One of the hardest things about distance e-learning is trying to stay focused and motivated when sitting alone in front of a computer. There are several factors that can determine whether distance learning is appropriate for a particular student, including self motivation, ability to filter out distractions, and strong reading comprehension, among other skills. But there is no doubt that for many people the isolating feeling of staring at a computer screen can be a big turn off.
The leading factor in not completing an online program for many people is the lack of companionship and support during the program. Many students feel online interaction can’t compete with real face-time. On the other hand, nearly all colleges have added on online component to their coursework, even courses taught on campus in a lecture hall or classroom.
If social isolation is such a problem for distance learning students then why is the phenomenon growing on college campuses across the US? Could it be a generation gap, where those who grew up without cellphones, email, IM, and SMS view them as a supplement or replacement for the “real” thing?
Perhaps students who’ve always used these tools first as foremost as social tools, as opposed to those of us who began using them in the office and then spread to our personal lives (especially since so many of use spend most of our day in the office, instead of socializing) are much more comfortable with them as a primary form of socializing rather than a supplementary form.
I predict that online learning will continue to grow despite the drawbacks of lack of “face-time.” As students become more comfortable socializing via a mediator such as a computer or cellphone, and as kids who are already comfortable with this become university students there will be less resistance to the perceived lack of socializing in a computer mediated course.
Thoughts? Feel free to comment below.
