Understanding the Barriers for Distance Learners

In distance education there are additional problems and barriers that are encountered by the students and they fall into several categories; cost/motivators, feedback and teacher contact, student support and services, alienation and isolation, lack of experience and training (Galusha,2008). Online learners are more likely to have insecurities about learning that traditional learners. These insecurities are founded in personal and school related issues such as financial costs of study, disruptions of family life, perceived irrelevance of studies and lack of support from employers (Galusha,2008).


Perceived lack of feedback or contact with the teacher is a second area of concern for the distance student. Lack of face-to-face contact with the teacher may cause students to have trouble with self evaluation. The vital link between these two parties must be restored through overt institutional efforts so that the teaching-learning transaction may be reintegrated (Galusha,2008).

A third area of concern for many distance learners is the lack of support services such as academic planners, tutors, technical assistance, and resource support. Walden has eliminating this concern for me in the easy to use Student Support Services. Student Support Services are a significant part of the budgeted costs of the program.

Isolation is the fourth area of concern for distance learners. The feeling of isolation and alienation can cause students to simply feel like a member of a correspondence course. Traditional students find shared learning experiences and face-to-face contact to be an important part of their social lives.

“A fifth problem is prevalent with newer distance students. If distance learning institutions are serious about providing equity of educational opportunity to all, then careful consideration must be given to the special needs of students undertaking distance education for the first time. Of particular importance is the design of study materials for distance students”(Galusha,2008).

References:

Galusha,Jill M. (2008). Barriers to Learning in Distance Education. The Infastruction Network. Retrieved From http://www.infrastruction.com/barriers.htm