RESEARCH PAPER TEMPLATE

North American University

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

Name: Ilker Gure Date: 07/26/2018

Topic Selected:
What does the research say about 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:

Advantages of distance education

1. Provides for an increase in access to education for those who otherwise have no other
opportunities due to work, family or physical limitations.

2. Provides for a modality of instruction better suited for certain learners.

3. Greater flexibility for scheduling learning-Students can determine time and place of "class
time”.

4. Greater flexibility in location for study-Students can engage course at home or work or on
campus or at a library.

5. Distance Education is Learner Centered -DE places responsibility for learning with the learner
who must be more active and self-directed.

6. Facilitates greater learner-instructor interaction.

7. Increased interaction with classmates.

8. Facilitates Pedagogic Development-Individual Instructor Development.

9. Produces a carry-over effect into the regular classroom of improved pedagogic techniques.

10. Opportunity to develop technology competencies for instructors and learners.

Disadvantages of distance education

1. Time and frustration involved learning how to get on-line for novices.

2. Lag time between student input and feedback -Time lapse between need for learner
support and resolution.

3. Occasional internet provider downtime.

4. Student must be more active and self-directed in learning environment -Depends on

individual motivation and initiative.

5. Occasional feelings of isolation- Potentially less group support for learners leading to
isolation and possible non-completion of program.

6. Instructional design for group activities and group interaction more demanding on the
instructor.

7. Demands large effort and cost to develop appropriate materials.

8. Demands large effort to create and maintain the technological infrastructure.

9. Distance Education is not for everyone. - It is not for undisciplined learners or inflexible
instructors.

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:
According to me face to face learning better from distance learning but we cannot disregard the
advantages of distance education especially for the ones who has time conflict and needs flexible
schedule. In many ways Distance Education makes education accessible and available for many
people. In high school, distance learning gives the students opportunities to recover their
missing/failed credits and meet their graduation requirements and even more by giving access to
earn more credits towards their future college careers. As for the employees, professional
development opportunities give access the teachers to grow in their career while they are doing
regular job.

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:
Allen, A., Stucky, M., & Thiele, J. 1999. “Effects of web-based instruction on learning
behaviors of undergraduate and graduate students.” Nursing and Health Care Perspectives,
20(4), 199-203.

Barket, R. & Holley, C. 1996. “Interactive distance learning: perspectives and thoughts.”
Business Communication Quarterly, 59(4), 88-97.

Clarke, R. 1999. “Going the distance.” Black Enterprise, 29(9), 113-114.

Daka, P. J. The Relevance of Correspondence Education of Adults in Zambia. Unpublished

dissertation, Diploma in Adult Education, University of Manchester, April 1968.

Davey, K. 1999. “Distance learning demystified.” National Forum, 79(1), 44-46.