Distance education, distance learning, dlearning, or D-Learning is a mode of delivering education and instruction, often on an individual basis, to students who are not physically present in a traditional setting such as a classroom. Distance learning provides "access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both." Distance education courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason (including taking examinations) have been referred to as hybrid or blended courses of study. Massive open online courses (MOOCs), aimed at large-scale interactive participation and open access via the web or other network technologies, are a recent development in distance education.
a method of studying in which lectures are broadcast or classes are conducted by correspondence or over the Internet, without the student's needing to attend a school or college.
Distance learning, sometimes called e-learning, is a formalized teaching and learning system specifically designed to be carried out remotely by using electronic communication. Because distance learning is less expensive to support and is not constrained by geographic considerations, it offers opportunities in situations where traditional education has difficulty operating. Students with scheduling or distance problems can benefit, as can employees, because distance education can be more flexible in terms of time and can be delivered virtually anywhere.
Popular distance learning technologies include:
- Voice-centered technology, such as CD or MP3 recordings or Webcasts
- Video technology, such as instructional videos, DVDs, and interactive videoconferencing
- Computer-centered technology delivered over the Internet or corporate intranet
Studies indicate that distance learning can be as effective as the traditional format when the methods are appropriate to the teaching tasks, there is student-teacher interaction, and the teachers provide students with appropriate and timely feedback.
A type of education, typically college-level, where students work on their own at home or at the office and communicate with faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging and other forms of computer-based communication.
Most distance learning programs include a computer-based training (CBT) system and communications tools to produce a virtual classroom. Because the Internet and World Wide Web are accessible from virtually all computer platforms, they serve as the foundation for many distance learning systems.
Most distance learning programs include a computer-based training (CBT) system and communications tools to produce a virtual classroom. Because the Internet and World Wide Web are accessible from virtually all computer platforms, they serve as the foundation for many distance learning systems.
Distance learning is a term used to describe an education that is received at an off-site location. In the past, students who participated in a distance learning program received their education through correspondence courses, but new technology has brought about many other options.
Audio Based Courses
Audio based distance learning courses utilize one-way or two-way communication. This includes everything from radio broadcasting and phone conferences to prerecorded audio CDs.
Video Based Courses
There are two basic types of video based distance learning courses:
Prerecorded Video – videotaped courses are sent to students who can view them at an off-site location.
Two-Way Interactive Video – Satellites, cameras, and television of computer monitors allow professors and/or students on one site to interact with professors and/or students at another site.
Internet Based Courses
Online courses require an Internet connection and little else. Students of online distance learning programs often receive instruction through websites, email, electronic bulletin boards, and messaging systems. These courses generally offer the same curriculum as on-site courses and usually come with a discounted price tag. Perhaps this is why Internet based distance learning courses are becoming so popular.
Audio Based Courses
Audio based distance learning courses utilize one-way or two-way communication. This includes everything from radio broadcasting and phone conferences to prerecorded audio CDs.
Video Based Courses
There are two basic types of video based distance learning courses:
Prerecorded Video – videotaped courses are sent to students who can view them at an off-site location.
Two-Way Interactive Video – Satellites, cameras, and television of computer monitors allow professors and/or students on one site to interact with professors and/or students at another site.
Internet Based Courses
Online courses require an Internet connection and little else. Students of online distance learning programs often receive instruction through websites, email, electronic bulletin boards, and messaging systems. These courses generally offer the same curriculum as on-site courses and usually come with a discounted price tag. Perhaps this is why Internet based distance learning courses are becoming so popular.
E-book explains the definition and meaning of distance education