Distance Education

Distance EducationAlternative Learning

System Beyond Borders

Distance Education(Distance Learning, Open Learning, E-learning, Online Learning Or Web-based

Learning.)

Education where teachers and students are separated in the place and time. The gap between the two can be bridged through the technology. Particularly those relying on computers, audio or video technology as the medium of delivery and, sometimes, for two-way instruction.

Characteristics of Distance Learning

Provides learning opportunities to individual learners and groups who may not have the chance and time to attend formal schooling.

Learner – centered. Provides learning packages designed for self-

directed learning utilizing various media, multi-media and other new technologies.

Has an organizational structure and clear institutional systems.

Advantage of Distance Education

Distance education does not require commuting. You can complete most of the classes at your convenience. Live anywhere, study from anywhere while pursuing the

education of your choice. Gain extra knowledge. Self-paced learning. Accessibility. Convenience and flexibility. Interaction. Individualized Instruction. Vast Resource Readily Available. Potential. Cost.

Key Players in Distance Education

Students Faculty

Support Staff

Administrators

Facilitators

Interaction and Technology in Distance Education

Interaction in a traditional classroom is much different than the interaction that occurs in distance education. Distance education programs mix instructional technologies with strategies to help the learners interact with the instructional content.

Four types of Interaction

Learner Content

Learner

Learner

Learner

Instructor

Learner

Technology/system

Learner-Content Interaction with content takes place when the learner establishes new knowledge by encountering new information & combining it with the body of knowledge already retained by him or her.

Learner-InstructorInteraction with instructors can help students clarify unclear points and reinforce correct interpretation of course information.

Learner-LearnerInteraction with learner is intended to promote understanding of the course content and stimulate critical learning.

Learner-Technology/SystemStudent’s experience with computers can affect their learning in distance education as well as improve their computer skills.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Interaction

Distance education supports both synchronous and asynchronous interaction. Computer-based instruction may be

synchronous, as when computer conferences are held at pre-established times via chat technologies, or it maybe asynchronous as when learners retrieve instructional materials via the internet and act on them at their convenience.

Distance Education Technologies

Print Technology

Computer Technology

Video Technology

Audio Technology

The print materials were mailed to students and returned to the teachers through the postal system.

Primary computer technologies that is used for distance education include e-mail, online collaborations, and Web-based education.

The ability to see and hear an instructor offers opportunities foe behavior modeling, demonstrations, instruction of abstract concepts.

Voice technologies offer cost-effective ways to enhance distance learning courses

Print Technology

Print Technology

Video Technology

Computer Technology

Research and Distance Education

Research comparing distance education to traditional face-to-face instruction indicates that teaching and studying at a distance can be as effective as traditional instruction.

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