The global pandemic of 2020 brought a lot of changes in our daily life. One notable change would be the rise of distance learning. During this period, the number of students enrolled in online learning programs increased to over 400 million globally from 6.6 million as of 2017.
The global shift of the education sector towards online classes changed students’ learning preferences. This opened up a whole new world of educational opportunities and innovations that weren’t possible prior to the global lockdown of 2020.
Distance education has been quite a transformative experience for both students and educators alike across the world. And you may have questions about it. So this article will answer all your questions.
Definition of Distance Learning:
Distance learning, e-learning, Distance education, and online learning are all synonymous terms. And the textbook definition states;
“A form of education which involves the physical separation of teachers and students during instruction and requires the use of technology for teacher-student and student-student communications.”
Confused? Well, you ought to be. In layman’s terms, any kind of education that is provided without the teacher and student being physically present together in one place is distance learning. It is that simple.
Types Of Distance Learning:
Distance learning can be divided into three main types based on the type of interaction between the students and the teachers. These include;
Synchronous Distance Learning:
Synchronous means “occurring at the same time”. This type of distance education is carried out with the teacher and the students being online at the same time. This can be done through live chat, video calls, and webinars.
Asynchronous Distance Learning:
Asynchronous distance learning is the opposite of the former. In this type of distance education, students can explore the course material at their own pace. The course material may include pre-recorded video lectures, discussion forums, and other resources.
Hybrid Distance Learning:
Hybrid or blended learning is the type of education that combines both online and traditional learning models. In this model, most of the learning is done online. Students have to go for on-campus exams only.
Who Is Distance Education For?
Distance learning is for people of all classes who wish to adopt it. With a growing trend for e-learning, everyone seems to be loving the idea of online distance learning courses. Here are some classes of people this model of education helps the most.
Full-Time Workers:
Full-time workers who have to earn to support themselves and their families can benefit from these programs. These people often wish to continue their studies but cannot match their schedules with physical classes.
Disabled People:
Disabled people often have to leave their education due to many issues. Whether it be transportation or something else. People with disabilities can enroll in e-learning courses to continue their studies.
People From Remote Areas:
People from remote areas across the globe where educational institutions aren’t present can enroll in online distance education courses.
Advantages of Distance Learning:
Distance education has brought a lot of benefits to people’s lives. Here are a few of them.
Convenience and Flexibility:
E-learning has brought convenience and flexibility to the lives of students and instructors. You don’t have to wake up and rush to the campus for your class. You can teach and learn from the comfort of your home.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Distance education has subtracted a lot of costs associated with education. You can have access to course materials and other resources for a small one-time payment. You don’t have to pay very high tuition fees. Along with that, you can save money on the transportation costs.
Access to a Wide Range of Courses and Programs:
In the past, some courses and programs were only available at certain institutes. With distance learning, all those courses are available to everyone. You can enroll in any course you wish online.
Personalized Learning Experience:
With the electronic learning model, you can learn at your own pace. There is no peer pressure at all. You can get a personalized learning experience and learn what you want conveniently.
Improved Technical Skills:
With distance education, you deal with technology through different software. This helps with improving your technical skills.
Challenges of Distance Learning:
With the benefits, there are also some challenges you may face with the e-learning model. Here are a few of those challenges.
Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction:
With distance education, you don’t have any physical interaction with your instructors or peers. This can make it challenging for you to build relationships or get immediate feedback on your work.
Need for Self-Motivation and Time Management:
You need to be strong of will to be enrolled in a distance learning course. This is because there is no pressure and you have to motivate yourself to take classes and do assignments. Also, you need to have excellent time management skills to keep up with your coursework and assignments.
Limited Access to Resources Such as Libraries and Labs:
e-Learning limits your access to certain resources such as libraries, labs, and other educational facilities. This can impact the quality of education and learning experience for students.
Technical Difficulties:
If you have trouble with technology, distance learning can be challenging for you. Along with that technical difficulties such as internet connectivity issues, hardware or software malfunctions, and compatibility issues can cause frustration by interrupting the learning process.
Future Of Distance Learning:
With more and more educational institutes opening online distance education courses, we are sure to see an upward trend in distance learning in the future. Possibilities are that the distance education model might even replace traditional learning. While people are more comfortable learning from the comforts of their homes, this can impact socialization and may even affect students’ confidence. So what the future holds for distance education? Only time will tell.
Conclusion:
Distance education is the preferable educational model for individuals across the globe. While it may hold so many benefits, there are some challenges you have to face with it. But in the long run, the benefits are far greater than the challenges. You can go around your everyday routine and fulfill your responsibilities while keeping up with your studies. This is why distance learning is becoming so popular among students. This article is a comprehensive guide and covers all you need to know about learning from a distance.
