Modular Distance Learning: Enhancing Academic Development

This chapter is intended to analyze the fundamentals required by a student in order to enhance their academic development by self-directed modular distance learning . Nowadays, a large population spends considerable time acquiring information and learning new skills. The rapidity of change, the continuous creation of new knowledge, and ever-widening access to the material make such acquisitions necessary. Much of this learning takes place at the learner’s initiative, even if available through formal settings. The components essential for students to focus on in order to achieve their academic goals through self-directed learning may include their social state, financial condition, available resources, determination, and hands-on experience. Self-directed learning and distance learning will also be discussed and through their advantages and disadvantages.

Self-directed learning

Knowles, 1975 regarded self-directed learning as ‘a process in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes’.

Today individuals wanting to achieve particular academic goals have wide access to remarkable resources of information that enable them to accomplish self-directed learning as well as distance learning. Such resources include databases, websites, books, scientific papers, and information given by qualified lecturers. However, for these resources to benefit the individual they must possess self-determination and certain financial circumstances which will be discussed in the latter. Yet, with self-directed learning comes many advantages and disadvantages.

Distance learning has become a very popular option among students nowadays due to its advantageous flexibility of time, place, and study schedule. The degree of elasticity in a distance learning course is far more than that of a regular course. Instead of students having to attend classes in an Educational Institution, distance learning courses allow students to pursue their education at their own pace and convenience. Time saved is much greater as students can avoid commuting to and from college and instead have the option of studying from the comfort of their own homes.

Distance learning has become popular with the growing advancement of the internet. This creates more access to the student while also helping them to gain further intelligence through the use of technology. It has allowed academic places to reach a wider population of students with fewer teachers. This offers flexibility to both tutors and novices, giving tutors the opportunity to develop the course in a way that only they can choose.

In the past, videoconferencing was generally restricted by high costs, exclusively allocated hardware, and by limited flexibility. However, with the development and expansion of competitive low-cost broadband internet access, it has caused many educational institutions to utilize videoconferencing as a method of connecting and interacting with individuals over a vast distance. The potential to create global classrooms can foster educational collaboration while enhancing the experiences of learning communities.

Such a learning mechanism has become increasingly popular in education over the past years, allowing individuals to connect through video and audio systems while making it easier for the transferring and sharing of documents and files to fellow peers, lecturers, and employers. It also eliminates obstacles like space and time thus allowing students to contact colleagues and tutors anytime and anywhere in the world.

Distance learning is remarkable if you are self-disciplined. Nevertheless, self-discipline is not a trait possessed by all individuals. In this case, self-directed learning can be disadvantageous to the party. The onset of distance learning has given way to several negative criticisms. One of which is loneliness and isolation. Less group support for learners and direct face-to-face social interaction can lead to isolation and the possibility of students not completing their chosen course. Although studying in the comfort of your own home is appealing, students are left to complete their course without the support of their peers which may cause some students to become frustrated and de-motivated as many students may feel more comfortable discussing the course content with their companions. Many courses nowadays offer a combination of distance learning with classroom teaching, providing a classroom setting for students.

Losing track of deadlines due to home or work commitments can be a major issue with students. In order to avoid this predicament, students need to be self-motivated and focused in order to successfully complete their courses. As a distance learner, discipline and excellent organizational skills are key to success. Once more, distance learning is primarily self-disciplined. Difficulty grasping and understanding the material provided can be overwhelming leading to failure. This can prove unfavorable for many individuals especially if they require one-to-one interaction with the tutor and exchanging feedback with their classmates. However, being self-disciplined can brand an individual more independent and self-directed.

Ultimately, without appropriate training for utilizing such technologies, which is the main component of distance learning, service users cannot excel in distance learning. This results in low academic standards which stand unattractive to future employers.

Social State

Understanding the characteristics of students and how they combine studying with their daily life is key to assessing the impact it has on their academic development. A happy, healthy, and social student is more likely to engage in group studies with fellow students or engage with lecturers thus getting more involved academically. In comparison, an individual who isolates themselves from others may become unhappy with their academic lifestyle and is consequently more liable to drop out or defer their degree. The social student observes adaptive learning characteristics making them less likely to give up on an objective and thrive academically.

