Distance Learning: the Future of Education?

What is Distance Learning anyway?

The terms Distance Learning, Distance Education and e-Learning can often be used synonymously within the education and learning terminologies.  To be more specific, Distance Learning rightly focuses on the "learner", whereas Distance Education focuses on the "instructor", and e-Learning tends to be more focused on the "online" or "electronic" aspect of form of instructional delivery method.  To the average participant, all three terms mean the same thing.  Distance Learning by it's purist definition means the formalized instructional and learning method which gives the participants remote (to both the teacher and/or the student) access to each other through the use of electronic communication or physical correspondence.

 

The Two Forms of Distance Learning

There are two forms of Distance Learning Education: Synchronous Learning, where all students are all together, and Asynchronous Learning, where the students access the instruction individually on their own.

The Synchronous Distance Learning method is more like conventional classroom instruction except that the students are remotely located away from the brick and mortar educational provider. The instruction is given visually through Educational television, Instructional TV, Video or Web conferencing technologies.  Many  Synchronous learning is broadcast audibly  through DBS (direct-broadcast satellite television), VoIP, telephone, or live streaming  internet radio.

The oldest form of Distance Education is the Asynchronous Distance Learning method. Students are given access to the instructional material through many methods.  Physical instruction such as books, printed material, CD/DVDs are sent through mail correspondence, but new technologies such as online forums, e-mail, online video, and recoded Web conferences are becoming the normal mode of delivery.

Many teaching institutions combine the two methods together for the teaching of a course.  Part of the instruction may  be taught at the campus, or remote classroom, and other sessions are given online.

Today, many people that in the past where unable to attend higher learning instruction because of physical disabilities, working full-time, in the military, living outside of the country, or mothers that say at home with their children, are now able to attend schools all-over the world at their convenience and obtain their GED, Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree, or Doctorate Degree through Distance Learning.

 

Technologies Behind Distance Learning

Distance learning technology is delivered in four basic categories: video, computer, audio, and print.  Many of these overlap each other and these technologies are usually combined for most programs.

Currently, the most widely used form of distance-based instruction include satellite delivery, fiber-optics, microwave, TV-broadcast, computer conferencing, compressed video, radio, computer conferencing, multimedia, CD/DVD, and videotape.  Most  distance programs are delivering education via television, on-demand, streaming course videos, e-mail correspondence and other mixed delivery methods, which provides options to meet the needs of both the student and the instructor . E-mail is by far still the simplest and most widely used method of interaction on the web.  E-mail is a highly interactive tool to facilitate relationships between students and teachers, and student to fellow student. Students can often learn more from interacting with other students through email and forums than from the actual instruction, just as students do an campuses around the world.

Today's video conferencing technology (full-motion video teleconferencing) is almost as good as being in the actual classroom setting. Transmitting via Satellite is one of the most established, and oldest techniques in the video conferencing method. Satellite delivery usually offers both one-way video and the audio in two-way formats.

One of the best forms of video conferencing is two-way I-TV, retains the feeling of a close instructor to student relationship, like a structured environment you would see in a classroom, using a "live" setting, recreating familiar aspects of a local classroom. Today's newer distance learning technologies are trying to create a blend between the needs of today's modern student, and the familiar memories of our learning environments.

Most home-based distance learning is computer-based using the web based software, CD-ROM, video conferencing, and e-mail correspondence. Participating students should have basic computer skills, able to navigate the internet, download files from the web, have daily access to a computer the internet, and a email address.

The technologies associated with and around Distance Learning are hard to keep up with as they are changing on what would seem on a daily bases.  These emerging technologies will only enhance the value of distance learning, as this method of educations grows in its popularity and influence around the globe, and new non-traditional learners and otherwise isolated individuals once separated from learning by physical impediments, geographical or economic barriers, or just by distance, can now gain access to many forms of education through distance learning.

 

Benefits of Distance Learning

Distance learning is a very convenient for people with full time jobs and family commitments and busy schedules, and allows them to receive quality education from an accredited Distance Learning Institution.

Distance Learning is flexible, because it can be virtually delivered anywhere at any time, to one or to a thousand learners.  Students with distance problems, or scheduling issues can benefit, employees and employers can benefit because distance education is more flexible to their needs.

Distance learning is less expensive, and is not limited by geographic conditions, it can often open up opportunities to reach individuals that traditional forms of education could not.  Distance learning is most often delivered on the web, but many institutions offer distance learning classes via postal delivery.  Without ever attending a classroom students can complete almost all, if not all of their instructional requirements.  Students that live in remote areas, or don't have a nearby college or university can now have access, and complete all of their higher educational requirements through distance learning.  Web based E-Learning courses are a great option for those with disabilities, or those not able to attend a traditional classroom setting.

Distance learning provides access to experts in their field around the globe.  Because distance learning can be presented from anywhere to anywhere, this allows for special "quest" instructors to give their unique insights into related course study environments, like a museum curator, a corporate CEO, a newspaper editor, or a professor form another university from another country.

Distance learning can be more dynamic in its approach to course management.  As feedback from students input comes in through e-mail or online forums, a good instructor can easily provide additional online resources for new material. Although any good teacher could already do many of these things, the new technologies involved in distance learning makes it easier.

