What is Distance Learning
Distance learning is the process of
transferring knowledge to
learners(students) who are separated from
the instructor(teacher) by time and/or
physical distance and are making use of
technology components, such as the
Internet, video, CD's, tapes, and other forms
of technology to accomplish learning. http://www.distance-learning-collegeguide.com
History and Synonyms
• "Distance learning", "distance education" and eLearning are terms used synonymously in
education and learning technologies. It is deemed
that distance learning has been a method of
teaching and learning for many individuals for at
least one hundred years (Moore & Kearsley,
1996) starting with print technology and the
postal service (correspondence education) all the
way up to the electronic communication that is
used today. - http://www.distance-learningcollege-guide.com
Today's On-line Colleges
• Capella University, Grand Canyon University,
Walden University, University of Phoenix,
Kaplan University, Argosy University
What Technology is Involved
• Using satellite, computers, telephone, the
Internet, interactive video conferencing, and
audio, distance learners can participate and
share many different types of experiences that
would not ordinarily be made available to
them. Through online distance learning
technologies, students can interact with one
another and their instructors, and also easily
consult experts from remote locations.
What is it Like for Students
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Students participating in online discussions and chat sessions with fellow
students and instructors, instead of having to attend courses in traditional lecture
halls. You'll also be watching videos streamed over the Internet, taking exams
through customized applications, and participating in class discussions via
conference calls.
Students completing team projects by meeting together in teams, on the same
website, at scheduled times to discuss how to accomplish the goals of a certain
project or assignment, and to share research findings. You'll also be
communicating and collaborating with other students using computer
conferencing software, e-mail, chat, and recorded video conferences provided by
your instructor.
Students complete homework assignments independently at home and submit
them electronically to their instructor, via email or an online "drop box", just
before the deadline. After the deadline passes, the drop box automatically closes.
Students use online research tools, including databases and extensive collections
of electronically stored documents, to complete projects-instead of wading
through stacks of books in a traditional library. The Internet's search engines, along
with the many scholarly databases that online schools make available to their
students, replace traditional trips to the campus library.
Students ask questions via e-mail, online chat or telephone calls. In addition,
many academic instructors use Instant Messaging (IM) to communicate with their
students.
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Advantages
Distance learning does not require commuting. This saves you money and time
that you'd otherwise spend on traveling back and forth to school. You can also
schedule your online learning around other aspects of your personal and
professional life.
You can complete most of the classes at your convenience. Infact, most of the
classes are asynchronous, which means that you don't have to attend a lecture at a
particular time and place. You can also review the assignments and do your
homework during off-hours or from home.
You can live anywhere, and study from anywhere while pursuing the education of
your choice. You don't have to live in the same city, or even the same country, to
attend the online learning institution of your choice. You can study from any
location that has a computer and an Internet connection.
You will gain valuable knowledge. The computer and Internet skills you will gain in
the process of your distance learning experience are transferable to other facets of
your life.
You can enjoy self-paced learning. Whether you tend to be a slow learner or a
quick learner, self-paced learning will reduce your stress and increase your
satisfaction.
Accessibility is another advantage of distance learning programs. Online classes
eliminate some of the physical accessibility issues that some individuals with
limited mobility encounter when taking traditional classes. You don't have to worry
about gaining access to a classroom or sitting at uncomfortable desks. Instead, you
can freely learn from the comfort of your own home.
Disadvantages
• Distance learning and e-learning education requires costly and complex
technology. Despite the many opportunities inherent to distance
education, it is also quite expensive for the institutions offering online
classes. Live video communication, for example, requires careful planning,
equipment, and facilities.
• Distance learning requires advance planning. Both the instructors and
students involved in distance learning will need to make sacrifices, at
times, in order to get things done on time.
• Distance learning may come with hidden costs. If you work for the
military for example, and you are on board a ship, you might have to have
some materials mailed to you in advance, incurring extra shipping and
handling costs.
• Distance learning does not always offer all the required coursework
online for every degree program.
• Distance learning degrees may not be acknowledged by all employers.
Summary
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7uZ6WrT
ViM&feature=related
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB2djDoy
1SE&feature=related – 4:09