Disadvantages of e-Learning or Online Learning Education

What disadvantages of e-learning exist? as much as online learning programs provide many benefits and advantages, they aren't a good fit for everyone. Some students may find that they don't work well on self-guided studies, or prefer to have physical access to professors and fellow students. Other students may simply not like the isolation of an online education. If you're thinking about e-learning options, make sure you evaluate the disadvantages of e-learning and determine whether you can cope with them.

What are some Disadvantages of e-Learning or Distance Learning?

e-Learning or Online Learning Requires You to be Motivated

Online learning is not an appropriate education format for all learners. Some students find that they simply don't have the motivation to complete self-guided courses, or do the required reading and finish their homework for distance learning courses. Some students don't learn well in an isolated setting, or from reading material; students who require personal attention may not be successful in distance learning programs offered by accredited online colleges and universities.

E-learning Students may not have ready access to Professors

Many online learning programs make professors available during specified "office hours" just like traditional universities. However, with some online learning programs, one-on-one time with the professor during these hours is in high demand, and students may not have ready access to professors. Additionally, many professors in traditional university settings answer student questions during and after class, but that may not be an option for elearning programs with asynchronous settings. If you value direct contact with a professor, online learning education may not be a good choice for you.

Students don't get Immediate Feedback with e-Learning

When students do send emails or turn in assignments via online learning systems, they don't have the benefit of immediate feedback. In many cases, asking a question is a matter of sending an email and waiting hours or days for a reply; instead of the seconds between asking a question and getting an answer in a traditional classroom setting. Online learning classes typically don't provide students with immediate feedback opportunities, such as trading assignments and grading them during class, or participating in a conversation during a lecture.

Online Learning or e-Learning creates Social Isolation

One of the things that many students enjoy most about a traditional education is forming relationships with their fellow students and teachers. Through its very nature, online learning creates social isolation; it doesn't promote the development of social relationships. However, many online learning programs offer forums and virtual learning options for students to mitigate this social isolation, but it's still not the same as physically interacting with other students and teachers.

E-Learning Diplomas may not be accepted by some Employers

Another disadvantage of e-learning education is that some employers may not accept e-learning diplomas or degrees, regardless of whether the school or university is fully accredited. If you're thinking of completing a distance learning program to prepare yourself for a new career with a specific company, consult their policy on online education. You may find that a degree earned via online distance learning won't get you the job or career you want, and you'll have to evaluate whether you want to enter a different job or attend a traditional university program.

Online Learning Requires Special Equipment

Distance learning options add an element of complication to the education equation. Online learning requires you to have a computer and an active Internet connection, and you may need to be online during specific times for tests or important lectures. If you don't have a computer or aren't comfortable with technology, distance learning might not be a good choice for you.

Some distance learning programs may also include media such as online video conferencing, which require a fast Internet connection and a computer equipped for video. Not everyone has access to these resources and technology. If you can't use a fairly new, powerful computer, or you're still using dial-up or don't have an Internet connection at all, this may be your disadvantage to e-learning education.

Online Learning doesn't provide some Valuable Life Skills

One of the most important real-life skills that students learn in a traditional college setting is oral communication. In a distance learning program, your oral interaction and non-verbal communication with your professor and other students is extremely limited. You may not develop the valuable oral communication skills that you'll need in a regular workplace. For example, if you go on to work in an office or other professional setting, you'll be expected to communicate with co-workers and potentially clients. If you don't have good communication skills, even the best online education won't help you in these settings.

Online Learning doesn't always Include Hands-On Practice

You may be able to complete some online learning programs without ever having to put your hands on real equipment or interact with people. However, many professions require you to have experience with specialized equipment or procedures that you just won't get through a distance learning program. For example, nurses can't perform clinicals online, so they'd be missing a valuable piece of the education through a distance learning option.

If you're considering e-learning education and the program requires you to have hands-on experience to complete your degree, make sure your college or university of choice makes provisions for the hands-on training or that you can get your hands-on experience through resources in your community.

If you're the kind of learner who can overcome most of the disadvantages of e-learning, these top colleges and universities with distance learning programs provide a starting point for information on various online degree programs.