Learn from a Distance, Use Technology’s Assistance!
Wish you could learn from a professor in the USA?
Distance learning is bridging the gap that allows you to learn from anywhere and at any time.
Using technology like the internet, webcams, and computers.
Distance learning is transforming the Education landscape all over the world.
Still, have doubts about how it works?
Key Takeaways
- What is distance learning and how it’s changing the landscape of education!
- Learn about the difference between Distance Learning and E-Learning.
- Educate yourself about the benefits of Distance Learning over the Conventional Method.
- The different types of Distance Learning and How they work!
- Future of Distance Learning and is Distance Learning right for you.
What is Distance Learning?
To understand what is Distance Learning with a real example, just think of how common video calls have become.
Video calls and improvements in internet connections have made communication faster and easier.
The movies that you could watch in a theatre, now you can stream online.
It’s only normal for the Education system to take part in this evolution.
Now, that you have a vague idea about what Distance Learning is, let’s get into how it works.
How does Distance Learning work?
First, let me clarify the difference between E-learning and Distance Learning, E-learning refers to being taught with a combination of online and offline learning.
Whereas Distance Learning refers to learning everything using online platforms, emails and classes.
Distance learning allows you to learn a course or degree even if you can’t attend college or school physically.
Since an internet connection and a laptop is becoming common and affordable in most households.
It’s a tool allowing students to pursue their dreams and aspirations without having to make any compromises.
On the plus side, Distance learning is cheaper compared to the conventional method of learning.
Types of Distance Learning
There are different types of Distance Learning based on a student’s preference.
The types are also highly dependent on the course or degree that the student is trying to pursue.
Moreover, I have classified the types of Distance Learning :
- Video Conferencing
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Learning
- Open Schedule Distance Learning
- Hybrid Distance Education
- Fixed Time Online Education
Now, let’s take these one at a time to give you a brief explanation of the following:
1. Video Conferencing
I’m sure you’re aware of how the education system had to adapt because of the pandemic.
Most colleges and schools opted for holding online lectures through Video Conferencing on platforms like Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
It’s the method to hold lectures at a specific time with students attending it live, to have an interactive session.
Video Conferencing gives a one-on-one experience to the students. Also, students can watch recordings of missed lectures.
Know More: Video Conferencing Distance Learning
2. Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Learning
Sync is the term used for doing things together like the choir was so in sync that it sounded like a single voice.
Similarly, Synchronous Distance Education is when the students and teachers are present at the same time through a digital medium.
Asynchronous Distance Education is giving students the freedom to study according to their own will and comfort.
Unlike Synchronous Distance Education, Asynchronous Distance Education has more projects and deadlines so the professors can keep track of the students.
Know More: Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Learning
3. Massive Open Schedule Distance Learning
Want to work independently? Well, Open Schedule Distance Learning provides you with total freedom.
You will be given online textbooks and other resources that you may need.
This comes along with a few initial deadlines to complete the work.
Afterward, you are just expected to complete the projects at your own pace.
The maximum freedom any student could ask for!
Know More: Open Schedule Distance Learning
4. Hybrid Distance Learning
Hybrid Distance Learning is a combination of Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Learning.
Hybrid Distance Learning allows you to choose your deadlines.
This lets you finish the work according to your own pace and comfort.
The work is to be uploaded then, by your chosen deadlines.
Know More: Hybrid Distance Learning
5. Fixed Time Online Education
This is the most common form of online learning.
Students have to attend the online classes at a specified time or might even have to follow a timetable.
All assignments, quizzes, and exams are held in online mode and students are expected to turn them in on time.
Fixed Time Online Education comes under Synchronous Distance Learning since the students have to log in at a specified time.
Know More: Fixed Time Online Education
Now that you’ve understood the basics of Distance Learning, you must be wondering if you should opt for the traditional method of learning or Distance Learning.
Benefits of Distance Learning
More than half of students say that they can’t afford College Tuition.
One of the biggest benefits of Distance Learning is that it is a lot cheaper than your traditional education.
You save the cost of traveling, living on campus, and textbooks.
You can be in India and still pursue a degree from a college in the USA in the comfort of your home.
Learning becomes self-paced, you don’t have to attend classes which allows you to have more time and you can learn at your own pace and convenience.
Distance Learning is also a more effective method of learning.
Also, there can be a lot more diversity in an online classroom as compared to a physical classroom.
Also Read: Top 10 Tech Courses: Prepare Yourself For The Amazing Future
Future of Distance Learning
Distance Learning is not something that is going to fade away with time.
Distance learning will grow and evolve, many Ivy League colleges such as Harvard Business School are now offering distance learning courses to students.
Learning shouldn’t have any barriers, Education shouldn’t have any constraints.
Distance learning will help revolutionize the Education Systems.
It is a tool for having a more educated and advanced workforce, which will be fruitful for mankind.
Lastly, I’d like to tell you about an Edutech Company called Verzeo.
Verzeo offers both Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Learning courses and degrees to students at an affordable price.
Know More: Distance Learning Courses
Some of the courses and programs that are being offered by companies through Distance Learning are:
- Distance/Online MBA Course
- Distance/Online BBA Course
- Distance/Online M.Com Course
- Distance/Online B.Com Course
- Distance/Online MA Course
- Distance/Online Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Distance/Online Digital Marketing Certification Course
- Distance/Online BA Course
- Distance/Online B.Ed Course
- Distance/Online B.Sc Course
- Distance/Online M.Sc Course
All these courses can be done from the comfort of your home at an affordable tuition fee.
There are other Internship Training opportunities available through various platforms like:
- Unacademy
- Byjus
- UpGrad
- Verzeo
- SmartKnower
Conclusion
Well if you’re still here, I’d like to tell you that Distance or Traditional, type of Distance Learning. It’s a personal choice, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to Learning.
We’re all different beings, some like to study in a physical classroom, some don’t.
What is for sure is that Distance Learning is bound to grow and evolve.
There are so many platforms that offer internships, courses, degrees, and programs.
Verzeo is thriving in the Edutech domain by providing all of these at a very affordable price.
Hope this was helpful, I wish you the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference between Distance and Online Learning?
Distance Learning is a parent term and a part of Distance learning is Online Learning,
Students can sit in a classroom physically and be taught online or stay in their respective homes and still be taught online.
What are the Benefits of Distance Learning?
Distance learning is cheaper than the traditional method of learning, also it saves you time and lets you learn at your own pace and convenience.
How can Distance Learning help Students?
Distance learning instills Time-Management skills in students and allows them to figure out what works best for them.
What is the Goal of Distance Learning?
Distance Learning wants to overcome the barriers of place and time to offer students a high-quality education at a lower cost compared to traditional learning methods.
