By definition, distance learning or education takes place over a physical distance and does not offer a classroom setting. Due to the nature of distance learning, there is very limited --- if any --- teacher-student face-to-face interaction compared to a traditional learning environment. Students who enjoy or who rely on personal interaction, particularly one-on-one interaction with lecturers and fellow students, will experience distance learning as a disadvantage. These students are required to work without the supervision of a lecturer, and need to learn on their own and to motivate their own daily efforts.
Distance-learning students are required to work without the supervision of a lecturer. Information, assignments and exams need to be sent to students who, in their turn, need to communicate with their lecturers. Distance-learning students require the necessary skills to accept study assignments that are sent via computer or in printed form. As these work assignments may also be given over the telephone, students must be in a position to receive instruction through these various media.
Some students enjoy a classroom atmosphere, particularly if they have just left such an environment once they've finished high school. There is considerable motivation to succeed when on a campus. External motivation is evident in the presence of lecturers and fellow students who are striving to succeed. The availability of reference material through campus libraries is a major motivation. These motivations are absent if a student is involved with distance learning.
Students in some cases require constant feedback in order to amend their performance as necessary. With distance learning, because assignments and tests must first be sent to a lecturer, a longer period of time elapses before the student receives feedback, than is the case in traditional learning. This situation will impact negatively on those students that require regular feedback.