom. In this essay, we are going to analyze the advantages and disadvantages.

Undoubtedly, distance learning brings a lot of benefits. One obvious virtue is that studying through Internet is more flexible. Learners can use their free time to learn instead of going to the classroom at a fixed time, and they can choose wherever they want. Timely response is another advantage. Students clarify their problems in a online group which is setting up by the assistant. They can ask whatever they don’t understand during all learning process. Moreover, more people have been involved in the learning. Due to most of the courses are pre-recorded, learners can download the courses and learn. Compare to the classroom in school, more people get involved and have access to learn what they want.

Nevertheless, there are several disadvantages of remote learning. Firstly and most importantly, because the learning takes place at any time and anywhere, people are easy to be disturbed by other things such as family issues and work stuff, which makes them not so concentrate as in the classroom. Secondly, without strict time limitation or supervisor, learning is mainly depend on self-control. Learners are easy to lose patience or give up.

Overall, I believe that, although there are negatives, the positives of online learning are more convincing for the reasons above.