Distance learning is a process of creating and provides access to learning when the source of information and the learner are separate by distance and time. Green Berg (1998) defines contemporary distance learning as “a planned teaching/learning experience that uses a wide spectrum of technologies to reach learners at a distance and is designed to encourage learner interaction and certification of learning. Desmond Keegan (1995) gives the most through definition.
He says that distance education and training result from the technological separation of teacher and learner which frees the student from the necessity of traveling to “a fixed place, at a fixed time, to meet a fixed person, in order to be trained”. From these two definitions we can define some problem between teacher and student at the beginning distance learning . These problem include the quality of instruction, hidden costs, misuse of technology and the attitudes of instructors, student, and administrators. The Problems and SolutionsFacing with some problems beginning online learner is a normal for a new distance learner . The first problem faced by most of the Open and Distance learner is in balancing the combination of work, education and families. Most of Open and Distance education student are already have jobs and families.
They already have many responsibilities intimidating. The task of balancing all the responsibility is the truly challenging for the most distance learner. In distance education, learners are usually isolated from peers and tutors.They motivating themselves as well as maintaining and increasing self-esteem must continuously.
Lack of immediate support from teachers, friends and members of family will also affect the learners. The second main problem is attitude of the distance learner themselves, most of them are already away from education environment for a long time besides getting older and their concentration is lower. Online distance learner also have a hard times in being independent and responsible to their own self, most of the time , there is no one responsible to monitor the students’ learning process.The openness of the open and distance program gives student the freedom to their learning process.
Distractions such as friends or their family members asking to go to shopping at the mall during weekend and others routine before becomes an online student. Online distance learners also have a hard time in being independent and responsible to their study habits, learning goals and a task will hard to complete. Unfocused view of their learning goal also will make students act irresponsibly their learning.The third problem, most of learner faced is a problem in recognizing and mastering strengths and skill. In online distance learning technology is the main conduit which information and communication flow . Using computer and internet access is usually needed for the process distance learning.
The application will need the user to master the certain level of acquirement. They also need some basic on writing skills and go online distance learning command used English language. Unfortunately, not all the students possess the above-said skills.Lack of contact and competition with other students and lack of knowledgeable of system using will make student feel uneasy with their teachers and peers to communicate or group discussion. Learners will also feel uncomfortable with their learning situation and environment. The Open and Distance Learning courses are very different from a traditional classroom setting.
Research suggests that the effectiveness of distance learning is based on preparation, the instructor understands of the need of the student and an understanding of the target population (Omoregie, 1997).Sherritt (1996) found in her survey of higher education administrators that many of the decision makers view distance programs as second rate, a “necessary but deficient from of education”. She writes that this attitude also was found in academic departments that “have no strong mandates to adjust their curriculum and instruction to fit distance learning beyond cursory cooperation. There are no rewards for doing so and effort takes away from research time.
Sherrit also cites a study by Caffarella et. al. one in1992, which found off campus instructors to be “ a demoralized bunch, perceiving poor working condition, isolation, personal and professional deprivation”.This attitude hardly seems conducive to an effective learning environment for the students. If the administration and instructors are lacking in true commitment, it is bound to have a negative influence on the entire distance learning experience. The open and distance learner, actually after make the decision to further study must prepare mental and physical to faced with any problem and challenging during the period of study.
Online learning requires a time ommitment. Reinforce your commitment to study by informing your family members, roommate or your boss that I am now involve in online learning. They may help us on reinforce the need to learn. Learning new skills or gaining knowledge also can help our personal life and career to give extra motivation to stick with it.
We also need to address to our family, friends for not interruptions during online learning at home. If necessary, go to a room where can close and lock the door, also close other software program on your computer likes, facebook, do not respond to any emails, phone call, talks or television program.The online and distance learner who faced with ICT problem must have minimum computer capabilities, such as a certain amount of hard drive space for downloads or minimum internet speed, also need a DSL or cable connection for internet connection and a phone line to access online class, to communicate with tutors or discussion in forum with other student. Throughout internet also can access any subject such as likes e-books, e-journal, and articles from web site or from e-library.When we are participating using internet, the value of the learning experience can be affective.
Conclusions The idea of open and distance learning is a collaborative process. According to research by Palloff and Pratt (2000), “collaborative learning process assists student to achieve deeper levels of knowledge generation through the creation of share goal, share exploration and a share process of meaning making”. The convenience of times and space, student do not physically be with the tutor and they do not have to be together in times as well.The future of distance learning seems bright and the problems occurs to the distance learners are only for a short terms. Their commitments to improve for the learning are very important. Guidance by tutors and active using the medium like forum with other students can make the problems solve.
If the problem stayed, the open and distance learner will find the difficulties in their learning process. Besides that problem, the learner also feels hard to continue their learning process which is can affect their emotional and increase the cost.
