Long-distance
learning or distance education denotes education of students who may not always
be physically present at an educational institution. Traditionally, this involves
correspondence courses wherein the student corresponds with the school, college
or university via post. Today it involves online education.
Courses in India are conducted either in blended, hybrid or 100 percent distance
learning. Massive open online courses (MOOCs), offering open access through the
World Wide Web or other network technologies and large-scale interactive
participation, are recent developments in distance education. A number of other
terms (online learning, distributed learning, virtual classroom, e-learning etc.)
are also used with distance education.
Time
is vanquished through diversity
Distance
learning can expand access to training and education for both general learners
and businesses since its flexible scheduling structure lessens the effects of numerous
constraints imposed by personal commitments and responsibilities. Furthermore,
there is the potential for increased access to other students from diverse social,
geographical, cultural, experiential and economic backgrounds and to more
experts in the field.
Institutions
can benefit financially, and adult learning business courses may be particularly
lucrative as the population at large becomes more involved in lifelong learning
beyond the normal school going age. Distance education programs are as
effective as face-to-face learning programs and can act as a catalyst for
institutional innovation, especially if the instructor is skilled and knowledgeable.
Impact
of technological advancement on distance education
Distance education can also provide a broader method of communication within the realm
of education. With the technical aid and software programs that technological
advancements have to offer, interaction increases in distance education amongst
students and their professors, as well as students and their classmates. Distance
education students in like manner get an exposure of as many of the
opportunities as possible as would have been provided in in-person education. The
colleges in India offering distance
education has increase in interaction amongst students and their classmates’
and communication is effective even if distance is a barrier. The technological
advancements have brought inimprovement in distance education too.
Establish
solid foundation of learning
Students
associate with accredited schools and programs throughout the world that are
out of reach for in-person learning. Through present-day online communication a
diverse array of thought is presented to students through communication with
their fellow mates and the opportunity to be involved in global institutions
via distance education is allowed.
This is
beneficial because students have the opportunity to combine new opinions with their
own, and develop a solid base for learning. Instructors provide similar
assignments for students from different locations to increase the likelihood
that students will build effective ties with one another during the course. The
high cost of education affects students in higher education therefore distance
education as an effective alternative might provide some relief.
Future
of distance education
Distance education has been a more cost-effective form of learning. Many textbooks are
now available in comparison to traditional textbooks as electronic textbooks,
known as ebooks, which are available for a reduced price. Job prospects are
quite positive if the enrolled candidate secures impressive grades.