step-by-step route

• introductory guide
• glossary
• unit specification
• assessment guide
• study section 1

• study section 2

assessment route

activity route

links

faq

Online learning has obvious disadvantages when compared to conventional classroom-based learning.

Here are a few ideas:

• the tutor cannot so easily gauge a learner's level of comprehension - there isn't the same opportunity to step in and motivate as required, etc.
• some learners may not feel comfortable with using the technology - its unfamiliarity (or their resistance to it) may get in the way of the learning process, rather than assist it
• learners may feel isolated and unsupported if they do not participate in online discussions and email exchanges (or if they fail to get prompt replies to messages they send)
• the technology can break down (or slow down so much that it is next to useless)
• learners may be unfamiliar with taking responsibility for their own learning and lack the self-discipline and motivation required
  (This can of course apply to classroom-based learning too, but some learners evidently expect everything to be tutor/facilitator-led and feel lost when it isn't.)
• developing courseware can be very time-consuming, and challenging (though once prepared it is relatively quickly and easily updated).

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(step-by-step route: Activity 1.8)