Is Distance Learning for Everyone?

A review of the negative aspects related to online courses.
A number of factors could negatively affect a student's success with distance learning courses. (The circumstances are changing as institutions are becoming more aware and moving toward accommodating distance-learning students)

No Instructor Face Time - if your learning style is one where you like personalized attention from your teachers, then online education will probably not work for you.

Perceptions/Reputation - while slowly changing as more and more mainstream colleges and universities embrace distance learning, there still is a stigma attached to distance education.

Requires New Skills/Technologies - if you are not computer-savvy or are afraid of change or new technologies, then online education will probably not work for you.

No Social Interaction - while you often interact with classmates via email, chat rooms, or discussion groups, there are no parties or offline get-togethers.

Making Time - if you are a procrastinator or one of those people who always needs an extra push to complete work, you may have a hard time making time for your online classes.

Little Support - students are expected to find their own resources for completing assignments and exams, which is empowering for some, but daunting for others.

No Campus Atmosphere - part of the traditional college experience, of course, is the beauty of the campus, the college spirit, but there is none or very little of that with distance-education courses.

As I have researched and reviewed these negative aspects, I MUST say that the Interactive Technology program at the University of Alabama does NOT fall into these categories!!! The instructors, faculty and developers have gone out of their way to make this program a success. Each of the above listed topics have been fully addressed and overcome with positive results. I for one am a supporter for the online, distance-learning, as well as, some blended curriculum programs. There are so many programs today reaching all of the aspects of educational pursuit, all one has to do is find what they want.