Distance learning can also be defined as
asynchronous learning. Distance and asynchronous learning is for students who
want to study from home or abroad. Massive open online courses are being
offered on the internet, providing inter-active participation between students
and lecturers. Distance learning has become popular, by virtual schools and
universities offering their curriculum and course materials online.
Distance learning utilizes interactive radio instruction (IRI), interactive audio instruction (IAI), online virtual worlds, webinars, e-mails and webcasts, all of which are referred to as e-Learning. Many online and open schools and universities use a “self-paced delivery” which allows for learners to accomplish the completion of the course in accordance with their time, skill and commitment levels. In addition, the benefits of distance education is, it allows for a flexible scheduling structure, minimizing time constraints which may be imposed by personal responsibilities, or if an individual is working and studying simultaneously.
Distance learning minimizes the need for institutional buildings and infrastructure. Distance education has been a more cost-effective form of learning, and can sometimes save students a significant amount of money as opposed to traditional education. And lastly by being involved in global institutions, the learner is able to communicate with a variety of individuals who contain different backgrounds which could positively impact on their learning process, as they are able to combine new opinions with their own.
The disadvantages of distance learning are that it could provide obstacles such as distractions due to the lack of discipline that traditional education provides. The lack of reliable technology could negatively impact a learners learning process. The lack of advanced technology skills can lead to an unsuccessful experience. And lastly, students become comfortable with communicating online, but however find it difficult to socialize in real life, which may negatively impact them.
Distance learning utilizes interactive radio instruction (IRI), interactive audio instruction (IAI), online virtual worlds, webinars, e-mails and webcasts, all of which are referred to as e-Learning. Many online and open schools and universities use a “self-paced delivery” which allows for learners to accomplish the completion of the course in accordance with their time, skill and commitment levels. In addition, the benefits of distance education is, it allows for a flexible scheduling structure, minimizing time constraints which may be imposed by personal responsibilities, or if an individual is working and studying simultaneously.
Distance learning minimizes the need for institutional buildings and infrastructure. Distance education has been a more cost-effective form of learning, and can sometimes save students a significant amount of money as opposed to traditional education. And lastly by being involved in global institutions, the learner is able to communicate with a variety of individuals who contain different backgrounds which could positively impact on their learning process, as they are able to combine new opinions with their own.
The disadvantages of distance learning are that it could provide obstacles such as distractions due to the lack of discipline that traditional education provides. The lack of reliable technology could negatively impact a learners learning process. The lack of advanced technology skills can lead to an unsuccessful experience. And lastly, students become comfortable with communicating online, but however find it difficult to socialize in real life, which may negatively impact them.
Author :Devona Mudaly
Editor : Zainab Bibi Mohammed
References:
Distance Education
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distance_education
[Accessed on 24 April 2016] [ONLINE]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distance_education
[Accessed on 24 April 2016] [ONLINE]
Trends in distance education research
[Accessed on 26 April 2016 [ONLINE]
https://www.academia.edu/11056576/Trends_in_Distance_Education_Research_A_Content_Analysis_of_Journals_2009-2013
[Accessed on 26 April 2016 [ONLINE]
https://www.academia.edu/11056576/Trends_in_Distance_Education_Research_A_Content_Analysis_of_Journals_2009-2013
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission
No comments:
Post a Comment