Recent studies have shown that long distance learners felt that learning networks provided better access to their professor. Students in a survey also believed that they got better grades than in a face-to-face course, perhaps because the social inhibitions were gone and they felt more comfortable taking an active part.
Distance learning can be an effective way to train a work force. The benefits of distance learning are that it is a cost-effective way to train a widely dispersed workforce, saving on travel expenses and time away from work. It provides flexibility convenient for individual schedules, allowing learning to take place anytime, anywhere. And it gives companies a good way to retain their most valuable employees.
Distance learning enables learning to be self-directed, provides a high level of training, and makes it easier for businesses and organizations to achieve their goals and objectives.
Learning via videoconferencing is valuable in another way, regardless of who the learner might be. The benefits are obvious.
Video learning is like having a live virtual classroom where everyone connects to the same server at the same time. An instructor is present to teach the content, and electronic tools allow for hand raising and interaction. Nothing is lost in translation; all the components of traditional education are in place. Individuals trained effectively with videoconferencing can be trained whenever needed. Being able to teach in smaller chunks, in a timely manner, means that learning is retained.
