Distance learning is a type of remote education where students are not physically present for a lecture, and teachers and students don’t interact in person. With various kinds of courses to choose from, there’s a rise in affordable and flexible education which is also in the form of distant learning.
Covid-19 has boosted distance learning, and it became a go-to method of education, as students were not allowed to attend school, colleges, or universities. The entire education system shifted online; it has become more convenient for students to take classes from anywhere. Due to the spread of Covid-19, the Internet blurred line between far and near, distance learning is set to interrupt the current paradigm of education.
Technology plays a significant part in the growth of distance learning. By utilizing modern electronic educational equipment, teachers use strategies, methods, and procedures to improve interaction. Distance learning includes:
• Video conferencing
• Open schedule online courses
• Hybrid distance education
• Fixed-time online courses
So, let’s dig into the pool to know the insights of these types:
Video conferencing is conventionally a meeting where more than two participants use video to interact over the internet. It is synchronous communication. Video conferencing includes tools and software applications like Zoom, Adobe Connect, Blackboard Collaborate, or other conferencing software. It enables educators and pupils to interact with each other, no matter where they are located. The software increases student-instructor communications and gives a structure for lectures and lesson planning. Video conferencing remains a crucial factor of distance.
Open schedule online instruction comes under the asynchronous category. These are the courses that provide freedom to the students. To complete coursework, students need bulleting boards, email, online textbooks, and more. In this form, students get strict deadlines; after which teachers allow them to work at their own pace. Those students who value education and learning surpass this format. This type of distance learning needs significant motivation and self-discipline. Students who don’t have the right skill set may find the distance learning process difficult. They may also lack the enthusiasm to work through the course efficiently.
Hybrid distance education connects asynchronous and synchronous methods. In this type, students are bound to meet their deadlines for completing assignments and exams. Then, they work at their own pace. Students submit assignments via online forums in hybrid distance education. They work at their own pace, staying in touch with their teachers. With time students’ progress, they ultimately get accessibility to new modules.
Fixed-time online courses are the common type of distance learning. In fixed-time online courses, students log-in to the learning website at specific given times and complete pre-scheduled classroom activities. These activities usually include discussion forums and chats. Fixed time online courses improve student-teacher interaction. But there is always less room for self-pacing.
Synchronous and Asynchronous are the two main categories of distance learning. So, let’s take a look to know more about it.
Synchronous refers to a technique of education delivery, occurs in real-time. It means ‘at the same time’. This category of distance learning needs live communication online and includes teleconferencing technology to achieve this. Synchronous learning is less flexible than other distance learning. In this learning type, students should meet with their teachers and sometimes classmates at pre-scheduled expected times. This is an approach that limits the student’s capability to learn on their own. It can also irritate some pupils who encourage freedom in the asynchronous classroom.
Asynchronous is a technique in which students get weekly deadlines. It gives them the freedom to work at their speed. It is distance learning that comes with more opportunities for student interaction. Students can easily access course content beyond the class time or scheduled meeting and interact via video comments, online conversations, or quizzes on their schedule. Both teachers and students can benefit from the flexibility of asynchronous learning as it enables them to build and consume content when it is suitable for them.
Needless to say, that distance learning comes with a lot of benefits. Here are the significant benefits.
Not going to school every day or following fixed learning hours can help students who have other obligations. A distance learning course comes with flexibility and varies by course structure. For several classes, students set their schedules. They can take courses from anywhere, study whenever they are free, and for however long they want.
With the internet practically everywhere, you can get access to the material easily at any anytime. This way, all of your coursework and assignments are just a click away. Students can find supportive learning aids or join forums to talk to other students and share materials with them online. Even contacting a teacher to get information gets easy. Distant learning enables easy access to education.
Distance learning saves time and money too. Students and teachers don’t have to commute to campus. They don’t have expenses like gas, parking, getting dressed, or car maintenance. Single parents can also avoid childcare costs and still have a valuable learning experience. Distance learning courses usually give learning materials online. Consequently, students don’t have to bear the cost of textbooks. These costs alone can save students or parents a reasonable amount per semester.
For those students who do full-time jobs while continuing education, distance learning is a blessing for them. Today, students can enhance and update their professional skills. Distant learning enables the flexibility to work and study. Thus, schooling no longer has to come before a career.
While there are several benefits of distance learning it also has few some disadvantages which include the following:
• Poor connection
• Lack of Motivation
• Inaccessibility to proper resources
• Limited time
These disadvantages encourage students to consider experts and take help from them.
Numerous academic writers are available online to help students write their assignments and coursework and provide homework writing service to attain good grades in their classes. Such experts are skilled in their field and help students meet the deadlines by equipping their work timely and at affordable rates. So, get in touch with professional experts to succeed in your academic life.
