The quest for better learning has always driven us to seek for an effective method of gaining productive education. With the advancement in education system, the learning process has introduced new facets to interactive learning beyond classrooms.
Here, Republica talked to a few people on whether they would choose distance or classroom learning and their reasons behind their choices.
Sarana Tuladhar
Undergraduate student
For me classroom learning seems more effective than distant learning. It is because we get to share our ideas and learn new things from other classmates. On the other hand, distance education also provides good learning experience though it could at times be dependent on oneself. I think better learning depends much on how you have been taught and how you internalize the teachings. I think pragmatic approaches to study should be encouraged in order to enhance a better learning.
Rosie Shakya
Businesswoman
As a working class woman, I am involved in various tasks on a daily basis and have not been able to pursue my academic strivings but the distance learning has allowed me to keep learning and fulfilling my quest for knowledge, both practical and technical skill and also earning online degree. In my opinion what matters the most is to be able to attend to the knowledge and skills that strengthens our knowledge by any means possible, it could be going to the school physically or could be surfing internet or even through phone calls. Distance learning thus, in my opinion is really fruitful and practical.
Satyajeet Chaudhary
Undergraduate student
Distance education has been a complete boon to the people living in rural parts of Nepal. I am currently living in a rural part of Nepal but have access to the outer network through internet and mobile phones. There are numerous websites and even registered colleges in Nepal now that provide distance courses for the interested students. In order to have an effective learning, I think the materials and books, notes provided during the course should come from an authentic and well accepted source so that after having invested certain time on the course, the result could be validated with an authentic certificate.
Sauzan Subedi
Post-graduate student
Although I see distance learning has acquired a lot of attention in today’s world, I personally don’t find it to be an appealing method to gain education. It is because I was born and raised in time when the students were supposed to go to their schools carrying a burdensome bag and notebooks inside and the condition remained the same for me until I graduated and finally earned a degree. Therefore, I think classroom interaction and the first-hand experience of visiting a college is more pragmatic. In my view, a better learning depends on a clear dissemination of information.
Binita Baruwal
Social worker
Distance education has become a suitable platform for many of us who strive for knowledge but are unable to gather all the desired knowledge simply because we have crossed the age for teaching-learning in a classroom setting. Currently, I have been able to get my hands on various research materials and learn more on current techniques through IGNOU, which provides service of academically accepted distance education. I have been acquiring adequate knowledge through distance learning and I think it hasn’t hampered my quest for knowledge.
Ushakiran Kafle
Undergraduate student
I would prefer classroom learning to distance learning because class room learning provides an exposure to many extra activities besides monotonous learning. Since we are social beings, it is crucial that we engage ourselves in social interaction exchanging our diverse thoughts with a variety of people. Distance learning can equally be fruitful in every term but yet, I prefer classroom learning. Furthermore, in my view a better learning denotes a better understanding of the things that you have been taught.
Kids studying in 'classroom' made of tin sheets