Distance learning is a type of remote education where physical presence of a student is not mandatory. Due to the internet, a surge in flexible and affordable online education is seen. The internet has already blurred the many differences.
Distance education comes with its own benefits.
After the pandemic, the paradigm of education changed. There is an influx of AI-driven teaching and new methods are being incorporated each day. Students can avail more options of learning. Technology has helped to bridge gaps between teachers and learners.
Nowadays, distance learning is incorporated in many colleges/ schools. Nowadays, if a teacher needs management assignment help, he can get in touch with online tutors who are ready to support.
Earlier distance learning was mainly restricted to correspondence courses. But now, distance education encompasses a huge range of systems. There are new methods and devices used to make it more feasible.
These days a lot of teaching and learning is happening online and is supported by new systems and pedagogy. We discuss below how education is made more feasible through distance learning.
Video conferencing
Teachers can interact directly with students and offer life lessons. It is the most common method, and it can be either one-on-one session or a classroom type ambience where several students can participate.
Synchronous learning
In this method, all the students learn at the same time. However, the educator is at another place or location. This can happen through video or teleconferencing when the instructor is at another site. The educators and learners are connected online.
Asynchronous learning
The format is less constrained where instead of live online lesson, students are offered tasks with deadlines. Students involve in self-study to work on the assignments.
Open schedule
It offers a lot of flexibility and is suited for learners having other demands or time crunch, like professionals or parents. But in a fixed-time online course, student must visit the virtual locations at a particular time and place.
What is hybrid learning?
Students are learning the lesson in real-time. It is the same as blended learning where some of the learners are physically present while others are located remotely.
What is the difference between distance learning and regular learning?
There is a lot of difference between the both when the student’s or teacher’s physical presence is concerned. In distance education, teachers and educators have a lot of freedom to plan according to their schedule and resources.
In distance learning, students can always choose their location and teaching methods based on their needs. All a student needs is discipline and motivation.
The teachers are expected to be well-organised and be ready to offer students with explanations. In some cases, for students, distance learning is the best option. The advantages of remote education are simply immense.
- Live instruction always works for students.
- Face-to-face interaction leads to better connections between teachers and students.
- Authentic connections are built.
- Strong support and understanding from educators.
We list below some of the advantages of remote learning;
Flexibility
Distance education offers a lot of flexibility.The students are free to choose the method and place of learning. A student can decide the time, place and medium of instruction too.
There is also a provision for live access and video conferencing. Students who are working or training for a specific job would prefer to have a more relaxed schedule. There are many options for online learners and they can study as per their convenience.
Better and easy access
Students can easily study any subject of their choice. There is a lot of ease in access, and students situated remotely can make the most of it. Students who are differently-abled might lack basic access to educational needs.
Through remote learning, all students have the opportunity to improve and get better. Those willing to pursue a degree from an international institute can also get one as it is easily facilitated. Any motivated individual can simply opt for a degree or certificate of their choice.
Cost-effective
Distance learning has reduced the cost of education to a huge extent. Digital learning is scalable and online degrees are majorly sought after. Online learning removes the pain points related to the infrastructure head, and one can easily focus on learning.
Things to keep in mind before opting for distance education
A distance learning system has some key concerns that both students and educators must keep in mind before thinking of making a start
Ease of use
A simple system is always preferred. Any methodology being adopted must be user-friendly for teaching or learning. A clear interface, including digital whiteboards, screen recording with audio multi-device compatibility, media creation and sharing, is always required.
Accreditation
The instructor and learner both must be credible. A learner should be well aware of the platforms and its authenticity. Is the degree recognised? Is the certificate professional? – keep these things in mind before planning to enrol.
A remote learning system must be well adapted by both the educators and the learner. Know the accrediting system well before making a start. See the recognition by regulatory bodies.
Time Schedule
The duration and timing of the course can be an important factor in choosing a course. But in distance learning things are flexible. Here, the course schedule is more focused on the content instead of the system.
One needs to be well aware of the course schedule. What the content will be, when and how it will be delivered. When choosing a course, students must focus on the system’s timing. They must find out if it is synchronous or asynchronous.
If there are course deadlines and the course schedule suit you.
Distance education comes with a lot of untapped potentials. It can reach students of all ages and places. The learners and educators can remain connected throughout. The learning style gets flexible, and there is a lot of diversity too.
