RESEARCH PAPER TEMPLATE

North American University

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

Date: __11/01/2015__

Topic Selected:
Topic 3: 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:

There are many different aspects to analyzed advantages and disadvantages of
distance of education.
First researches say that distance education has many advantages. Research
has shown that distance education is cost-efficient and effective. There is no way
conventional universities are going to build hostels, classrooms, lecture theatres,
auditoriums, hostels, student union buildings, refectories, libraries, offices, etc. as
fast as the growing demand and need for university education. (Magagula, &
Ngwenya, 2004).
Actually this is proofed many years ago distance education is beneficial.
Improvements in telecommunications have made it increasingly easy to transmit
instructionally useful images and sound over geographically forbidding distances.
The growth and interest in distance learning technologies and programs is
moving at a rapid rate. It is expected that existing networks will expand and new
projects will be established. Current practice clearly demonstrates that successful
programs are varied. Differing types of technologies and varied practices are
being successfully employed. There does not appear to be one best method or
approach for distance leaning. Some programs/systems now in use are very
expenses; other is surprisingly low in cost -- yet, positive results are being
reported from a broad array of distance education users. Distance learning

technologies and programs are reaching out to diverse audiences providing

increased opportunities for educational growth and advancement. (Barker, 1991).
So, what are the main distance education tools? Applications can be used
efficiently for both students and educators in providing effective learning that can
be viewed in a secure setting or publicly. Podcasts, mobile devices, and video
converter are additional items that can enhance the online learning environment.
Instructors have numerous tasks to complete to help their students learn and be
successful in their courses. With the appropriate software tools as discussed in
this report, teachers can focus on ensuring that learning is taking place by
engaging and motivating their students. (Stear, & Mensch, 2012)
Is distance educational beneficial in the US? While distance education an
instructional delivery can add significant value to our educational system, it also
requires a willingness to rethink the traditional classroom setting. The future of
distance education is not about moving from teacher to technology as a
dispenser of information. It is about a collaboration between the two that
overcomes the restrictions of time and space, thereby enabling students to learn
more, in less time, and with far less overhead (Kinnaman, 1995).
What about foreign students? According to the findings of the research, the
foreign students were not happy with taking the courses over distance education
system and it was concluded that they needed assistance in understanding,
evaluating course materials and passing the exams because of only Turkish
language support. Such kind of students need more help, interest, assistance
and guidance by the institutions since they have got challenges integration
problems with the city, university and fellow in the host countries. Therefore, they
do not exactly prefer distance education system to take the courses. However,
they mention the courses can be delivered to a certain extent over distance
education system because of its several advantages like increasing interest
towards learning on-line. (COSAR, 2015).
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:
There is no doubt distance education is amazing opportunity for students. Distance
education does not require going to classical school building. Because of this, we can
say distance education is cost-efficient and effective. Also, it is proofed that distance
education is beneficial. With the developing technology, it`s benefits will improve. As it
mentioned above, for distance education students do not need to go to school, they can
get education everywhere, with computer, podcast, or phone. Moreover, distance
education is not the best way for all students. It is good opportunity for students who live
in rural areas and very far away from school. However, distance education is not ideal
education method for students live in city and students from foreign country. Researches
state that children who live in the city and go to school instead of distance education are
more successful than other students. In addition, distance education is not suitable for

ELL(English Language Learners) students. Because, they need one-on-one interaction

with other students and teachers. Also, they need to get used to school life and with this
way they can adapt social life of new country easily.
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:
Magagula, C. M., & Ngwenya, A. P. (2004). A Comparative Analysis of the
Academic Performance of Distance and On-Campus Learners. Online Submission
Barker, B. O. (1991). K-12 Distance Education in the United States: Technology
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Issues.
Stear, S. s., & Mensch, S. S. (2012). Online Learning Tools for Distant
Education. Global Education Journal, 2012(3), 57-64.
Kinnaman,D.E.(1995).Thefutureofdistanceeducation.Technologyand
Learning,15(4),58.
COSAR, M. m. (2015). PERSPECTIVES OF FOREIGN STUDENTS
TOWARDS DISTANCE EDUCATION. International Journal On New Trends In
Education & Their Implications (IJONTE), 6(3), 186-193.