Online learning is not only convenient for students and teachers but often more effective than traditional classroom instruction.

With the Internet uprise in the late 20^th century, the education landscape in various countries had been inevitably transformed. Distance learning was born out of this cyber revolution, and like any other new concept to emerge out of modernity, it has earned both critics and supporters. I agree with the latter group, and believe that distance learning, in the long run, may prove to be more effective than traditional classroom instruction – an advantage from theoretical and financial standpoints.

Financially, online learning is definitely cheaper and more cost-effective than classroom education. Since the student learns from home, the educational institution will not meet unnecessary expenses such as classroom space, printed learning materials and electricity bills. The institution, in its turn, will not be required to bill the student for such expenses – resulting in lower costs of education. That gives long-term perspectives: more students then can afford high-quality education. Moreover, either the student or the professor have more time to work in a full-time or part-time basis, contributing to both counterparts’ economic productivity – a consideration that is especially true in higher education distance learning programs.

Theoretically, distance learning is also more favourable than traditional classroom education, especially from a constructivist perspective. This pedagogical theory envisions the learner as a self-directed, creative, and innovative individual, and the instructor as a mentor, guiding the student by enabling quested learning that promotes modification of existing knowledge and allowing the creation of new knowledge. Through distance learning, the student is not controlled by any heuristic methods, dictated by traditional classroom environments, but by his own learning techniques. Furthermore, by utilizing the social aspect of internet interaction, distance learning infuses an altogether more effective process of studying, since learners may interact with each other through forums, message boards, and other online platforms that is easy to access.

To sum it up, distance learning is practically and theoretically more beneficial alternative to traditional classroom environment. Of course, there are also disadvantages, such as the susceptibility to intellectual dishonesty, procrastination, and distractions, but in the case of online learning, the pros outweigh the cons.