Many people join distance-learning programs (study material, post, TV, internet) and study at home, but some people think that it cannot bring the same benefit as attending colleges or universities does. Do you agree or disagree?

As the development of modern technology, varied communication methods have profoundly converted the way people study, transport and entertain. Consequently, it is not uncommon for people to receive education through distance-learning programs and study at home. Comparing with attending colleges or universities, distance-learning has its unique strengths and offers an excellent complement to the orthodox education, but it is also not flawless.

Undeniably, education supplied in colleges and universities are usually of high quality and actually create an environment that not only benefits the students on their academic learning but also cultivates many intangible virtues and abilities in them, such as critical thinking and team-work mentality. What is more, frequent interaction and proximity among the students facilitates the cultivation of life-long friendship, which is actually regarded one of the most valuable assets one can get from tertiary education. Last but not least, in colleges and universities, students have the access to the latest information and trend through lectures or scientific journals in school libraries. At an age of information explosion, it is essential for everyone to update him or herself with the cutting edge information so as to meet the demand of the ever-changing job market. Concerning these aspects, distance-learning programs can offer very little benefits to its learners.

However, through this flexible learning method, many special students are able to make a great difference of their lives. Generally, handicapped students are deprived of the opportunities to receive ordinary higher education, but the innovative learning method spares these students the trouble of traveling around on campus or being laughed at by the others. Also, for the students who live in rural areas where not many talented teachers would like to work and live, they are given an equal opportunity to be acquainted with advanced science and technology.

To conclude, college and university education, as traditional and orthodox method of teaching, undoubtedly supplies their students with great benefits on academic learning and more valuable virtues and abilities, as well as many life-long friends. While distance-learning expands a whole new horizon for these handicapped students or the ones who live in rural areas.