Nowadays distance-learning program is becoming more and more popular such as studying at home via the Internet and television. Do you think it's better than the traditional way of education such as attending a college?

As modern technologies enable students to study at home via medias such as internet and TV, there has arisen a controversy over whether the distance-learning is better than the traditional face-to-face teaching. Personally, I think the former could not totally replace the latter. In fact, the latter should be deemed as a supplement and extension for the traditional way of education rather than being a substitute.

Admittedly, distance-learning facilitates students to learn existed knowledge and accessing to the teaching materials (Which usually in some audio and video forms) is very convenient as in most cases a leaner could reach them at any time and any places. This unique feature of it makes it especially valuable for those learners living in remote areas where traditional class-teaching is not available to them. What is more, distance-learning could be a good supplement for in traditional way of teaching. For instance, when a student is in the process of doing his homework, the teacher could provide him/her with instant instructions via internet.

Nonetheless, distance-teaching is by no means to totally replace the face-to-face teaching. First and foremost, the spiritual factor in studying is crucial in academic teaching. What distance-learning lack by comparison to the face-to-face way is the direct interacting between students and teachers - in a classroom environment, students’ performances are closely monitored by teachers, thereby any misbehavior would be put right timely and when frustrations occur, it would be detected easily and necessary psychological supports could be given timely. On the other hand, Physical school environment is indispensable for common young people. In fact, it is a universal practice that to send children or youngster to schools. Not only because that on-site study in schools put students under close supervision of teachers, but also schools settings provide the young with opportunities to develop their interpersonal skills, which are crucial for their future adult social life. Conversely, most distance-teaching are carried on among individuals, which is certainly lack of the group atmosphere. Group living is very important as whereby competitions and comparisons are created, which incites the students’ academic ambitions and motivate them to make progress.

All in all, in the long run, distance-teaching would not come to be a main trend in education, yet it may after all be accepted as a convenient and cost-saving method for some certain learning group or a useful supplement for the traditional way of teaching.