Teachers and counselors need to know: what is distance learning technology? They should be prepared to answer this question. Education is not confined to the classroom anymore and distance learning technologies allow students to decide where, when and how they want to study.
Types of Distance Learning Technology
Distance learning technology can be divided into four basic categories – print, audio, video and computer. Many of them overlap and combinations of these technologies may be used for some programs.
Print-based distance learning programs use text books, work books, study guides, fax, etc. Printed materials were used for correspondence courses, the original form of distance learning. Print still remains an important component of most programs.
Many new methods are now being used and before you select a distance learning course, try to learn a little about what is distance learning technology.
Audio-based distance learning programs use audio tapes, radio, audio conferences, the telephone, etc.
Video-based distance learning programs use satellite delivery, video tape, desktop video, broadcast video, microwave, etc.
Computer-based distance learning programs use CD-ROM, collaboration software, web-based software, video conferences and e-mail. Before signing-up for a computer-based distance learning program, find out what is distance learning technology.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Technology
Printed materials are cost-effective, and can be used anywhere. They are easily available and learners are generally comfortable using them. However, they offer no interaction and there are no audio/visual elements. It takes time to deliver them and students require reading skills.
Audio-based methods are cheap, accessible and easy-to-use. The downside is that they lack visual information, need to be scheduled and tend to be impersonal.
Video-based distance learning programs offer both audio as well as video communication. They allow instructors and students to see body language, expressions, etc, and allow a higher level of interaction. The downside is that they require technical support and are expensive. They also need preparation, planning and scheduling.
Computer-based distance learning programs are inexpensive, allow students to move at their own pace and provide a high level of interaction. There is a written record and they can be accessed from anywhere. They offer graphics, text, audio and video. However, they often rely on written communication; need planning, a computer and an internet connection. There is also a danger of viruses and of computer network failure.
To select a suitable distance learning course, you need to know what is distance learning technology. Be sure to select a course which uses the technology that maximizes your learning experience.
Posts Tagged ‘Distance Learning Programs’
What is Distance Learning Technology?
December 28th, 2009Is Distance Learning Lacking In Communication?
October 24th, 2009Communication plays an important role in the learning process. It enables the sharing of information, thoughts and ideas which contribute to learning. Communication actually creates opportunities for learning to take place. Besides, it also helps in clarifying information, inducing enthusiasm in learning and building positive relationships among learners. Good communication is essential for successful learning. As there is no face-to-face interaction in distance learning courses, communication is given a stronger emphasis by schools providing these courses. Many of them have established more effective modes of communication in their distance learning programs to compensate the lack of face-to-face interaction.
In distance learning, the course content can be communicated through audio tapes, videos, the web, or printed form. The student will be informed about the course content and course directives. Most importantly, the information should be clearly communicated to the students as they need to know exactly what is expected from them. Many distance learning course developers make use of the internet to provide up-to-date information to enhance learning. Besides course materials, course developers usually include other websites and online journals to create more depth in learning. With the internet, the course developer is able to provide online a great supply of current data to support the course materials.
In classroom teaching, the course instructor is able to show enthusiasm for a topic by the use of his or her tone of voice. However, with distance learning, the displaying of enthusiasm through the use of voice by the instructor is not possible most of the time. In this aspect, many schools which produce course content through the web, make use of graphics, videos and photographs to depict various types of emotions. By using these illustrations, the course instructor can communicate his or her emotions towards various topics to the students. This helps to build enthusiasm for the course content. On the other hand, students can express their emotions on the course through communication channels such as web forums and chat rooms. Thus, they can also have the ease of expressing their passion for certain topics. In this way, it would increase their involvement in the course, build enthusiasm for their course of study and enhance their learning process.
As physical separation can create a sense of isolation, many schools build communication channels to decrease this feeling the learners may experience. In distance learning, the modes of communication include electronic mail, website forums, chat rooms and internet conferencing. Their availability helps to increase interaction between instructor and student, as well as interaction among students. Interaction is important in a learning environment. It can enhance learning and promote individual growth. The communication channels also allow the students to ask questions anytime about the course and assignments. During the course, students may not fully understand some topics and need to seek clarifications with the course instructor. Sometimes, even though the course instructor has explained the assignments in the course content, students may still have questions about them. Hence, the various communication channels are useful for these clarifications.
