RESEARCH PAPER TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in EDLE & CUIN
EDUC 5324: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION
Name:_____Ismail Demir___________

Date: _______10/22/16_____________

Topic Selected: Topic 3:

What does the research say about advantages and disadvantages of distance education?

1. LITERATURE REVIEW:
What does the literature/research say about this issue/topic? By using NAU
Library or Online Search engines, conduct a literature review.

You need to include 5 different sources (book, journal article, web article
etc.) in your review. Try to use current sources as much as possible.

You need to summarize and synthesize your sources by discussing a

common theme or issue.

You don't need to critique your sources

You don't need to evaluate your sources (if the sources are trustworthy,
weather the author has a bias or not)

You need to provide background information such as history and

definitions

Brief Literature Review:

Distance education, or distance learning, is a field of education that focuses on the
pedagogy, technology, and instructional system designs that aim to deliver education to
students who are not physically "on site" in a traditional classroom or campus. This book
presents current research in the field of distance learning including such topics as virtual
classrooms in collaborative distance learning; metacognitive knowledge and distance
education; using a Web-based e-Learning system (WebELS) to support flexibility and
globalization of higher education in science and technology; and distance education
initiatives for people with disabilities. ( MacTeer, C. F. (2011).) In this case study an
improvement-oriented evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses and constraints of the
current situation at this University was undertaken. Data collection resembled a
triangulation mixed-methods design, which included questionnaire surveys and focusgroup discussions among the students and lecturers in a distance education
programmed. ( Makhakhane, B. b., Wilkinson, A. w., & Ndeya-Ndereya, C. N. (2016))
The literature regarding on-line teaching and learning is growing but is inconclusive.
Much of the literature that does exist does not focus specifically on on-line learning in
rural community colleges, and many of the studies consider the impact of on-line
learning from the students' points of view. A conflict concerning the effectiveness of online instruction also exists within the literature, with some professors' asserting that the
on-line mode is superior, some asserting that on-line and traditional modes are
equivalent, and others concluding that on-line instruction is inferior and less satisfying
than the traditional mode. ( Hurt, J. (2008).) The whole concept of Internet learning has

revolutionized education. It has no limits --geographically or temporally. I think that's

one of the important changes. Obviously we're at the beginning of a revolution here, and
I don't think anybody really knows where it's going to go. The Internet's ability to
transcend borders has offered many students the chance to realize their academic goals
without losing valuable career time. Communication is a major issue
for distance learning students. Before committing to a course, wise students will
consider how their program facilitates communication with other students and
professors. The greatest advantage distance learning offers is its flexibility. The
students are allowed to complete the course at their own pace. There is an online
student network available, but I haven't had time to participate in any of the discussions.
The computer is used as a cyber meeting space for those doing the course, and, of
course, for contact with the university and my personal tutor, as well as for finding
resources. (Galer, S. 1999). Like any kind of educational program, distance learning
comes with a host of pros and cons. Before you enroll in any kind of distance learning
program, make sure to carefully consider these in order to be sure youll be getting an
education that meets your personal needs, strengths, and career goals.
Distance Learning Advantages:
Lots of flexibility. With distance learning courses, students can complete their course
work from just about anywhere, provided theres a computer and internet connection.
This allows students to work when and where it is more convenient for them without
having to squeeze in scheduled classes to an already busy life. No commuting. Taking a
course online can be one way to cut down on costly gas or public transportation. Since
students can often work from home to complete their class assignments, both time and
money are saved in cutting out the trips to and from class. Numerous choices for
schools. Even if you live in a community with few or no colleges distance learning allows
you to choose from a wide variety of schools to complete your education. You may find
online schools that specialize in your particular field or one that can provide a great
general education. Either way, your options for education will be greatly expanded.
Lowered costs. Prices for online courses are generally cheaper than their on-campus
counterparts and you wont have to worry about commuting, moving or getting meal
plans on campus, some additional benefits to learning from home.
Learn while working. As distance learning can usually be completed on your own
schedule, it is much easier to complete distance learning courses while working than
more traditional educational programs. Keeping your job gives you more income,
experience and stability while completing your degree giving you less to worry about and
more time to focus on your studies.
Distance Learning Disadvantages:
Lack of social interaction. If the classroom environment is what you love most about
learning you may want to take a step back and reconsider distance learning. Youll likely
get some interaction on chat rooms, discussion boards and through email, but the
experience will be quite different than traditional courses. Format isnt ideal for all
learners. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for online learning. If you know you have
problems with motivation, procrastination and needs lots of individual attention from an
instructor you may want to think long and hard before enrolling in an online learning
program. Some employers dont accept online degrees. While a majority of employers
will, there are some who still see a stigma attached to distance learning. Realize that
your online degree may not be the ideal tool for some job fields or for future learning.
Requires adaptability to new technologies. If youve never been one to love working with
technology you will probably get a lot less out of an online course than your more techsavvy counterparts. Make sure you feel comfortable working with computers and with
online programs before you sign up for a class.
Not all courses required to complete the degree may be offered online. It makes sense
that more practical majors like nursing arent offered entirely online, after all, part of the
degree is learning to work directly with patients. Find out all the requirements of your
degree to see what may need to be completed offline. ( Retrieved from

http://iadl.org.uk/Articlr20.htm)

2. REFLECTION:

What is your personal opinion on this issue? Do you agree with the
research? If you agree or disagree, please explain why?
Provide examples/experiences regarding this issue from school
perspective or If you are not working in a school, from your profession. Be
specific with your examples. You can mention software/hardware names,
specific methods that you plan to use, etc.
How would you implement this research in your career? (At least 1
paragraph)

Reflection:
In my review, distance education has more advantages than disadvantages. For
example, I can easily go online and take my course while I drink coffee or tea in my
home. Since I feel comfortable at my home, it is a unique opportunity for me. If I dont
get distance education, I have to drive to school and it sometimes takes longer time than
I think. Disadvantage of the distance education is, I think, I dont have a campus life and
it affects motivation. If a student gets education on campus, he or she can socialize with
friends and have conversation about teachers and lessons. These conversations are
important for students since they keep them fresh and motivated.
3. REFERENCES:

Cite at least 5 References in APA.

You may use http://www.citationmachine.net/apa/cite-a-journal for citing
your sources in APA style.

References:
MacTeer,C.F.(2011).DistanceEducation.Hauppauge,N.Y.:NovaSciencePublishers,Inc.
Makhakhane, B. b., Wilkinson, A. w., & Ndeya-Ndereya, C. N. (2016). COMPILING AN EVIDENCE-BASED
IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR THE SUPPORT OF DISTANCE-EDUCATION STUDENTS AT A SOUTHERN
AFRICAN UNIVERSITY. Africa Education Review, 13(1), 20-36. doi:10.1080/18146627.2016.1186421

Hurt, J. (2008). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Teaching and Learning On-line. Delta Kappa
Gamma Bulletin, 74(4), 5-11.

Galer, S. (1999). Distance learning the high-tech way. Computing Japan, 6(8),
The International Association for Distance Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://iadl.org.uk/Articlr20.htm