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The terms “distance learning” and “online education” are synonymous. Distance education is not a new concept. The origins of distance learning may be traced back to the development of the modern postal system and the mass manufacturing of printed books, which allowed information to circulate quickly worldwide. This may appear challenging without the interaction of students and teachers in a classroom, but those enrolled in distance learning programmes can learn just as much outside of one. Students get teaching via online classrooms, video recordings, video conferencing, or any other audio/visual technology medium in distance learning.
Distance Learning
Distance learning programmes that are well-designed can be a highly convenient and effective way to further your knowledge. It allows people to get an education without having to physically attend a class.
A mode of education in which teachers and students communicate via the Internet, e-mail, mail, and other electronic means rather than meeting in a classroom. Distance learning, simply described, is when students are separated from their teachers and peers. This means that students learn online and do not interact with instructors or other students in person.
Benefits Of Distance Learning
- Students who live in rural locations or who are unable to attend traditional classes are benefitted.
- Flexibility in learning-
- Online courses given by certain universities are open to students from all over the world.
- Companies use distance learning programmes to train their personnel, particularly those who operate in remote areas.
Types of Distance Learning
1. Online education:
Online education is one type of distance learning. Online courses are typically included as electives in regular degrees. Students can learn and receive education at home as long as they have access to a computer and the internet.
2. Courses using a hybrid format
Traditional classroom settings are combined with internet learning at home in hybrid courses. This may imply that students study independently at home and meet in person for in-person guidance or lectures at set intervals during the course. Each hybrid course has a different amount of at-home and in-class study.
3. Attend a conference class
Conferencing allows students and teachers to meet in real-time for class, whether in a group or one-on-one with a teacher. Students and professors can communicate over the phone or via video conferencing software such as Skype.
4. Courses by correspondence
Students in correspondence courses engage in class material via mail or email. Students receive materials and assignments by mail, and they also return completed assignments via mail.
Online Learning
When teachers or students use instructional materials that are available on the internet, they are referred to as online learning. This means that students can use internet resources while in the classroom alongside their teacher and classmates. Because online learning may be done anywhere and at any time, teachers may have students utilize it as a tool in class or for homework and preparation at home. Online learning tools are frequently employed to build blended learning environments in the classroom. This helps students stay interested in the class and the topic. Teachers can also save time in the classroom by using online learning. Teachers can spend more time grading papers, offering one-on-one attention to students, and possibly even teaching using online educational resources.
Benefits Of Online Education In Distance Learning
Mainly three benefits of online education are quoted below:
- When used as part of a blended learning strategy, online learning is a fantastic approach to boosting student engagement. Blended learning entails using a number of instructional resources and teaching methods to provide content in a variety of formats.
- Second, online learning tools allow you to differentiate your instruction more easily. You’ll have more flexibility and control for determining your classes when you use technologies like digital curriculum, and you won’t have to put in extra effort during the evenings and weekends.
- Finally, you’ll find that using online learning saves you time for planning and grading. Many digital curriculum tools take the heavy lifting for you by providing ready-to-use lesson plans.
Comparison between online learning and distance learning
1. Geographical location
While still in a traditional classroom setting, online learning can include the use of internet resources and platforms. On the other hand, distance learning is conducted through the internet and does not involve any face-to-face interaction between the student and the teacher.
2. Interaction
Online learning can include interaction with teachers and peers, whereas distance learning does not.
3. Determination
Distance learning substitutes teachers with instruction pre-set on the learning platform, although online learning can be utilized as a complement for teachers in their courses.
4. Feedback
Distance education is a two-way process of learning in which a student gets enrolled for a particular course and receives relevant study materials for the selected duration of the course and appears for an examination at the end of the semester or at any other time where they receive certification only if they pass their tests. If the student does not pass the exam, they need to reappear, making it more valuable, significant, and expensive. The only prerequisite in online learning courses is finishing the course by seeing all of the lectures. Students are not required to take an exam or demonstrate their knowledge.
Conclusion:
Online learning and distant learning each have their own distinct place in the educational system. Depending on the needs of professors and students, one may take precedence over the other. Online learning is most beneficial for middle and high school tutors who want to try out different learning strategies with their students. Senior students who have constant access to technology at home and are willing to work independently are the most extraordinary candidates for distance learning. Although, when faced with a situation like the current pandemic, distance learning has a clear advantage over eLearning in terms of causing the complete closure of educational institutes. Distance learning works best for older students who have constant access to technology at home and will work independently.
Also read: Online Classes vs. Traditional Classroom Learning.
FAQs:
Q1.What is distance learning?
Answer. A mode of education in which teachers and students communicate via the Internet, e-mail, mail, and other electronic means rather than meeting in a classroom. Distance learning, simply described, is when students are separated from their teachers and peers. This means that students learn online and do not interact with instructors or other students in person.
Q2. What is online learning?
Answer. Online learning may be done anywhere and at any time. Teachers may have students utilize it as a tool in class or for homework and preparation at home. Online learning tools are frequently employed to build blended learning environments. This helps students stay interested in the class and the topic.
Q3. What are the different modes of distance learning?
Answer. Courses using a hybrid format, Online education, Attending a conference class, Courses by correspondence.