Distance learning may be the resolution that allows for students with different individual needs, differences, and intellectual abilities to focus and engage on various topics at their own pace. Other factors such as the individual’s emotional stability or personal circumstances may also affect the pace at which the individual learns. Therefore, allowing the tutor to cope more efficiently and effectively in managing students with mixed abilities.

Financial condition

According to the American Psychological Association, it is evident that a student’s financial condition can seriously impact their academic life either negatively or positively. For example, a student coming from a low socioeconomic background may be obliged to work alongside their studies in order to pay for their college fees and living costs. This in turn can leave added pressure on a student and could significantly impact their studies. In such instances, the need to work and an increased income may become a priority over academic studies and thus college grades can become affected. Conversely, individuals with a high socioeconomic status may progress better academically due to a reduced amount of pressure financially, allowing more time spent on studies and less on working a part-time job.

Furthermore, students require the proper access to all equipment necessary in order to fulfill their course requirements such as good internet access, a laptop, and a printer, for example. Those that cannot afford such amenities may struggle with distance learning and thus proves not the best option academically for such an individual.

Determination

As discussed, students need to assess their current situation, lifestyle, and ability before undertaking distance learning. According to Garrison’s three-dimensional model, the key to success in self-directed learning include good organizational and planning skills, the ability to work independently, self-discipline, being able to accept constructive feedback as well as monitoring your learning process, and knowing when to evaluate and adapt accordingly.

The organization is key to success. Setting a schedule and adhering to this throughout the academic course will bestow achievement and prevent disappointment. Meeting deadlines is crucial with regard to distance learning. Time management and completion of assignments are absolute. Applying knowledge gained through self-learning and critical thinking will help an individual succeed not only academically but moreover in the future.

Hands-on experience/Practical Training

With the ever-increasing competition for jobs, employers are now seeking to employ candidates who can clearly show and apply their skills and abilities rather than reciting off a list of qualifications. Along with the increasing number of graduates applying for jobs comes the need to make themselves more appealing to employers. Educational Institutions offering distance learning to students should provide the necessary methods, approaches, and resources for students in order to prepare them for life outside of education. Ensuring this signifies that students will be better equipped and will gain a better knowledge of what they want in life and which future career path they wish to follow. These practical skills make students more appealing to future employers and allow them a higher chance of employment.

Many employers refuse graduate students who do not possess the correct practical skills and experience that are necessary for the job and require that they have participated in and completed at least one year of work experience in their chosen field. Students who do not have the appropriate skills on how to conduct themselves in a professional capacity are not aware of the responsibilities that are entailed in carrying out such a job. Distance learning displays such a weakness as students do not have the opportunity to practice hands-on, for example in a laboratory, and so have a disadvantage to those who are practically working on a daily basis in their college institute. Conversely, many employers are open to graduates that they can freshly train with ‘no bad habits that may be picked up in a college setting.

Overall there are some distance learning courses that combine theoretical and practical learning. In this case, the individual develops both mentally and physically allowing them to thrive in many aspects of employment. Practical training gives the student a better understanding of certain tasks/techniques by allowing them to apply in practice what they have studied.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, self-directed learning elevates the individual’s confidence, and information management and facilitates independence all of which are highly regarded characteristics that employers seek. In addition, the ability to acquire material, comprehend it, and solve problems is considered exceptional on a resume. It is of the utmost of importance as a self-directed learner to set short-term and long-term goals. Such goals include obtaining a high-quality grade and supplementary knowledge that in the long term will result in achieving a successful career in the future. Furthermore, one contemplating such an approach to learning should consider the following. Am I self-disciplined and focused? Do I have the determination? If not, the individual ought to reassess their approach to academic life.

In summary, there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with distance learning. Students themselves analyze the pros and cons of distance learning. Such an approach to education is not suitable to everyone, depending on one’s circumstances. However, distance learning has assisted a number of individuals to pursue their life goals by returning to education, who, without this may not have had the opportunity to do so.

Bibliography

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