The main argument usually used against distance learning is the lack of
interactivity. People refer to the benefits of personal communication between a
student and a tutor as one of the main advantages of traditional education.
Accordingly, the assumed absence of such communication is used as the burning
issue considering the distance learning. The present article, nevertheless,
provides a different point of view, stating that distance learning might surpass
traditional education in terms of the opportunities for interactions between an
instructor and students.
Traditional Learning
It should be stated
that the opportunities for interactivity which are ascribed to traditional
education are largely overrated. In large groups with more than a hundred
students in the lecture, the possibility for personal interaction is not so easy
to achieve. If more than 30 students have questions regarding the content of a
lecture, it is doubtful that the instructor will have an opportunity to answer
all questions.
Distance Learning
The current developments in the
sector of communication and information technology resulted in the interactivity
surpassed those of distance learning. Accordingly, such developments led to
interactivity that can be seen as an advantage of distance learning. Every
student enrolled in distance learning has an opportunity to be in contact with
the instructor. Any consultation on issues related to the content of the course
or the lecture is possible and appropriate. The means to achieve the latter far
surpass those implied in traditional education, using online conferences, chats,
instant messaging programs, emails, and telephone communications. Comparing
distance and traditional learning, it can be stated that such diversity of
options are absent in traditional education. Additionally, considering that many
students might feel shy asking the instructor in the lecture hall, distance
learning might be a great opportunity for personal interaction.
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