Advantages and disadvantages of distance education
Advantages
1. Provides for an increase in Access to education for those who otherwise have no other opportunities due to work, family or physical limitations.
2. Provides for a modality of instruction better suited for certain learners.
3. Greater flexibility for scheduling learning-Students can determine time and place of "classtime" .
4. Greater flexibility in location for study-Students can engage course at home or work or on campus or at a library.
5. Distance Education is Learner Centered -DE places responsibility for learning with the learner who must be more active and self directed.
6. Facilitates greater learner-instructor interaction.
7. Increased interaction with classmates.
8. Facilitates Pedagogic Development-Individual Instructor Development.
9. Produces a carry over effect into the regular classroom of imporved pedagogic techniques.
10. Opportunity to develop technology competencies for instructors and learners.
11. Access to global resources and experts via internet communication and Internet resources.
12. Allows for the internationalization of learning opportunities.
13. Centralized resources can produce higher quality materials for distribution .
14. Has the potential to equalize access to education.