RESEARCH PAPER TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in EDLE & CUIN
EDUC 5324: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION
Name: Furkan Aygar

Date: 11/1/2015

Topic Selected:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Education
1. LITERATURE REVIEW:
What does the literature/research say about this issue/topic? By using NAU
Library or Online Search engines, conduct a literature review.

You need to include 5 different sources (book, journal article, web article
etc.) in your review. Try to use current sources as much as possible.

You need to summarize and synthesize your sources by discussing a

common theme or issue.

You don't need to critique your sources

You don't need to evaluate your sources (if the sources are trustworthy,
weather the author has a bias or not)

You need to provide background information such as history and

definitions

Brief Literature Review:

Distance learning is any type of instruction in which the student and
instructor are separated by physical distance. It is a medium of
teaching and learning using modern technology so that teachers or
students do not have to be together in the classroom. (OLawrence,
2007) The most common and modern way of distance learning is
online education provided by many universities and education
foundations. It typically allows students to study at their own pace, at
their own chosen time, and using materials that are specifically
designed for learning at a distance from formal teachers, instructors,
and classrooms. (Milheim, 2001) In recent experimental and quasiexperimental studies contrasting blends of online and face-to face
instruction with conventional face-to-face classes, blended instruction
has been more effective, and providing a rationale for the effort

required designing and implementing blended approaches. When used

by itself, online learning appears to be as effective as conventional
classroom instruction, but not more so. (U.S. Department of
Education, 2010).
Advantages and disadvantages of distance education can be evaluated
in perspective of instructors and students and institutions.
For instructors it is advantage to be able to teach out of classroom
walls which doesnt require much interaction. This completely removes
the classroom management problem of the instructor and enables
him/her to focus only quality delivery of the instruction. Another
advantage is the instructor has chance to benefit from a wide variety
of resources for instruction delivery than traditional method. (Milheim,
2001) Universities save money with distance learning enrolling more
students than they could in traditional learning settings. (Todd, 2015)
Students take advantage of flexibility of time to take classes, and
choose among varied options. They also can pace their learning.
However it is a disadvantage for instructor that distance education
requires more time and effort for planning to be successful. (Milheim,
2001) Institutions need to provide extra training to faculty and
students to allow them use the technology for program success.
(Sherritt, 1996) Students have to be much disciplined to benefit from
the program. (U.S. Department of Education)
2. REFLECTION:

What is your personal opinion on this issue? Do you agree with the
research? If you agree or disagree, please explain why?
Provide examples/experiences regarding this issue from school
perspective or If you are not working in a school, from your profession. Be
specific with your examples. You can mention software/hardware names,
specific methods that you plan to use, etc.
How would you implement this research in your career? (At least 1
paragraph)

Reflection:

I personally prefer face to face education even though the research suggest that distance
learning is as successful as face to face learning.

Interaction with instructor is very important to me, I believe that learning in the
classroom is more natural and interaction with instructor, chance to ask questions
constantly and get feedback is really important. Besides in the classroom environment,
learning from classmates is also a benefit for me. Traditional classroom is bringing a
chance to socialize with staff and students which is not available at distance learning. I
personally prefer expressing my ideas orally instead or written discussions forms, and
learn through listening and discussing.
On the other hand I agree that flexibility of time with my busy schedule is a great
advantage. Also, I catch up with latest technology of instruction through online learning.
Because distance learning requires writing all the assignments and discussions, the
written communication skills are developing and it gives us chance to think about all
aspect of the topic and make a research before discussions or any assignment submissions
which we couldnt do during class time.
3. REFERENCES:

Cite at least 5 References in APA.

You may use http://www.citationmachine.net/apa/cite-a-journal for citing
your sources in APA style.

References:
Milheim, W. (2001). Faculty and Administrative Strategies for the Effective
Implementation of Distance Education. British Journal Of Educational
Technology, 32(5), 535-42.
OLawrance, H. (2007) Journal of Education and Human Development An Overview of
the influences of Distant Learning on Adult Learners. Retrieved on October 30,
2015 from www.scientificjournals.org/journals2007/articles/1041.html
Sherritt, C. (1996). A Fundamental Problem with Distance Programs in Higher Education
U.S. Department of Education Evaluation of Evidence Based Practices in
Online Learning A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies
Retrieved on October 29, 2015 from
https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf