Description
Distance education or distance learning is a mode of education which provides its service online, via specially designed internet applications (called e-learning software application).
Put simply, its educational courses, whether short-term programs granting a specific certification or complete academic degrees, are delivered online (on the internet) or via other media, like TV and VCR, CDs, audio tapes, or mailed print material.
Therefore, distance learning means the provision of educational services to students who are not physically present.
It is called distance learning, because students can learn without the need to commute to remote campuses and be present during classes in person; distance students study from home, via computers.
How Distance Learning is utilized
Distance learning is basically a student-oriented education method that utilizes online learning resources and tools to facilitate learning and sharing of knowledge outside the limits of time and place, amongst a group of networked people. It is also referred to as e-learning.
Over the years, three models of distance learning were developed:
- Learning synchronously
- Learning asynchronously
- Integrated learning-synchronous and asynchronous
Synchronous Learning
This technology links students and teachers at the same time (i.e. real-time) but not in the same geographical location. Some examples of synchronous learning are virtual classroom, video chat and video conference. It is similar to traditional classroom learning where both the instructor and the students are present at the same time (though not necessarily in the same geographical location). This simulates a classroom environment and is actually a virtual classroom, where the teacher is in front of his computer and the student is facing his.
This way of learning involves interaction via speaking, texting and using video. It involves asking and answering questions and commenting on the subject matter, including discussion and implementation of virtual collaborative work.
In addition to the virtual classroom, learners participate in complementary online activity using databases, content sites, videos, digital libraries, electronic journals, virtual museums, photography stock, multimedia applications, e-learning software and more.
Synchronous online tools provide the operation of a virtual classroom that includes the feature of a face-to-face computer-generated meeting between participants, managing voice call, video image of participants, uploading content, learning materials, presentations, reference to different web content and system chat.
The virtual classroom manager can determine the order of participation and can grant access permission to each participant in the class.
Asynchronous Learning
The asynchronous learning approach emphasizes self-study and asynchronous interactions in order to learn, promote and share information. This technology connects the students and the teacher not at the same time and in different locations. This learning model focuses on self-study in a time and place suitable for the learners.
Learning tools available for the students are the course materials, such as online e-learning practice homework, as well as the ability to interact with the instructor and other students through forums, study groups, e-mails and the like.
The interaction can take place at three levels:
- Between the learner and the learning materials.
- Between the learners and the teacher.
- Between the learners themselves (peer learning).
Students can access learning materials from any computer at any given time and study at all times, independently of the teacher.
Integrated Synchronous/ Asynchronous learning
One of the newly developed distance learning models is known as the combined synchronous and asynchronous learning system. This means that sometimes the student is interacting remotely with an instructor, while other times the student is working on his own with the e- Learning tools and materials with no human guidance.
During the synchronous lesson, the instructor can direct the student/s to learn independently (self-paced learning) and after several hours of independent study students can go back, contact and interact with the instructor as part of a virtual classroom.
Synchronous and asynchronous learning methods have different levels of efficiency in their ability to support interactivity between the students and instructor, and of student participation in the learning process.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous – What are the differences?
1. Learning Environment – Access to the material
Asynchronous learning enables students to work with the study material at any time and from anywhere they wish. This is done via an internet connection. The study material is available on an online portal 24×7, 365 days a year. Students can access notes, instructions, and presentations online from within the comforts of their homes.
On the other hand, synchronous learning requires students to use the study material at a specific time (at the time that the lesson is appointed). However, geographical location is not an issue in this case either. Students access notes, instructions, and presentations online from within the comforts of their homes while being guided by the teacher (the online class manager) and the lesson is remotely organized.
2. Interactivity
Asynchronous learning involves interactivity amongst students via online chat rooms, public forums and while sharing notes online. Since students are geographically far apart, they also get more time to contemplate the study material.
Synchronous learning is a virtual classroom. It validates that students are present online and interact with the teacher during classes.
3. Tools, Documentation and research material
Both asynchronous and synchronous learning ensure that the study material, web-lectures, online notes, presentations and webinars are documented and archived on the online portal. Thus, students can refer to such material anytime.
E- Learning: Advantages and Disadvantages
Online education is not perfect.
Although the e-learning experience provides many educational possibilities that have never existed before, it has some drawbacks for some individuals.
Before plumbing unthinkingly for the trendy online option, remember that traditional campus-based education provides opportunities and experiences which are completely absent from virtual classrooms.
This section reviews and discusses the best features it provides and also reviews its drawbacks.
Pros of E-Learning
- Accessibility
Online classes are very attractive to some people because of their accessibility; virtual classes in any online institution can be accessed from anywhere.
The internet also allows much greater time flexibility, though it does not mean an absolute absence of submission and exam dates.
- Learning tools and means
E-learning offers a different learning experience – it is a new technology based on standard means and tools, such as videos, e-books, online interactive means and activities. Students may even select instructional material and work at their own pace and on their own level to reach their degree.
In addition, online courses allow use of multimedia which are sometimes impossible to attain in traditional classes.
- Geographic diversity – no physical attendance
The main point of distance learning is to educate despite geographical and time differences. It allows an unprecedented number of students from all over the world to study in an institution, at any given time.
The traditional model of education requires regular physical attendance in classes in a specific geographically located campus with definite space limitations.
This has always been both a source of interest and a source of difficulty for many students. It requires strict attendance during the day only and entails travel expenses and time spent commuting instead of studying.
The distance learning model eliminates physical campuses, abolishing the need to waste time and money on travel. It allows students to take courses during individually scheduled hours at any time of day or night.
It also means that now it is possible to attend any institution, regardless of where it is. All online institutions admit students from any country, no matter how remote.
It should be noted that some online education programs do require occasional physical attendance on specially designed sites, most often for the purpose of taking an exam.
- Classroom size and manageability
Traditional education cannot afford to have very large classes, especially in advanced degrees. The e-learning tools answer this need; online education allows a greater number of students to be accepted to their desired courses since managing students online is easier.
- Self-paced studies
The internet allows an unprecedented degree of freedom in pacing and spacing one’s studies. This is a great appeal to those who enjoy a lot of freedom and have learning rhythms which do not align with traditional campus life.
- High-quality education
A very important point to be aware of is that distance learning has become increasingly recognized as high-quality education.
That is, it is not simply a poor substitute to the traditional model, but very valid option for anyone to consider.
- Human interactions
Distance learning is often criticized for its lack of real human interactions, but more and more synchronous courses are offered using real-time live video lectures, in addition to email, chat, message boards, and forums for communication.
E-Learning Cons
Let us review and discuss the shortcomings of e-learning.
- Self-motivation and self-discipline
It is difficult to succeed online unless students are self-motivated and hard-workers.
Online systems offer more freedom and allow you to study from home. But this means no classroom and office meetings, no face to face contact and no encouragement.
Online, you can decide what to do with your time, but are you disciplined enough to make the right decision?
- Confusion vs. clarity
Online website-based studies may be as confusing as easily as they simplify and clarify.
Website outline may not be user-friendly enough for everyone. And there is a sense of insubstantiality about academic materials online, which may confuse those who are used to holding printouts and books in their hands and seeing teachers face to face.
- Internet connection
This is obvious, but important enough to mention here. Internet connection has to be of the best order (i.e. high bandwidth 10MB) to provide the best online experience.
E-learning tools require good web connectivity. Online education involves downloading large files, accessing high-traffic websites at peak hours, viewing video material online, contacting classmates and teachers with internet communication software, etc. It will simply be impossible to study with faulty or slow internet connection.
- Computer comfort
Not all people are comfortable spending long hours working on computers and especially communicating through computers. Some people require direct human interaction. Others simply do not have enough computer skills to be fully focused on studies.