Speaking
3 Read the following statements. Do they refer to distance learning via the Internet or both face-to-face learning and distance learning?
1 You don’t have to attend classes. (distance learning)
2 You can earn money while you are studying. ( distance learning)
3 You can do undergraduate as well as postgraduate degrees. (distance learning and face-to-face learning)
4 There are a lot of opportunities for group discussions. (distance learning and face-to-face learning)
5 There is a lot of support from lecturers and tutors. (distance learning and face-to-face learning)
Listening
4 Listen to two students talking about their experiences of online distance learning. Check your answers to exercise 3 based on the listening text.
Audioscript Asma: My name is Asma. I’m doing an online postgraduate course in education. I chose this online course for several reasons. Firstly, I don’t live near a university, so I can’t attend classes, and secondly, I’m working as a teacher at the moment, so I need to fit my studies in around my work. So working online has the advantage of overcoming these problems. It does take quite a long time to study for the final exam – you have to have a lot of self-discipline to study on your own, in your own time. I’m really enjoying my course, and I’m going to go on to do a PhD next. I love the fact that you can continue studying even once you’ve completed school or university. There’s never any need to stop. Mazen: My name is Mazen and I’m doing a degree in Computer Science. People think distance learning means that you don’t meet or socialise with other students, as you do when you’re doing a face-to-face course. It’s not true! Our class consists of 30 students from all over the world: India, Pakistan, Zambia, Sweden, Canada, Denmark, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. We study at home and send our assignments to our tutors by email. However, that does not mean that we study on our own: there are lots of different class discussions on the Internet. The lecturers and tutors are always available to answer questions and give suggestions. They’re very supportive. I travel a lot in my job and I have to be flexible as regards to my study time. That is only possible through online learning, so I really appreciate the opportunity to do this. |
Answers
1 and 2 distance learning 3, 4 and 5 distance learning and face-to-face learning
Speaking
5 Discuss these questions in pairs.
1 Which would you prefer to do: a face-to-face course at a college or university, or an online course?
I'd like to do a face-to-face course because there would be a lot of group discussion opportunities. Moreover, you can get support from your tutors and friends.
2 Would you prefer to do an academic or a vocational course when you finish school? Why?
I'd like to do an academic course first to get all the knowledge needed to excel in my degree and to be able to choose the job I want.
3 What other advantages and disadvantages of both face-to-face and distance learning courses can you think of?
Advantages of distance learning and face-to-face courses.
Distance learning courses |
Face-to-face courses |
Re-watching recorded lessons |
Strengthening social and communication skills |
Saving money, effort, and time |
Cheating would be less |
Helping people living in remote areas to study |
Allowing students to focus more |
Disabled people can study safely |
No distractions |
Disadvantages of distance learning and face-to-face courses.
Distance learning courses |
Face-to-face courses |
less interaction with the other students |
You will have to carry your textbooks to class every day |
Requires Time Management and Self-Motivation Skills |
an expensive form of learning. |
Difficulty Teaching Particular Subjects. |
Travel time can be a huge problem for students. This also adds to additional costs in the form of transport expenses. |
Difficult to Prevent Cheating |
The pace of learning is determined by the teachers and not the students in the classroom learning. |
Students may Neglect Exercise and Physical Health |
The timings of classes have to be strictly followed by the students. |
Quotation
Read the quotation. Do you agree with it? Why/Why not?
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps earning stays young.” Henry Ford (1863 CE–1947 CE) |
من يتوقف عن التعلم يهرم سواء كان في العشرين أم في الثمانين, وأي شخص يستمر في التعلم يبقى شابا وان كان في سن الثمانين.
ٍSuggested answer:
I agree with the quotation because the world is moving forwards, so people need to keep up with progress to update their information and knowledge. Moreover, if you practise learning, you will learn more effectively and this will be beneficial for your mental health and memory.