COMMON TYPES OF DISTANCE LEARNING

Distance learning refers to the way of learning that does not require you to
be present physically at the university or institution. Learning materials and
lectures are available online. Learners can stay at their homes while taking the
course from an online university or other institution. They will usually also have
the opportunity to attend in-person workshops, residencies, or other learning
components, but the material is primarily taught through online courses.

TWO TYPES OF DISTANCE LEARNING

* SYNCHRONOUS * ASYNCHRONOUS

SYNCHRONOUS LEARNING

 Is when all students learn together with the same time ( and often even
place ) but the instructor is at another location. It often features video or
teleconferencing that connect teachers and learners digitally.
 Is the most commonly applied to various forms of televisual, digital, and
online learning in which students learn from instructors, colleagues, or peers
in real time, but not in person.
 Synchronous learning was more commonly called distance
education or distance learning—and these terms are still used today.

ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING

 Is a less connected but also less contained format. Instead of live online
lessons, students are given learning tasks with deadline. They then self study
to complete the assignments.
 Is a general term used to describe forms of education, instruction, and
learning that do not occur in the same place or at the same time.
 The term asynchronous learning is typically applied to teacher-student or
peer-to-peer learning interactions that are happening in different locations or
at different times, rather than to online learning experiences that do not
involve an instructor, colleague, or peer.

DIFFERENT MODES INVOLVED IN DISTANCE LEARNING

* Video Conferencing *Open Schedule * Fixed time

* Computer based *Hybrid Learning

VIDEO CONFERENCING
 Is a common way for teachers to interact directly with students in live
session. This could be one-on-one session or class like scenario in which
multiple students connect to the teacher live.
 Is important because it joins people who would not normally be able to form
a face-to-face connection.
 The first developments in video conferencing can be traced back to the
1920s, when AT&T Bell Labs and John Logie Baird started experimenting
with video phones.
 Is a technology that uses a video camera or webcam to transmit your image
over an existing data network or wireless network. You can talk with tutors,
form study groups, and participate in lectures over video conferencing.

OPEN SCHEDULE

 Online courses add yet another layer of flexibility. It is a type of

asynchronous course setup except there aren’t any deadline either. This is
ideal for learners with other demands on their time, such as professionals or
stay-at-home parents.

 An open schedule online course does not always follow a set schedule, but
you generally have to watch your lectures on a specific day.
 You have to follow the deadlines while undergoing the academic course. Still,
you can maintain a comfortable pace to study the course. You may feel no
stress due to this approach. But, to find the best outcome and achieve a high
grade, you must have motivation and self-discipline.

FIXED TIME

 Olnine courses are a type of synchronous courses that requires online users
to all visit a specific virtual location at a set time and place (e.g. a webinar).
Unlike more rigid synchronous lessons, this does allow students from
anywhere in the world to connect and interact online.
 A fixed-time course is the most commonly chosen format for distance
education. Learners access the learning website at the desired times. They
have to accomplish pre-scheduled tasks to achieve success and get the
certificate.
 A fixed-time online course follows a set schedule for classes, exams, and so
on.
COMPUTER BASED
 Distance education is a fixed time, synchronous lesson on computer,
usually that already lab. This is most common in existing institutions that already
have access to the necessary devices.

 Computer-Based Learning (CBL) is a type of instructional delivery method

that uses computer software and hardware systems to deliver and support
learning content.
 Computer-based" refers to the use of computers or computer technology to
perform various tasks or activities.

HYBRID LEARNING
 Combines elements of synchronous and asynchronous styles. It may require
that some lessons are more rigidly scheduled for subjects in which students
need direct access to the instructor while other lessons can be self- directed.
It is a system that adapts to the needs of the curriculum.
 Also known as blended learning, is an educational approach that combines
traditional in-person instruction with online learning. It aims to leverage the
advantages of both face-to-face teaching and digital technology to enhance
the overall learning experience.

BENEFITS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

Distance education provides you with a range of benefits. Consider these
advantages as you decide whether to enroll in distance learning courses or
degree programmes.

Flexibility- many highly motivated and self-disciplined learners prefer distance

educational programmes. They are well-organized and maintain their
performance in the virtual setting. It affords you the flexibility of learning from
any place at any time.

Adaptability- some instructors customize distance education programmes to

serve their academic needs. Learners will get the chance to learn the course in
any way.

No need to travel- distance learning does not require commuting to campus.

At the same time, distance learners can take virtual trips to museums,
geographical locations, planetariums, and other places. A virtual trip is fun, and
learners enjoy it during the distance learning programme. With the interactive
tools, learners can increase their engagement level.

Accessibility- education that requires attendance in physical classrooms can

present barriers to some learners. Distance education can help make learning
accessible to those living with disability or geographic constraints, for example,
since distance learning is accessible to learners from almost any place.
Save time and money- distance education saves you precious time and
money. You do not need to be concerned about the travel time or expenses to
attend the classes. Course materials and tuition may be lower as well since there
are fewer overhead costs involved as compared to in-person classes.

Who prefers distance education?

Today, several learners like to achieve educational qualifications with
distance learning programmes. This includes college students, high school
learners, and office goers.
Some companies also use distance education programmes to train
workers. Most commonly, distance education is useful for:

 Learners in rural zones who cannot attend offline classroom-based

programmes classes.
 International students who want to enroll in overseas universities without
leaving their home country.
 Companies that rely on distance education programmes to train their workers.