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Distance Learning
What is Distance Education?
In today's world, information resources are distributed everywhere. Distance learning aims to connect learners with these distributed
resources.
"Distance Education is instructional delivery that does not constrain the student to be physically present in the same location as the
instructor. Historically, Distance Education meant correspondence study. Today, audio, video, and computer technologies are more common
delivery modes." (Ref: "What is Distance Education" by Virginia Steiner, DLRN 1995.). Following are some of the ways in which distance
education can be offered to the students:
- Print Correspondence
- Television, videotape
- Teleconferencing, Audio/Video Conferencing, and Computer Conferencing
- Email and Listservs
- World Wide Web
Common Concerns
When people think of distance learning, these are the most questions that come to their mind:
- Is distant teaching as effective as traditional face-to-face teaching?
- What technologies should be used to provide or receive distance education in the most effective manner?
- What does it take to be an effective distant students and teachers?
- How important is teacher-student and student-student interaction?
Distance Learning vs. Traditional Education
Research indicates that the mode of instruction itself (e.g., interactive video vs. videotape vs. "live" instructor) has little effect
on student achievement as long as the delivery technology is appropriate. Other conclusions drawn from this line of research suggest:
- Achievement on various tests administered by course instructors tends to be higher for distant as opposed to traditional students (Souder, 1993), yet no significant difference in positive attitudes toward course material is apparent between distant and traditional education (Martin & Rainey, 1993).
- Conventional instruction is perceived to be better organized and more clearly presented than distance education (Egan, et al., 1991).
- The organization and reflection needed to effectively teach at a distance often improves an instructor's traditional teaching.
Benefits of Distance Learning
- Flexibility: You have the freedom to work on a course from anywhere in the world - at home, at work, or wherever you have regular Internet access.
- Convenient and accessible: Balance work, family, and social responsibilities with your coursework. There is no set time for class and you can access your course at any time. Generally, you can work at your own pace within a weekly schedule of topics, readings, and assignments.
- Supportive: Support is available throughout the coursework. The instructors, colleagues, and academic advisors are all just an e-mail, phone call, or fax away.
- Professional: Most distance learning institutions offer the services of qualified and professional knowledge providers. The instructors undergo staff training and development programs to help develop effective online teaching strategies.
- Economical: No need to attend the university or college and pay room and board.
Credits
This page was developed with resources from:
http://www.distance-learning-programs.info/benefits-of-distance-learning.html
http://ne.essortment.com/benefitsdistanc_rrmz.htm
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