Distance Learning and Communication Skills, Essay Example

Introduction

Project is to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning through observation of learning the traditional college method v online learning method.  These observations will include, if any, prior online coursework experience and research as applicable.

My attitude toward distance learning is very open-minded and positive. Online courses offer flexibility of learning environments and flexibility to choose almost any course a person wishes to take which can potentially lead them to a higher degree.

Advantages

Advantages of distance learning are that it offers the flexibility to attend school around a busy work schedule and it offers the chance to accelerate the completion of a degree.  There is great access to faculty members through discussion groups where a student can receive feedback on questions instantaneously.  The flexibility to take classes in evenings or nights is vital to students with families.

Distance learning obviously presents an obvious advantage to geographic differences. There is no need to formally attend class because everything is conducted online from your home, work or just about anywhere you have access to the internet and a computer.

The lectures are written out for the students on either a PowerPoint presentation or as a Microsoft Word document, usually.  Hence, there is no need to take notes unless you want to comment about something during the discussion boards which meet once or twice a week.

Classes are technologically advanced with the latest links added into the lesson and professors comments directly from latest sources unlike some out of date books.  Some classes do require you to purchase books in addition to the given course notes from the lecturer, however, the books presented are normally up to date of the current year or previous year at latest.

You can come as you are!  This means that you do not have any dress code to abide by.  You are either in the privacy of your own home while in lecture or at any other place where you choose to have your class online, dressed as you wish with no demands or constraints.

The best advantage is the distance learning degrees hold the same value as some traditional colleges and universities especially with relation to career focused degrees.  You can obtain a BA, BS or MA or MS online.  At the present, PhD’s are not obtainable through distance learning; however the majority of people choosing this route choose to study at a university for reasons of access to laboratories and other important guiding factors.

Disadvantages

With the many advantages of distance learning comes a disadvantage most common of cost. The costs of distance learning are more heightened than traditional classroom experiences because of the advantages they offer. Another disadvantage is that of a lack of supervision which to some can be the pitfall to their education. People choosing the distance learning route must be focused, organized and totally committed to their education. This is achieved through a good frame of mind and self-discipline. Online professors set deadline for submission of assignments and there is no one there to remind a student of the deadlines except by way of communication with the professor online through email or discussion groups. Often students find it useful to stay in communication with other students taking the class with them in case of situations where they need to be reminded of an assignment due date.  Extensions are sometimes granted by professors but it is purely discretional. Other downfalls to online education may be that a particular course you are taking online is not accepted as a transfer credit to another college simply because that course is not offered by that university.  It is important to plan your future around online courses if you think you may want to transfer to another college or use your degree to obtain a higher degree later in life. The key factors universities consider when assessing transfer credit are if the particular course you are desiring to transfer is offered at their university and if the university you are transferring from is accredited. There are several different accreditation boards for online schools so be careful to research that your school is part of a national accreditation body.

Those who do not have very good internet skills will not succeed through the use of distance learning.  The entire syllabus is built around the use of internet sessions for discussion boards for classroom assignment.  Internet is also used to research homework assignments.  A student should have a working knowledge of word processing software such as Microsoft Word to type their coursework assignments and email to send them to the professor.

If you are not motivated with superior discipline you may have the tendency to procrastinate with your assignments. If you are this type of person then distance learning may not be the best choice for you.

COM252

I have chosen to take COM 252 because I hope to gain a thorough understanding of effective ways to communicate in the workforce and in my personal life.  Communication skills are an essential element every employee and manager must have as part of their standard tool set.  I hope to learn how to communicate with a ‘win-win’ perspective as illustrated in Dale Carnegie’s perspective that at the height of a businesses success it effective communication and professionalism that is portrayed, henceforth. This will be through learning the art of communication which is better mastered by use of an passive aggressive form of communication style as contrasted with an aggressive style that fosters a ‘win-lose’ attitude and promotes resentment and hostility.

Conclusion

If your goal is to be a doctor or a lawyer you might now want to go the distance learning rouge, although there are a few universities and colleges online that offer distance learning degrees to obtain a JD in Law and sit for the California Bar Examination after successful completion of the course. The college is accredited but not by the American Bar Association. Through research I have not found any distance learning university to offer a MD degree.

However if you want to choose any other career other than those mentioned and you want to do your degree with advantages of flexibility and enjoyment to guide your own college path to an extent, then distance learning just might be the best avenue for you to pursue. First question should be that of whether you are computer literate, self-organized and dedicated to your learning desires.  If you answer yes to those then you should seriously consider distance learning and expect to be rewarded with a degree if you put in the effort.