What else is there about "learning" from a distance besides its convenience?
Distance learning is more than just saving time and space. In the physical sense of the term that could be true. But what about those things that you cannot see the advantages right-away? It could take time before the benefits are realized. For example, distance learning is more of a cerebral transformational phenomenon that occurs when one has the mental “wait time” necessary to engage in reflective thought that helps them use his/her mind to solve problems. Dewey (1938) expressed the belief that "all genuine education comes through experience". That concept is one of the practical hallmarks of higher education via distance education--people with experience having time to reflect on their past experiences in order to apply what the already know to what they are trying to know.
Using your multiple- intelligence is an excellent example of a convenience in distance education. For example one uses his/her visual, auditory, tactile, and when recording for a project, oratory skills. In a interactive online learning environment, there is more than enough time to get one's thoughts together in order to communicate logically and effectively with others during discussions via the written (visual) word, which to some, gives them more time to reflect deeply about their answers before they post. When thinking is more reflective it leads to strengthening your development of critical thinking skills that are necessary to engage in meaningful effective communications that helps transfer thinking to higher levels of insight. But that is from the learning perspective.
From good facilitators' and the pertinent material resources, students are motivated to reflection on their past experiences to think critically about the newer challenges ahead. In other words, good facilitation along with excellent learning resources in the right institutional environment all work together to support learners to learn and think critically. On a personal level, I find myself reading and researching for answers to questions and problems that I need to know in order to give answers with an attitude of authority. I find that I learn better as a DL student than I could sit in the traditional classroom where one joker would monopolize the facilitators’ time leaving me flabbergasted and stifled—they being verbal/auditory learners, as opposed to my slower visual learner style.
In the DL environment, I am at an advantage and better able to “read”, research, and think before writing/providing answers to complex problems than I ever could in a conventional brick and mortar atmosphere. I get a sense of buy-in and accountability for my own learning in distance learning. This gives me confidence and prestige. I do not want to look unprepared! Henceforth, what DL is for me has everything to do with Malcolm Knowles “Adult Learning Theory". I feel positive about my ability to concentrate and learn the material presented in my lessons; I feel confident that I can solve real-world problems whenever needed. I know I will accomplish my goals of getting good grades and a better job once I complete my well-earned degree. Lastly, if I give my best efforts, I am making contributions to my cohort in a positive manner that promotes learning.