Distance learning benefits instructors by giving them more exciting new methods to teach their students.  These new methods of learning are develop as the technologies change.  Instructors will find that many of these new learning methods can be used to reach a new generation of students that have grown up with many of these technologies.

Distance learning programs may access to lower tuition cost campus based schools.  Because many of the expenses involved in an on campus environment are less, much of this reduction can be passes down to the student.  Housing, living, and commuting expenses can also be reduced or eliminated.

Potential students and instructors in an Internet-based distance learning class may have visual, hearing, mobility, speech, and learning disabilities that impact their participation in the class.  Planning for access as the course is being developed is much easier than creating accommodation strategies once a student with a disability enrolls.  Simple steps can be taken to assure that the course is accessible to those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.  People without disabilities also benefit when "universal design" is considered in the course development process.

 

Disadvantages to Distance Learning

Distance learning has unique challenges. You will most likely never meet or see your instructor in person.  E-learners do not have traditional classmates.  you will not be able to talk to other students on campus taking the same course.  But if take full advantage of the available technologies, most of these issues can be replaced with online versions, which many younger people today prefer.

Distance learners can become discouraged and easily distracted from their course work. Online students have to develop self discipline to keep focused on the course work studies and schedules.

Distance Learning has instructional challenges.  Many faculty members are unwilling to use distance learning technology. Some instructors have limited teaching skills, or are untrained in many of the emerging technologies. Many of the institutions provide little encouragement, support, incentives, or training in how to use or implement these new methods.  Most campuses have vague institutional policies on distance learning and the required technology.  Instructors lack the time and effort required to implement new course planning.

 

Homeschool Online Distance Learning

 

Distance learning has provided many homeschooling children and parents additional opportunities for learning that were not available to homeschoolers in the past.  Distance learning technologies has given homeschool students an opportunity to interact with students and teachers via the internet. Many local school districts are utilizing distance learning systems or video conferencing methods to provide online classroom instruction to homeschoolers. Teachers can post daily assignments, presentations, daily notes online through a learning management system which can be viewed at home by the student. Distance learning techniques keeps the homeschooler from being disconnected from daily classroom instruction that only a trained teacher can give, but allows the parent to control the environment and influences around the child.

Students don't have to be homeschoolers or home-bound to use distance learning technologies.  Many local high schools offer course credit to students that are schooled from home.  High school drop-outs, student in juvenile detention, or students that require a more flexible classroom schedule have been able to utilize distance learning courses. Online high schools schedules can be more flexible, thus appealing to students with circumstances that require special needs, but can keep the educational standards high.

Many school districts have began to utilize distance learning methods to provide access to tutorial assistance for students after schools hours and on the weekend. Tutors can work from their own home, classroom, or other preferred location, to mentor the students remotely at the convince of a agreed upon schedule. This distance learning technique has allowed older students to mentor younger students, or other off-campus mentors to gain access to struggling students at home.

Distance learning technologies has allowed school districts in less-populated or economically challenged areas to pool their resources such as sharing the cost of teachers between schools.  This method allows many schools to provide courses that have low enrollment or special teaching skill requirements that would normally be unable to offer.

 

Degrees Offered Through Distance Learning Schools

There are an endless fields of college degrees and professional certificates offered through distance learning schools. High demand fields such as Administration, Business, Criminal Justice, Computers, Court Reporting, Dental, Health Care, Law, Real Estate, Security, Social Services, and many more are all available through distance learning degrees.

It is more convenient than it has ever been to get your degree through distance learning methods because of the emerging technologies available.  Whether this is your first degree or a post graduate MBA or PHD degree, there is a distance learning degree program that will fit your schedule and needs.  In this current job market, it is more important than ever to have a college degree, or a professional certificate within your chosen field.  It is critically important the those in advanced career fields continue to improve their educational merits if they want job advancement, increased salaries, or even just to escape the dreaded downsizing hatchet.

Current distance learning technologies have changed higher education forever, college degrees are more  accessible than ever to a broader spectrum of the population.  Many adults are now able to squeeze educational advancement into their tight schedules because of the self paced courses available through these distance learning systems, all from the convenience of their home or office

Distance Learning MBA Programs

By far one of the more popular degrees in higher education is the MBA degree, and this is no exception to Distance Leaning Degree programs.  An MBA is a degree that is very broad based foundation to the world of business, but each degree can specialize into smaller, more targeted aspects business management such as financial management, human resource management, information technology management, just to name a few.  There are many credible distance learning MBA programs that offer degrees in many fields of business, that will help you in your job placement or in job promotion desires.

Distance Learning Masters Programs

Not all master degree programs are offered through a distance learning program.  Many masters degrees require that an internship period as part of the program such as in a nursing masters degree or even some business master.  But in many of these cases, most if not all of the course work can be completed through distance learning.

 

Masters Degrees in Distance Learning

A Masters degrees in Distance Learning teaches the Educational Design and Administration process required for using distance learning resources effectively. In these master degree programs you will learn how to use distance learning technology to deliver instruction and construct effective teaching methods that create rich environments for learning.  There are many technologies and methods available for distance education, and these master courses will prepare you for evaluation and assessment of these strategies to determine which are best for the different types of leaning environments, and for different learners and there various needs and backgrounds.  Most Distant Learning Master's degree programs offer three fields of specialization;  Adult Education, Distance Learning Technologies and Instructional Design, and Administration of Distance Learning Institutions offering Distance Education programs.