Distance Learning at University
- Calico
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Distance Learning at University
- Jack D Ripper
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Re: Distance Learning at University
However, I have spoken with people who have done (and currently are doing) long distance learning, and I am inclined to think it leaves much to be desired. How well you will do depends greatly on how good you are at independent study, of learning from reading, and watching videos of lectures. Of course, there are "zoom" like options that may be possible (that will be up to the school and particular classes), but they are not the same as being in a room with others, nor will you get the same sorts of after class discussions with your classmates that you would have gotten if you were there. This will likely mean that your educational experience will be inferior to taking regular classes.
If there are special online forums for your particular classes, you will probably want to read what is posted in them, as you might occasionally learn something useful (amongst the useless verbiage).
As always, you should ask questions early rather than late, particularly as it may take some time to get a response. And, as always, you should not wait until the last minute to do whatever homework or studying that is required for your classes; do it early, so if you have any questions, you might be able to get an answer in time for it to help you with tests or papers or whatever you have to do for your classes.
This is not intended as advice for whether you should do it or not. If you had the option of safely taking regular classes, I would strongly recommend that, but that is likely not an option for you under the present circumstances.
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Re: Distance Learning at University
Without that face-to-face discussion you're reduced to Zoom-like methods or (God forbid) communicating in writing. Anyone who's been here for any length of time knows first hand the downsides of that method for the exchange of ideas and the building of understanding. There's no substitute for being able to immediately and directly quiz a specialist in a particular field. Things like Zoom/WhatsApp/Teams etc help, but they're far from ideal.
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Re: Distance Learning at University
Agree, I can really see the difference between a face-to-face discussion than having a conversation in zoom. It's just not worth it of spending time with distance learning especially at the college level.Steve3007 wrote: ↑November 4th, 2020, 5:40 am I think the biggest problem with distance learning, particularly with a subject like philosophy, would be the lack of opportunity for regular, fluent, uninterrupted, personal discussion. Face-to-face seminars with people who have deep knowledge of the subject you're studying. To me, that's where most of the value of university is added. Not in the one-way communication of lectures. (I went to university in the pre-internet age but even then lectures struck me as adding very little to the process when the information being communicated could be found just as easily in books.)
Without that face-to-face discussion you're reduced to Zoom-like methods or (God forbid) communicating in writing. Anyone who's been here for any length of time knows first hand the downsides of that method for the exchange of ideas and the building of understanding. There's no substitute for being able to immediately and directly quiz a specialist in a particular field. Things like Zoom/WhatsApp/Teams etc help, but they're far from ideal.
2024 Philosophy Books of the Month
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