The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Distance-Learning DMS Program by zouliath

Blog posting By Zouliath Bouraima
1st year DMS student
Montgomery College

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Distance-Learning DMS Program

Online blended learning is a requirement for all students enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Montgomery College. Some advantages of distance learning includes less time commuting. Our money and time that we will have spent on travel back and forth to school will be saving. We can complete most of the classes at our convenience. Most of the time, we don’t have to attend a lecture at a particular time and place. We can review the assignments and do our homework during off-hours or from home. We also have the flexibility to study in any convenient location with an Internet connection. We can study wherever we have access to a computer and Internet connection. We also have the flexibility to join conversations in the board discussion areas at any hour, and to review our classmates' comments since the previous visit.

Distance learning also makes us gain extra knowledge on computer skill, and how to manage our time. Distance learning is a self-paced learning for slow and quick learners. It reduces our stress and increases our satisfaction.
Distances learning also has its disadvantages, such as both the instructors and students involved in distance learning may need to make sacrifices at times to get things done on time. Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback. Distance learning does not always offer all the necessary courses online. Students pursuing a specific degree program such as sonography, will have to go to their clinical sites to learn how to scan, this cannot be completed online. Some people find it hard to manage their time by themselves and study without supervision. Social isolation is another disadvantage of distance learning because studying can be more isolated.

Based on your unique circumstances, you can compare the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning over traditional learning and decide which one is right for you. A few years ago, distance education was seen inferior but nowadays all colleges are providing distance learning courses and it is generally considered a way to learn and improve one's life.

Contrary to what many people believe, the distance education advantages far more outweigh the distance education disadvantages. Do you agree?

Do you think that sonography will be much easy if it was not a distance learning course?

How do you manage your time to submit all assignments on time?

Do your really have more time to spend with your family when you are doing distance learning class?

References:http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/index.htmlhttp://www.montgomerycollege.edu/distance/media/distancelearning.swf (video)