Essay 132 – Distance-learning programmes cannot bring the same benefit

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 132

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people join distance-learning programmes (study material, post, TV, Internet) and study at home, but some people think that it cannot bring the same benefit as attending colleges or universities does.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer: [ Disagreement]

In this day and age, remote learning has become the mode of choice for millions of people. However, this has sparked a heated debate on whether it can reap the same benefit as attending a typical classroom setting or not. In my opinion, distance programmes are just as effective as conventional education.

With classroom-based education, students attend classes and the teaching and the learning take place. A student can directly interact with the teacher and other fellow students. They can ask questions and seek guidance. Besides, meeting up with their peers is a tremendous opportunity to build up a network of professional contacts. Furthermore, students can exercise self-discipline by maintaining a timetable.

Likewise, distance learning is as effective as an in-person class for most students. The form of remote education system usually entails the use of the internet and information and communication technology to offer students with handy tools such as video conferences, blogs, shared documents and chats, making the course dynamic and easy to follow. Like a typical classroom setting, students can ask questions and exchange views through the chat room and teachers also can elucidate so as to clarify the concepts.

Moreover, the interaction with teachers and other classmates provides students with the opportunity to socialize with each other as much as they used to. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, my daughter’s school moved online, forcing her to attend lectures via her gadgets. She asks questions and discusses the concepts with teachers and peers in a lively way. Finally, remote learning encourages students in collaborative work, independence, curiosity, self-directed learning and critical thinking.

From what has been discussed above it seems reasonable to conclude that remote-learning method proves to be an effective mode to obtain knowledge without going directly to the classroom. It enables pupils to attend classes, take exams, communicate, work and access to course materials. Therefore, I believe this form of education could be seen as an essential step forward.