Sessions FAQs - Online and Distance Education (2024)

FAQs

How effective is online distance learning? ›

Some students do as well in online courses as in in-person courses, some may actually do better, but, on average, students do worse in the online setting, and this is particularly true for students with weaker academic backgrounds. Students who struggle in in-person classes are likely to struggle even more online.

Online learning will involve in-person interaction between you and your students on a regular basis. This is because online learning is used as a blended learning technique along with other teaching strategies. Distance learning includes no in-person interaction between teachers and students.

Lack of Motivation

Another common challenge that online learners face is a lack of motivation. Without the physical presence of teachers and classmates, students may find it difficult to stay motivated and engaged in their coursework.

While online teaching offers flexibility and accessibility, classroom teaching remains effective in fostering interpersonal connections and facilitating meaningful learning experiences. The optimal teaching method may vary depending on individual needs, preferences, and the nature of the subject matter.

Scientists looking at the effectiveness of distance learning found that in some studies, distance education students performed slightly better in exams and grades than traditional classroom students, but that overall the average performance outcomes weren't that different.

Despite the many advantages of online learning, face-to-face learning remains the preferable option for many people. Face-to-face learning offers a range of benefits, from being able to interact with instructors and peers in person to have more control over your learning process.

Online classes provide education right at home but still, there is a minimum amount of conversation between students and tutors whereas in offline learning you get individual attention. Online classes are less expensive compared to offline classes because it demands study material, uniforms, transport fees etc.

What is the biggest problem with online learning? ›

Student engagement and motivation

Online education can present challenges in maintaining student engagement and motivation. Many students think online courses are easier, but remote instruction is often more difficult because it requires more work, reading, and independent study.

Some kids have trouble with online classes because they lack the structure that in-person school traditionally provides. Additionally, students who have issues with anxiety, attention, or learning challenges may struggle to adapt to the different expectations and format of online classes.

The research finds that distance education has had a negative impact on the students' emotional state and physical health and has led to greater social isolation and lower motivation to study.

While just over 20% of undergraduate students enrolled at primarily online colleges earn their bachelor's degrees within six years, the graduation rate for similar students at other institutions was 64.6%. However, online students at two-year schools graduate at higher rates.

70% of students agree that online classes are better than traditional classroom settings. E-learning can help students retain between 25% and 60% more information. Distance learning uses 90% less energy and 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student compared to campus-based learning.

Some research shows that students perform equally or better in online classes than they do in traditional in-person classes. As expected, the amount of engagement in the online class affects its efficiency for students.

Present literature highlights that MOOC completion rates typically average seven to ten% (Fu et al., 2021; Gütl et al., 2014) with completion rates rarely exceeding 25% (Jordan, 2015).