RESEARCH PAPER

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in EDLE & CUIN 2022
EDUC 5324: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION

Name:Gulraba Durdyyeva Date: 06.21.2023

Selected Topic: What does the research say about the advantages and disadvantages of
distance education?
Literature Review:
Distance education, commonly known as online learning or e-learning, has become very
popular in recent years. While distance education has several potentials and advantages, it
also has obstacles and disadvantages. In this review, I will evaluate and summarize the
benefits and disadvantages of distance education from five different sources.

Distance education is an educational method that allows students and teachers to

communicate through technology without being physically present in a classroom. It can
take many forms, including online courses, virtual classrooms, and video conferencing.
Recently, it has improved a lot with the development of new technologies and the growth
of the internet.

Distance education has many advantages, such as flexibility, accessibility, and the
ability to learn at one's own pace. But distance learning can present challenges such as a
lack of interaction and feedback and the need for support services for online learners. ( Jon
Dron and Terry Anderson, 2014). Online learning can be as effective as traditional face-
to-face teaching if it is designed with clear learning objectives, assessments, and support
services for students. But challenges arise, such as a lack of interaction and accessibility
and the need for support services for online students (Nugiyen, T. 2015). In general,
distance education is not significantly different from traditional education. However, there
are advantages to accessing a variety of learning resources (MEM Amer 2020 ). At the
same time, online learning provides students with cost savings and challenges such as self-
discipline and time management (Concodia Unv 2023). Finally, during the COVID-19
pandemic, students accessed e-learning resources at home using educational tools such as
smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Students effectively used online learning systems such
as Google Classroom, Facebook, and Google Meet and had the opportunity to
communicate and participate in learning activities on these platforms. Students' skills for
online learning tools and meeting platforms are sufficient, and they provide active
participation in a flexible learning environment. (University, C.2023, March 22)

Reflection:
This literature review shows that distance education can offer many potentials, such as
flexibility, accessibility, and the ability to learn at one's own pace, but it also brings
challenges such as a lack of interaction and feedback and the need for support services for
online learners. Overall, the literature suggests that distance education can be an effective
alternative to traditional face-to-face education, but it is important to carefully consider the
advantages and disadvantages of each mode of delivery before making a decision.
I agree with the points mentioned above; distance education also has advantages and
disadvantages. I study myself remotely. The most advantageous aspect for me is being at
home and preparing for my lessons when I am available at home. But I still prefer face to
face learning. Because when I work from home, I still have time, and then I have delays
like doing my homework.
References:

● Dron, J., & Anderson, T. (2014). Teaching crowds: Learning and social media \.
Open Textbook Library.
● Nguyen, Tuan. (June 2015). The Effectiveness of Online Learning: Beyond No
Significant Difference and Future Horizons. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning
and Teaching, 2.
● Mohammed Amer, M. E. (2020). The impact of distance education on learning
outcomes in computer skills courses in Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University:
An experimental study. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 9(4), 1.
● Univercity, C. (2023, March 22). The Pros and Cons of Online Learning and
Online Classes March 22, 2023. Retrieved from
https://www.concordia.edu/blog/pros-and-cons-of-online-learning.html.
● Santiago Jr., C. S., Ulanday, M. L. P., Centeno, Z. J. R., Bayla, M. C. D., &
Callanta, J. S. (2021). Flexible learning adaptabilities in the new normal: E-
learning resources, digital meeting platforms, online learning systems, and learning
engagement. Asian Journal of Distance Education, 16(2), 38-56.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5762474