Distance online learning has expanded communication options used by traditional classroom learning. For example, some methods used by students in classroom learning such as asking the instructor questions after class lessons, telephone communication, one-to-one or group discussions are still used in online learning. In addition to these, online learning has electronic mail, mailing lists, chat rooms, message boards and web forums. Thus, online learning has more communication options available for the students and instructors to interact. As there is a variety of modes of communication available, students can have the freedom to select the type of mode they like to use.
From the above, we can see that although distance learning may lack face-to-face interaction, many schools have established various other modes of communication to increase interaction. With the use of current technology, distance learning has a greater variety of modes of communication than the traditional classroom learning. Hence, distance learning is not lacking in communication. In fact, students in distance learning programs have more communication options to select from.
By: anonymous
Top Online Universities For Distance Learning Programs
September 27th, 2009Over the past few years, education has undergone a major shift in teaching as well as learning mode. Staring from conventional knowledge-based courses to modern job-oriented courses, education has transformed its facade and now getting popularly known as distance education. In fact today, distance education has achieved new heights and emerging as one of the great way to advance one’s qualifications.
Facilitating a student to study from home and set his or her own schedule and pace for learning has made this mode of learning a convenient option. Students from all over the world have started taking up this style of learning so much that it has become an essential part of modern education. Making the best use of modern methods of delivery like video conference, teleconference, and online communications such as, e-mail, chats and pod casts, it is also easily accessible.
These days almost every modern course is available for students through distance learning mode. In fact many working personnel are also opting for distance learning or online education programs. No doubt, if we carefully look at the present scenario the possibilities of obtaining useful knowledge and distance learning degrees are endless but it has become more important to filter those fake institutes and universities that are spread all over. Students must perform initial research to check the authenticity of the diplomas offered from various distance learning universities or else it can hamper student’s career, time and effort. However, here are some of the best inline distance learning universities that offer some of best online education programs and learning classes meeting the standards of current education industry:
University of Phoenix- This is one of the best online universities that offer online, on-campus, and hybrid degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. Each degree is a balanced combination of academic theory and practical application. Every online education program is fully accredited and designed in collaboration with academic and industry professionals to ensure quality. Today, University of Phoenix is one of the largest private universities in North America, with nearly 200 convenient locations, as well as internet delivery in most countries around the world. The university is well known for providing best distance learning service and constantly aim to help students balance education and life in a fast changing world.
Argosy University- It is a private university and well known for providing flexible online programs in business, education and psychology. Argosy University has established campuses and supports one of the largest graduate student communities in the United States. Besides this, the university is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. All online lectures are designed to improve student’s practical knowledge. The best highlight of various online education programs provided by Argosy University is it facilitates students take the accelerated online classes at their convenience, during the day or night. Moreover, experienced instructors are always available to provide students individualized attention through online class session.
Capella University- Capella University is yet another famous distance learning university that offers online degrees in information technology, business, psychology, public health and human services. As an online university, the greater part of learning takes place via the Internet. Besides this, its online environment is organized into course-rooms, with each course utilizing its own individual component. These course-rooms are built on the Blackboard Learning System software. Every online course offered by Capella University is taught by industry professionals possessing years of teaching experience. United with the flexibility of having all courses and resources available online, selecting Capella University for attaining a online degree can be a very attractive option.
Kaplan University- Kaplan University also offers various online degrees and distance learning programs in finance, international business or sales and marketing. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), every online degree and certificate programs are taught by experienced instructors. These instructors use hands-on approach to teach and give their students practical exposure with the tools and knowledge of their specific trades. The university also provide interactive learning program that in turn allows students prepare their course schedule as per their convenience.
A degree from a reputed online distance learning university can be regarded as advantage and ambitious students from all the across the globe always crave for it. It not only adds an impressive touch to academic background but also helps student identify his or her core competencies, build new skills, create a portfolio to mark a positive career growth.
By: Tis Amit
