There are many benefits to using online distance learning environments. Online education i

s available any place, any time for global communities of learners based on shared interests. Online education with its group-based instruction and computer mediated communication provides an opportunity for new development and understanding in teaching and learning. Computer mediated communication encourages collaborative learning by not providing cues regarding appearance, race, gender, education, or social status, bestowing a sort of anonymity to participants. Distance also permits the expression of emotion (both positive and negative) and promotes discussion that normally would be inhibited.

Yet, this same text-based positive aspect of online learning makes online education more cumbersome and therefore takes more time than face-to-face learning. In addition, the sheer bulk of messages can be overwhelming. The learner 0nly has the written text and no other non-verbal cues. This may confuse the learner and cause misunderstanding. Some students are not willing to take the time to go in and look up homework assignments and other online learning activities. ESL students shy away from online classes. They have expressed fear of having their work, viewed by others.

In the road to dotcom in education, educators "have to slow down from their busy lives to be free to focus first on connecting with learners and connecting them to learning before they end up feeling like they are no longer using technology, but are being used by it".

There is pressure to keep up with the times as well as "a cost-of-entry issue regarding technology in education. Without a certain level of technology services and learning options, many students will not consider attending a certain institution". Mark Milliron claims that "any technology has to prove that it will ultimately improve or expand learning". This will come about if educators "slow down, look around, and get on the road to dotcom—a place to thoughtfully engage and explore all aspects of technology, good, bad, or indifferent... A place with mindful focus on the people and passions that make life worth living".

Should online learning be an issue of control or should students be convinced of its value as an authentic learning tool？ Fear and a threatening environment don't enhance learning according to brain-based learning research. "How students feel about a learning situation determines the amount of attention they devote to it." "Positive emotions ensure that learning will be retained." It's very. important to discuss with students how they feel about technology and online learning so that they feel good about what they are doing.

The process of implementing online distance learning is a slow and delicate one. Change will eventually come about but it will take time.

There are many good and bad aspects of online distance learning. One good thing about it is______.

A．easy to do

B．cheaper than face-to-face learning

C．convenient

D．very fast going