Disadvantages of Distance Learning

Besides many advantages for an individual, education institutions as well as for wider society, distance learning has also several disadvantages in compare with traditional learning. As well as in traditional learning in distance learning also appears questions of quality methods, approach and instructions which greatly depend on distance learning institution and teachers. However, because distance learning mostly bases on individual and independent learning without any or minimal physical contacts with outer world, the quality of instruction is even more emphasized and in case of low quality student can became only passive receiver of informations without critical and comprehensive understanding and knowledge.

Unaccessible media or lack of knowledge how to use modern technologies can also present problem for certain students or group of population. Although the majority of households nowadays has at least one computer and problem of accessibility to media is declining, however, proper use and misuse of modern information and communication technologies still remains a problem.

In compare to traditional learning, distance learning also presents greater risk of quitting before completing the program because for many distance learning students completing the education or learning does not represent the only or primal goal and are also occupied with other things, while some students do not have enough self discipline and/or ability to successfully organize time. On the other hand freedom and independence in distance learning can eventually also lead to social isolation of distance learning student.