South Sudanese Must Consider the Disadvantages of Distance Learning Before Grabbing Papers
3 min readBy Wenne Madyt Dengs, Juba, South Sudan
July 7, 2015 (SSB) —- Although distance learning offers more people an opportunity to attain higher education, it is not all advantages and benefits. Distance learning has costs, requires compromises and self-motivation is essential for success.
It would be a great shame for young nation like South Sudan to have thousands of students who graduated via distance education system. South Sudan will lack Medical Doctors and Engineers! Distance learning does not always offer all the necessary courses online. Students pursuing a specific certificate or degree program may not have all the necessary courses available through distance learning so it is not suited for all subjects. For example, you can study a history lesson completely online but you cannot perform nursing clinically online. For some courses, physical classroom attendance will be mandatory to complete the course.
Distance learning does not only require self-motivation but it also requires an individual to have strong foundation because distance learning is flexible, you need good educational background, planning and work to make it happen. Academic leaders should critically look into the newly registered universities in Juba and other states of the Republic of South Sudan and review their modes of recruiting students and also examine programs of study.
There are no compromises and you can easily get a zero! Distance learning is best suited for mature motivated learners who cannot afford the time to participate in a traditional classroom not necessarily for primary and high schools dropouts due to poor performing at school. Distance learning has numerous demerits. However, distance learning does not give students the opportunity to work on oral communication skills. Students in distance learning courses do not get the practice of verbal interaction with professors and other students. We must be careful.
Distance learning must be accredited. You take a serious risk when you pursue distance learning programs that are not accredited because they may be issuing fraudulent, invalid degrees. Not all distance learning is legitimate – there are many “degree mills” colleges that are not accredited. This is probably the most important factor to check before you enroll in a distance learning institution but many people are taking advantage of time and just enroll.
Distance learning may not be acknowledged by a specific employer. Although most employers do acknowledge distance learning, certain employers do not. Students who want to work for a specific employer upon graduation should be sure of that employer’s perspective about distance education.
However, when you acknowledge and understand these disadvantages, they are easily overcome!
Writer can be reached through: wennemadyt63@gmail.com
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