What is Distance Learning?

Properly designed distance learning programs can be a very convenient and effective
way to acquire more education. This may seem difficult without students and teachers
interacting in a classroom, but people enrolled in distance learning programs can learn
just as much away from a classroom as in one.

Distance learning and education are interchangeable terms. Distance learning is not a
recent phenomenon. The origins of distance learning can be traced back to the advent
of the modern postal system and the mass production of printed publications, which
made it possible to spread information rapidly throughout the world.

Synchronous

Synchronous means “at the same time.” It refers to a method of education delivery that
happens in real-time. It requires live communication online. It uses technology, such as
teleconferencing, to achieve this.

Synchronous learning proves less flexible than other forms of distance learning. After
all, students must meet with their instructor and sometimes their classmates at pre-
scheduled times.

This approach limits the student’s ability to learn at their own pace. It may frustrate
some learners who crave the freedom of the asynchronous classroom.

Asynchronous

As for asynchronous distance education? Students receive clusters of weekly

deadlines. They have the freedom to work at their own speed.

Asynchronous distance learning comes with more opportunities for student interaction.

Students can access course content beyond the scheduled meeting or class time and
interact through online conversations, quizzes, or video comments on their own
schedule.

Both faculty and students benefit from the flexibility of asynchronous learning as it
allows them to create and consume content when it’s convenient for them.

Benefits of asynchronous learning

The flexibility of asynchronous learning allows them to create and

consume content when it’s convenient for them and learning materials
can be accessed at any time, anywhere.
Reach and engagement

Faculty can leverage live recordings or create videos, and then get
analytics, generate captions, have conversations, add quizzes, and
integrate content right into an LMS.

STUDENT MOTIVATION

Students can go at their own pace and when it’s convenient for them. Self-paced
learning accommodates various learning needs and preferences and enhances student
success.

Students can refer then back to the content to study for exams, have discussions, and
consult the content beyond.

Video conferencing

Video conferencing is traditionally a meeting where two or more participants use video to connect over
the internet. This is a form of synchronous communication. Using tools like Zoom, Blackboard
Collaborate, Adobe Connect, or other conferencing software, teachers and students interact together no
matter where they are located.

Hybrid distance education

Hybrid distance education combines synchronous and asynchronous methods. Students receive
deadlines to complete assignments and exams. Then, they work at their own pace.

They submit assignments through online forums. They maintain contact with their instructor. Yet, they
work at their own pace. As students progress, they gain access to new modules.

Who thrives with hybrid distance education? Students that love independence.

Open schedule online courses

Under the asynchronous category, you’ll find open schedule online instruction. Such courses provide
students with plenty of freedom. To complete coursework, students receive:

 Online textbook(s)

 Bulletin boards

 Email

 And more

Students are given a set of deadlines. Then, the instructor sets them free to work at their own pace.
Students who value learning independently excel with this format. It requires significant self-discipline and
motivation, though.

Students who lack the right skill set may find this approach daunting. They may feel overwhelmed by the
presentation of material. They may lack the motivation to work through the course in an effective way.
Fixed-time online courses
What’s the most common format for distance learning? Fixed-time
online courses.
How do they work? Students log-in to the learning site at designated
times. They must complete pre-scheduled classroom activities at a
specific pace.
These activities often include chats and discussion forums. Fixed time
online courses encourage student interaction. But there’s little room
for self-pacing.

Does distance learning have value?

Absolutely. While distance learning was once considered an inferior substitute for traditional
education, it is now considered by many to be outperforming traditional classroom instruction.

This is largely because of video and technology. Video helps make distance learning feel
personable and helps keep students engaged.

Not only are students more successful, but they prefer remote learning.

77% of academic leaders rate online education as equal or superior. And 69% of chief academic
officers agree.

Distance learning is a vital part of long-term education strategies.

What are the disadvantages of distance learning?

The benefits of distance learning are clear, but there are some warnings when it comes to this
learning approach, too.

Let’s consider some of the disadvantages. For one, students face a higher risk of online
distraction. Without face-to-face meetings, students can lose track of deadlines and motivation.

Students who work well on their own may easily surmount these obstacles. Students who have
trouble prioritizing may stumble. So will those who lack organizational and scheduling skills.

Distance learning comes with hidden student costs, too. These expenses include:

 Gaining access to a reliable computer

 Having an internet connection
  Buying a web camera (in some instances)
 Computer maintenance
 Utilities (e.g., electricity for internet services)

Not all students have access to these resources. Distance learning can put them at a distinct
disadvantage.

A slow internet connection will hamper a student’s ability to participate online. They may lack
the bandwidth to watch videos or teleconference.

What are the benefits of distance learning?

There are many distance learning benefits. They vary by synchronous or asynchronous course
structures, though.

The advantages include:

Self-inspiration
Flexibility to choose
Adaptability and freedom
Easy access
Earning while learning
Money and time savings
Virtual trips
Communication with other educational institutions
Let’s take a look at these benefits. We’ll explore why they make distance learning a compelling option.

Self-inspiration
Motivated students excel in distancing learning classes. It encourages students to stay self-disciplined.

Students take on greater personal responsibility. They must stay well-organized. They must perform well
in an online setting.

Flexibility to choose
Distance learning courses also come with flexibility. This varies by course structure, though. For many
courses, students set their schedules. They take classes in their preferred location.

Adaptability and freedom

Instructors can tailor distance learning to suit students’ diverse educational needs. And it provides
students with the freedom to learn anywhere, at their own pace. It remains an adaptable learning form.

Easy access
Attending traditional classes is impossible for some. Work and home life responsibilities can get in the
way. Distance learning provides easy access to education. Students need a computer and an internet
connection.

Earning while learning

For those working full-time jobs, continuing education was once out of the picture. Today, though, they
can hone and update their professional skills.

Distance learning provides the flexibility to do so in the evening and on weekends. Schooling no longer
has to come before a career.

Money and time savings

Distance learning also saves money and time. Students (and instructors) don’t have to worry about
travel time to and from campus. They don’t have expenses related to gas, car maintenance, or parking,
either. Single parents can avoid childcare costs and still have a valuable learning experience.
Distance learning courses often provide learning materials online. So, students can nix textbooks costs
from the mix, too. These costs alone can save learners hundreds of dollars per semester.

Virtual trips
Distance learning allows students to take virtual trips. These “trips” let students experience places
related to the curriculum. Students can learn in interactive ways through these experiences.

Virtual trips are an exciting way to engage students, and are interactive tools many instructors rely on to
increase engagement.