Distance Learning

Students who are not physically sitting in a class room to get their education are taught using technology based instructional systems designed for remote access. This system is known as distance learning or distance education. Students and teachers communicate with each other through printed materials or electronic media or using a technology that provides real-time communications.

Distance learning uses regular mail for correspondence. Real-time or offline internet resources are also used in this system. Television or radio is used to make educational broadcasts to reach the students of distance learning.
Isaac Pitman used the very first modern distance learning system in 1840 to teach shorthand through correspondence.

Since 1946, correspondence courses in the distance-learning mode were offered by the University of South Africa, which is one of the oldest distance learning universities in the world. In UK, the Open University was founded in 1969.

For-profit institutions, non-profit organizations, public and privates institutions are offering degree programs and courses in distance learning. There is varying level of accreditation for such institutions. Some of the institutions in USA have very little focus from the countries outside and some of them are mere diploma mills, which are mostly fraudulent.

The distance-learning program was greatly benefited in the twentieth century by using Internet, television and radio.

Even though the presence of a student is not compulsory in distance learning, with the advent of technology, physical presence or lack of it has become an option. In distance learning, electronic classrooms can be classified as off campus or on campus. It is known as institutions using a mode of delivery, which is flexible. Find more info at [http://www.distance-learning4u.info]

In many cases, students do sit in traditional classrooms and they are connected to a teacher in a distant classroom through videoconference. This technology increases the power of teaching and learning.

During its history, distance learning has passed through the experience of four to five different methods of teaching using the technology available at that time. The technology that was used were print, video/audio broadcasts, teleconference using video/audio technology, instruction aided by computers and computer based broadcasting. In developing nations, the radio is used for distance learning and considered to be a very powerful medium. In India the virtual university and distance learning centers use FM broadcasting which is very popular among the students.

Earlier models of distance learning used regular mail to dispatch written materials. Among the developing nations, this method is still used in distance learning.

In distance learning both full time and part time studies are possible but most of the students prefer part time studies. Even though distance learning is offered at various levels, it is the most popular option for university level studies. Distance learning is also known as correspondence courses since the teacher and the student corresponded through the regular mail. For children living in remote areas secondary and primary education programs are available.

Testing material caused trouble for distance learning right from its inception. The problem occurs when the student has to complete the assignment and undergo testing. In distance learning a student is completely removed from supervision during the evaluation period.

Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. For more info visit Distance Learning [http://distance-learning4u.info] or Distance Learning Centers [http://distance-learning4u.info/distance-learning-centers.htm]

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The Disadvantages of Distance Learning

I am sure you have heard of the amazing benefits of online education. But to get a better picture of whether or not online education is for you - you must consider the disadvantages of distance learning as well.

Therefore, here are some of the popular drawbacks you may need to consider:

1. If you are not highly motivated and disciplined - distance education may not be for you. Many students thrive on the pressures of learning in the classroom and having a face to face contact with their instructors.

Students who choose to do a degree or course online probably won't face those pressures. They must learn to work unsupervised and remain motivated to finish their program.

2. Lack of face to face interaction between students and instructors may lead to students feeling a sense of isolation or loss.

Many people will tell stories of wild college parties or the girlfriends/boyfriends they met in college. Online students won't have such stories to tell.

3. Technophobic students may have a problem with online education. Studying online requires learning how to use new software and technologies as well as troubleshooting. Not all students are comfortable with this.

4. Students may need to adjust their schedules in order to deliver assignments on time. For example, if a student lives on the West Coast and is enrolled with an online school on the East Coast, the time differences could cause scheduling conflicts.

5. Students may need to wait for feedback from students and instructors whereas in a traditional class, feedback is virtually instant.

6. Possibility that networking opportunities for distance education schools are much lower than those at traditional bricks and mortar colleges.

7. The existence of numerous diploma mills makes it easy for unsuspecting students to waste time and money getting a worthless degree. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of distance learning. Students have to be extremely vigilant, making sure their prospective distance education college is properly accredited.

The word "properly" is the operative word because some e-colleges claim they are properly accredited but thy are not.

8. Students may not be able to log into their online classes class while at the office unless their employers give them permission to do so.

As you can see, studying online may not be for everyone. Despite the fact that over 63% of of all colleges and universities in America offer distance learning programs, many students feel that by learning online, they are missing out on the real college experience.

But by taking into consideration the advantages as well as the disadvantages of distance learning, you might realize that the benefits far outweighs the drawbacks.

Getting passed over for a promotion is a thing of the past. Skyrocket your career with an distance education degree. For more info visit www.distancelearningdegrees.org

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Distance Education - Are You Ready to Hit the Digital Books?

Distance education is broadly defined as the provision and process of learning when the learner and the source of information are separated by distance, time, or both. If any of this learning takes place on-site for any reason (including taking exams), the learning is termed "blended" or "hybrid" learning.

The Internet has made continuing education via distance learning faster and easier for distributors and students. Over the last couple of years the education sector has seen a notable rise in the prominence and impact the "virtual university".

Approximately 1 in 5 undergraduate students in North America are enrolled in at least one online learning, continuing education class, and 1 in 20 are now enrolled in an online education degree program. Courses range from the most basic instruction through to masters and doctoral programs.

Levels of accreditation vary widely. Some of the online education "institutions" are nothing more that fraudulent "diploma mills" receiving no oversight. But, in the United States, an institution may not use the term "university" without government accreditation.

Technologies used in distance learning education delivery are divided into two groups:
1) synchronous learning technologies
2) asynchronous learning technologies

Synchronous Learning technology resembles traditional classroom teaching in that all participants are "present" at the same time and there is a set timetable. Technologies used for synchronous learning include Internet technologies such as VoIP, live streaming, and videoconferencing, and broadcast technologies including television and radio (traditional and satellite).

Asynchronous Learning technology allows students to access "evergreen" coursework and exams on their own schedule using the Internet. This, of course, allows more flexibility, but also allows procrastination.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Learning Education are often combined. The Internet can blur the distinction between these two distance education methods.

Developing distance learning technologies include computer games, three-dimensional (3D) immersive environments, and virtual worlds,
which may be streamed in real time and/or downloaded and engaged via a local hard drive.

An all-online degree program via distance education / distance learning allows even a busy traveling professional to take their education on the road. When they get behind, the entire program is readily accessible via Internet to help them get back on track. Online education students have access to lectures within a few hours of on-campus students, even when they're on the other side of the world! Dedicated to meeting the needs of location and time bound students, are you ready to hit the digital books?

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