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Distance Learning Mythology (and Reality)
Myth 1: Distance Learning courses are easier than regular classes.
Some distance learning courses are easier than others, some are easier than those taught in the classroom, and some are harder. Most are about the same. Just like differences between courses taught in the classroom, it varies mostly according to the instructor, not whether or not it is a distance learning course. The content and requirements are equivalent (and often identical). Often, distance learning can be more challenging because it places more responsibility on the student. Of the students we surveyed, 15% judged distance learning courses easier, 54% about the same, 31% harder.
Myth 2: Distance Learning courses have lower success rates than regular classes.
Again, who teaches the courses and how they teach matters more than if courses are taught via distance learning. In general, distance learning courses have "better" grades: more A and B grades and fewer D and F grades. They also have more W and I grades. This is because most distance learning students are adults with heavy job and family burdens. Since they tend to be more mature and motivated than traditional students, they get better grades. For the same reasons, they are more likely to bail out with a W or request an Incomplete.
Myth 3: Distance Learning courses mostly drain students from regular classes.
It is true that less than 5% of our distance learning students are truly distance learners (i.e., unable to take classroom courses due to location). However, most (57%) said they would not have taken the course if not for distance learning. Many (30%) took only distance learning courses. Most (65%) were first-time distance learning students. In addition, over 90% said they planned take another distance learning course.
Myth 4: Distance Learning is a just fancy name for independent study.
Some distance learning (e.g., compressed video courses) involves an instructor teaching students in a remote classroom. Most distance learning is "asynchronous" and involves the Internet, recorded lectures on videotape, and other methods. In asynchronous courses, an instructor is assigned to do more than just assign and grade work. The instructor is expected to guide students through the course. Often student interaction via email and/or Internet discussion groups is encouraged. It can be highly interactive and as much work as regular teaching (or more).
Myth 5: Distance Learning is inexpensive.
Needless to say, compressed video courses are very expensive. Even asynchronous courses can be costly when the course development, technical infrastructure, and faculty/staff costs are factored. Distance learning can be cost-effective, and it can broaden the market for student enrollment, but it is not cheap.
Myth 6: Distance Learning is just a fad.
Is the Internet just a fad? No one can predict the future, but distance learning continues to grow in popularity and acceptance. New technology is making distance learning increasingly attractive to students and to institutions as they compete and evolve in a climate of limited resources. It won't replace traditional classroom instruction, but it will continue to grow and to transform traditional instruction.
Source: David C. Hanson, Fall 1999 Faculty In-Service Presentation, Virginia Western Community College.