Is the distance learning equal opportunity?

Answer 1

From Distance learning: an equal opportunity education (2010)

One of the greatest aspects of online education is the equalizing factor. While not all online students are as quick or comfortable with technology, each tends to be much more comfortable with expressing his or her thoughts in the virtual classroom.

In an ordinary classroom environment, only one or a few students frequently interact with the professor. While many may be boiling with a thought or question, the common fear of speaking in a public setting may deter them from ever communicating. It can be intimidating to speak up in a classroom of 25 students, let alone a larger class of hundreds. Even if one waits until after class, students are often intimidated by speaking to a professor. Likewise, entering face to face discussion with other students in the class can be overwhelming as they struggle to avoid appearing dumb, hurting the other person's feelings, or being misunderstood.

In an online classroom, many of these emotional struggles are lessened or even removed completely. Students are able to enter into a virtual discussion wherein they post comments, replies, and questions freely. They are able to reread their text prior to submitting it, ensuring that their communication is clear and accurate. This provokes greater discussion than is often seen in a typical classroom because there are more participants and greater clarity, and all of these discussions can be copied and kept for later consideration. This same principle applies to the interaction between the student and instructor.

Therefore, online education provokes greater equality in education. It is no longer the know-it-all sitting in the front that hogs the discussion and questions, but each student is given an equal voice.

Moreover, no one sees skin color, age, clothing styles, or hears a man or woman's voice. Each person is a student. The fact is, people make judgments based on these factors. In the virtual classroom, these are non-issues. Each person is a student, an equal. Each person is there to learn and grow and the instructor is simply another person who facilitates that growth.

In these ways, online education is a great equalizer in the field of learning. Each person is given a fair hearing and ability to participate. This participation can lead to greater success not only as a student, but as a worker in whatever career he or she chooses. Distance education is a great attribute to a diverse nation seeking unity in diversity. http://www.examiner.com/online-learning-in-roanoke/distance-learning-an-equal-opportunity-education