Introduction
The past decade, long distance education has started to gain pace as many people do not have the time to money for investing a regular college course. The result of such predicament for many people meant they missed out on education in the past, but with the advent of information technology long distance learning industry has been boosted significantly. Almost very top college offers long distance education to students that wish to gain a top level education from reputed colleges. This has only been possible due to the presence of information technology to support it. Students can attend virtual classes from their home and give oral and written tests through the internet. Long distance learning has made education and knowledge accessible to many who might have missed out on improving their credentials (Ramey). This paper will discuss the implication of information technology on students enrolled in long distance learning.
Role of Information Technology
Study from Anywhere
Information technology has helped distance learning students to set their pace of study, leaving the decision to students to choose their time and location of study. It barely matters the location of the student, getting a degree has been made easier due to information technology. Also, students can learn more subjects and apply for college programs that are not assessable due to distance issues. Many students are now able to apply to the best colleges, despite living thousands of miles from the college (Rao).
Low Cost of Education
Another implication of information technology on distance learning is the lower rate of education for students. The majority of the distance learning courses cost much lower that attending as a regular. This ensures that many people who are not able to afford college education are able to get degrees they desire at lower rates and still get the advantages they seek from education. In addition, other costs associated with attending college are also avoided such as commuting, getting meals, and relocating (IADL).
Networking Opportunities
Another Implication of information technology on distance learning students is the opportunities of networking that are associated with the course. Distance learning substantiates networking opportunities as students get to interact with people from all over the world enrolled in the same course. Distance learning enables students to interact and develop connections with people from diverse backgrounds. Also, the selection of professors in distance learning is mostly strategic. As students attend virtual classes or get DVDs for the class, thousands of students can be taught through one video or online class. It means the best professors and experienced industry professionals can be hired for improving learning opportunities for distance learning students (NJVU).
Control over Pace of Learning
There is no rigid classroom schedule and students can do their classwork and assignments free from strict time limitations. Mostly, students get multiple dates to submit their class work, allowing them to work on other important issues and roles in their life. This means students get the opportunity to pace their learning and perform their educational responsibilities based on a flexible approach (US Journal of Academics).
Conclusion
Information technology has alleviated learning opportunities for students in several ways. One of the implications of information technology advancement is distance learning that provides several advantages to students. Through distance learning students can enrol in the best colleges and preferred courses without travelling or relocating. Students can study from anywhere and control their pace of learning as technology has advanced to such a level that they can attend virtual classes. The networking opportunities associated with distance learning are greater than standard classroom that restricts the student’s reach to their classmates and limited number of professors.
Works Cited
IADL. Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning. IADL. Iadl.org.uk. n.d. Web. 23 July 2016.
NJVU. Top 10 Advantages and Benefits of Distance Learning. NJVU. Njvu.org. 7 September 2011. Web. 23 July 2016.
Ramey., Karehka. 6 Uses of Information Technology in Education. Use of Technology. useoftechnology.com. 2 December 2012. Web. 23 July 2016.
Rao., Nitin. Pros and Cons of Distance Learning. HT Campus. Htcampus.com. 17 March 2016. Web. 23 July 2016.
US Journal of Academics. The Advantages of Distance Learning. US Journal. usjournal.com. May 2014. Web. 23 July 2016.
