Distance learning education is a process to create and provide access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.

Distance Learning Education Overview

Personal computers and the development of videoconferencing in the 1980s made it possible to transfer greater amounts of information more quickly and added the possibility of human interaction. with the rapid progress in information technology, the Internet had become user friendly and commonplace, especially among young adults. Suddenly, the technology necessary to provide information in any format and to allow interaction for students and teachers was widely available. It became familiar and relatively inexpensive, making distance learning an integral part of education’s future.

Traditional education delivery systems operate within geographical confines. A student enrolls in one school and takes the courses offered at that school. Nothing else. Distance learning provides students with the opportunity to choose from courses offered by multiple institutions around the country and around the globe. The individual student is empowered to seek a course of study uniquely geared to his needs, abilities, and interests.

Distance Learning Education Methods

one delivery method is a prerecorded video or audiotape. These may be distributed individually, or through local access cable or public television. One step beyond this is a live presentation over the radio or through satellite and cable. These may be further enhanced by the use of conference calls so students can give feedback and ask questions live.

Synchronous instruction occurs when the teacher and students are interacting live. This can take place at multiple levels. A chatroom allows live interaction, but only at a text-based level. This requires the students and teacher to be quick typists, and limits the types of instruction to those that can be communicated through text alone. Usually chat-type instruction occurs as a supplement to other communication methods, such as independent reading assignments or even videotaped lectures.

asynchronous instruction do not interact live. Asynchronous instruction is not bound by space or by time: students can log on, do coursework, and contribute to discussions whenever they have the most time or interest. Using asynchronous technology requires no special software or equipment at the receiving end—any computer with Internet access will work. This makes it efficient to use even if only one or two students at a given location are taking the class.