36.Reading Skills Comprehension: SOCIETY IS CHANGING

SOCIETY IS CHANGING

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. With society changing at a constant speed one thing remains steady our need and desire to learn. Although the classroom is viewed as a traditional setting for learning, it too is changing and evolving at lightning speed. With a growing population, continual technological advances and the constant demand for a P valuable education, these institutions must continue to provide the materials to meet these changes. Even though it has existed for some time, a growing trend in distance education, as it is quickly becoming an integral part of the learning experience at all levels of higher education., Distance education has traditionally been referred to as correspondence, whereby the student completes the course by mail from another town or city other than that in which the school is located. The student is supplied with the necessary materials — books, tapes or videos and it is up to them to complete assignments by the deadline.

2. The appeal of distance education is that the students are allowed to complete the course at their own pace on their own schedule. The student has the choice of completing a few courses, perhaps out of interest or as a ‘stepping stone’ for their career. With the growing number of accredited institutions, there are numerous opportunities available to students wishing to on rich their lives with a certificate, diploma or degree. The newest trend to hit the distance education scene is the virtual classroom or distance education online. This has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for students.

3. Many schools are now offering distance education courses online with students receiving all course materials and grades as well as handing in assignments, communicating with professors/instructors or chatting with fellow students over the internet. It is also easier for students to access their instructor for clarification about the assignment, grades or questions about their courses. From an international perspective, distance education online now gives pupils a chance to easily study at school in other countries. Canadian and international pupils now have the chance to explore each other’s education systems without the hassle of acquiring a student visa or incurring expensive travel costs.

4. A few tips to think about before pursuing distance education Students should be self-disciplined and motivated and should make sure they have the available time during the week to complete the work. Research your institution before enrolling, make sure it’s accredited, so you know your certificate, diploma or degree will be recognized upon completion. If you are taking this programme as a requirement for a job, make sure your current or potential place of employment will recognize your certificate upon completion. Ask others who have already taken your course or another programme from the same institution about their experience with the programme or school. Ask yourself what level of involvement you would like from your instructor or other students.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer each of the questions given below with the help of options that follow:

(a) Distance education is gaining popularity because

 (i) society is changing

 (ii) classrooms are no longer required for learning to take place

 (iii) there are too many students cramped in a single classroom

(iv) children in different cities/towns can complete a course from an institute in another city

 (b) in this form of education, the student has to be

 (i) disciplined                         (ii) motivated

(iii) self-dependent                 (iv) all of the above

 (c) With the coming of the virtual classrooms, students cannot

(i) clarify their doubts from anyone

 (ii) communicate with fellow students

 (iii) find an excuse for submitting late assignments

(iv) chat with students from other countries

(d) the most important feature of a good online course is

(i) that it provides the student with all course material

(ii) that it has qualified teachers

(iii) that is recognized by a proper educational organization

(iv) none of the above

 Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:

(e) Why is it important to do an online course from an accredited institution only?

(f) What according to the writer is the one important thing that has remained constant in the fast-changing age that we live in today?

(g) Why would distance education be a good option for slow learners?

(h) Mention two reasons why people generally opt for these courses?

 (i) How is a virtual classroom different from a traditional distance education system?

(j) Who is the best person to seek advice from before deciding upon the best institution to join for an online course?

(k) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following:

(i) helping in advancement help one to advance/improve (para 2)

 (ii) to be able to reach/retrieve information (para 3)

ANSWERS:-

 (a) (iv);           (b) (iv);

(c) (iii);            (d) (iii)

 (e) It is important to make sure the institution is accredited, because that ensures that the degree will be recognized upon completion, especially by potential workplaces.

 (e) The one thing that has remained constant is our need and desire to learn.

 (f) It is a good option for slow learners as they can complete the course at their own pace.

 (h) People opt for these courses out of interest or as a stepping stone for career growth. Also, these courses provide an opportunity to study at a school abroad without the hassle of acquiring a student visa.

 (i) A virtual classroom is different from traditional distance education as it uses the internet to link up the students and teachers. The students can now access material, submit assignments, interact with professors and fellow students online.

 (j) The best person to ask for advice is a person who has already taken that course or another programme from the same institution.

 (k) (i) stepping stone/enrich              (ii) access

Download the above Passage in PDF Worksheet (Printable)

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