Distance Education

Distance education is a concept that has both advantages and disadvantages for k-12 students. Students who take classes through distance education have the opportunity to work directly and work often with the internet, a tool that has become a prominent factor of daily life. Online classes also tend to require more responsibility from each student. Working independently will give students the chance to practice independent learning, and push students to become actively engaged. If students have questions, it is their responsibility to contact the instructor, or ask peers.

Disadvantages of learning through distance education include the lack of teacher-to-student and peer-to-peer interaction. Students attend school not only to gain knowledge in the academic subjects provided, but also to gain knowledge in becoming notable citizens. Without the opportunity to learn and grow together, students only achieve part of what grade school offers.

Students who show competence in traditional schooling should be allowed the chance to explore distance education. A mixture of both traditional and distance education can target the advantages of both, while eliminating most of the disadvantages.

To prepare for distance education, teachers need to form a curriculum that is targeted for independent, teacher-centered learning. It is also important that teachers stay on top of students and that everyone remains organized. Depending on the grade/age level of the students, teachers need to try and regulate how much responsibility is handed over to students for optimal success.