DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE EDUCATION

1) Limited formatting of content in current browsers - The WBT you create will not

resemble the CBT you might be familiar with because of Net bandwidth constraints.

So if your content relies on a lot of media “bells and whistles,” or particular

formatting, the Net might not be the best delivery medium.

2) Limited bandwidth means slower performance for sound, video, and large

graphics. Know the bandwidth available to your audience— and what’s reasonable

“wait” time for them— before you commit to the Net. On average, most mobile endusers

are still running on a 28.8 kpbs connection.

3) Student assessment and feedback is limited - The Internet provides a wonderful
means to get all kinds of information back and forth to your audience, but it also

makes it harder to assess some types of student feedback and information.

4)Bandwidth/browser limitations may restrict instructional methodologies -

Again, you are constrained by the technology. If your content relies on a lot of video,

audio, or intense graphics, and your audience isn’t on a T1 line, Net delivery will

only frustrate your learners.

5) Someone must provide web server access, control usage, and bill users (if

applicable) - The Net doesn’t magically solve all of your resource issues. Plan on

having someone oversee some of these issues.

6) Time required for downloading applications - Again, be very, very aware of

download times— and we still recommend looking at delivery options considering a

28.8 kpbs modem if you are delivering training to an external audience or over the

Internet. Your training might be great, but if your audience isn’t patient enough to

wait for it to download, it doesn’t matter.