Disadvantages of Studying for a Degree by Distance Education

Earning your degree by home study is not without its drawbacks. There are many benefits to attending a traditional on-campus university that you will have to do without as a distance student. Think very carefully about the kind of person and learner you are. Ask yourself if the realities of home study will cause a serious problem for you on the road to earning your degree. Here are some factors to consider:

No personal interaction with fellow students
Distance learning is a solitary endeavor. Even if your university has short residency requirements, regular computer chats, or local study groups, as a distance student you have to be prepared to do most, if not all, of the work on your own. Indeed, most distance programs assume you will be working in isolation and that you will not have regular, if any, contact with your classmates. Many university graduates say their most important learning experiences occured during discussions with their fellow students after classes. As a distance learner, you will probably miss out on such discussions.

No personal interaction with professors
As a distance learner, you will probably not have an opportunity to develop significant student-teacher relationships with your professors. Your teachers might also be hundreds or even thousands of miles away from where you live. Videotaped lectures, e-mail conferences, or occasional telephone calls cannot replace the benefits of a lecturer who is available immediately after class to answer your questions face to face.

Little support with difficulties
Students who study at home must manage with fewer support services than on-campus students. Day care and counseling are not available. Course advising is often difficult. And the administrative tasks that are a part of being a university student can take longer and be more difficult with a distance university because, unless you live nearby, you cannot simply visit the university's administration offices and speak directly to the appropriate person.

Distance students often have trouble accessing library or laboratory facilities, as well as books and other academic materials. Many of the more expensive distance programs have created elaborate mechanisms to support their students. You should be aware that, generally, the lower the cost of the degree, the less support you will receive. Be sure to examine what support service are offered by the university before you sign up for a degree program.

Lack of pressure from deadlines
Many distance programs are the epitome of self-direction. They allow to work at your own pace and take exams whenever you feel you are ready. However, the very flexibility of these programs, listed as an advantage above, can also work against you. Self-paced structures often lead to a lack of progress or even an abandoned program. If you are the type of person who cannot work on a project or assignment unless a deadline is looming, you should seriously question your ability to handle distance learning.

Because distance learners do not attend classes, they find that it is often difficult to detach themselves from their regular life and devote time to their studies. Many people need the structure of regularly scheduled classes and exams in order to stay motivated and do well in their studies. Most distance students find that they must reorganize the patterns of their life and create study schedules to make sure they get down to work. This is not easy to do, and it is up to you alone to make sure that you stick to your new schedules - no one else is going to do it for you.