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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
Training & Organizational Development
Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
A forum for exchanging ideas about skills training, leadership training, management training, compliance training, e-learning, as well as organizational development and effectiveness.
Broad topic, just looking for your thoughts so I can see if I am covering all my bases.
It could be in the realm of adult education or HRD. It would be great if you could share some real life exper
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Forums » Topic Forums » Training & Organizational Development » Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
posted at 10/5/2007 12:47 PM EDT
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Posts: 544
First: 9/27/2004 Last: 9/13/2011 |
Broad topic, just looking for your thoughts so I can see if I am covering all my bases.
It could be in the realm of adult education or HRD. It would be great if you could share some real life experiences. |
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
posted at 11/6/2007 5:55 AM EST
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Posts: 23
First: 11/28/2006 Last: 11/26/2010 |
Our experience over 30 years would indicate that training that is trying to break old or existing habits requires a coach/instructor. Performance improvements also tend to be greater with instructor led training as opposed to distance learning in the same subject. That said, costs and benefits may trump the classroom in favor of the self study program. |
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
posted at 11/23/2007 9:42 AM EST
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Posts: 2
First: 11/18/2007 Last: 11/23/2007 |
Hello,
How deep do you wish to explore this topic? I am a doctoral student at the University of Phoenix Online. I am also a great proponent of online learning model. If you wish, I can share a few articles with you that discuss the subject. Finally, someone I know recently defended a dissertation comparing the quality of online and traditional education models. I might be able to obtain a copy for you, if you are interested. Best regards, Aleksandr Zhuk |
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
posted at 11/24/2007 12:34 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 11/24/2007 Last: 11/24/2007 |
Very broad topics indeed. My opinion is: I can see its effectiveness in technical skills training. However, it will be a challenge to do 100% distance learning in soft-skills training (for example: leadership).
Right now, I am using it to prepare participants before in class training so that we can use the class time more for workshop, discussion, presentation and simulation. |
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
posted at 11/28/2007 6:53 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 11/28/2007 Last: 11/28/2007 |
Our organization offers over 100 classes through e-learning. Unfortunately, most employees cannot take advantage of it. Since the learning takes place on the job, there are constant interruptions. You just can't tell a client who walks in unexpectedly, while you're sitting in the office, that you are not available to meet with them because you are in training. Co-workers and/or subordinates often ask for guidance, ideas or assistant with their work. With so many employees already working over 40 hours a week to get their "real" job done, there just isn't enough time for training. If employees want to complete the training at home, we are responsible for paying them, usually an overtime rate, and that's not likely to be approved. |
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
posted at 11/28/2007 7:53 AM EST
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Posts: 6
First: 11/28/2007 Last: 3/26/2008 |
I have utilized distance learning for my own education, plus have been an online Adjunct Instructor & Instructional Designer. My students were mostly nontraditional / adult students already in the workforce. These classes were offered through Purdue University in Indiana.
I believe the advantages of distance learning far outweigh the disadvantages. The keys to successful distance learning: The learning method & degree of self-discipline of the student, the instructor, and the design & curriculum of the distance learning class. Tammi Peters, MSHRD |
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
posted at 11/28/2007 9:11 AM EST
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Posts: 11
First: 1/11/2007 Last: 6/29/2011 |
I have used online and distance learning as well. I find that online works well as long as there are specific guidelines for completion--leaving it open ended lets students get distracted with other life events and it seems to make it more difficult to get things done. I would not rely on distance/online education as an alternative to face-to-face training only because it's proven that adults retain learning from visual demonstration and face-to-face interaction. |
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
posted at 11/29/2007 5:12 AM EST
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Posts: 15
First: 10/19/2007 Last: 6/6/2008 |
An interesting survey was recently released discussing the benefits of online learning. According to the attached NPR article, "Online education is growing at many times the rate of higher education overall."
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16709807 |
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Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
posted at 11/29/2007 8:11 AM EST
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Posts: 544
First: 9/27/2004 Last: 9/13/2011 |
Wow, thanks for your generous and thoughtful replies. I was gathering input for a class I was taking and for the term paper that I turned in October 16th! I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing any angles (based on your comments I did!). |
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