Distance Learning Learning Area.

This is done either through NZOTLC- click here for information

or

Through Te Kura -click here for courses that may be available.

Please note that it requires excellent time management skills and self discipline to study via distance learning.

What Is Distance Learning? And Why Is It So Important?

Distance learning – any form of remote education where the student is not physically present for the lesson – is booming thanks to the power of the Internet. With a variety of course types to choose from, there is a rise in flexible education options. In fact, there are a number of advantages of learning remotely over even traditional teaching models.

While skilled educators will continue to be an integral part of every student’s life, technology will bridge the physical spaces between teachers and learners. Distance learning is already part of many institutions’ programs, and it is set to become an even larger part of the education sector. 

What Is Distance Learning?

Distance learning describes any learning that happens without the students being physically present in the lesson. (However, this could also apply to the teacher in certain situations.)

Historically, this described correspondence courses in which students would communicate with their schools or teachers by mail. More recently, distance education has moved online to include a huge range of systems and methods on practically any connected device.

Common Types of Distance Learning

Though there are lots of learning (and teaching) options online, there are a few types that are well supported by existing systems and established pedagogies.

• Video conferencing is a common way for teachers to interact directly with students in live lessons. This could be a one-on-one session or a class-like scenario in which multiple students connect to the teacher live.
• Synchronous learning is when all the students learn together at the same time (and often even place) but the instructor is at another location. It often features video or teleconferencing that connects teachers and learners digitally.
• Asynchronous learning is a less connected but also less constrained format. Instead of live online lessons, students are given learning tasks with deadlines. They then self-study to complete the assignments.
• Open-schedule online courses add yet another layer of flexibility. It is a type of asynchronous course setup, except there aren’t any deadlines either. This is ideal for learners with other demands on their time, such as professionals or stay-at-home parents.
• Fixed-time online courses are a type of synchronous course that requires online users to all visit a specific virtual location at a set time and place (e.g. a webinar). Unlike more rigid synchronous lessons, this does allow students from anywhere in the world to connect and interact online.
• Computer-based distance education is a fixed-time, synchronous lesson on computers, usually a computer lab. This is most common in existing institutions that already have access to the necessary devices.
• Hybrid learning is a specific type of blended learning where students are learning the same lesson in real-time (i.e. synchronous distance learning) but some of the students are physically present while others are learning remotely.

Are you more interested in live education? Technology in the Classroom: The Complete Guide

How Is Distance Learning Different from Regular Learning?

Distance education is clearly different from regular education in terms of a student or teacher’s physical presence. But what does that mean, exactly?

For the most part, it translates into increased freedom for both learners and educators, but it also requires higher degrees of discipline and planning to successfully complete the course of study.

The enhanced freedom of remote learning is most clearly seen in the fact that students can choose courses that fit their schedules and resources. (Teachers can do the same.) And in the case of digital learning, students can also choose the location and teaching styles that best suit their needs.

The flip side of freedom, however, is the discipline required to make the most of the lessons. Students need to self-motivate in order to actually get the work done, especially in systems that don’t require them to be present in some specific time or place. Teachers also need to be better organized with contingencies should their students need additional explanation, again especially if they are not teaching live and able to “read the room.”

In certain cases, however, distance learning is not just required but the best possible option. There are times when the advantages of remote education really have a chance to shine.

Advantages of Distance Learning

Certainly, live instruction is great. The face-to-face contact lets teachers and students connect in a very authentic way, which often results in strong rapport and understanding. While not impossible, this kind of connection still seems much easier in person. So why is distance learning even a thing?

As it turns out, there are a number of advantages when learning remotely. Here are just a few.

Flexibility

The top benefit of distance education is its flexibility. Students can choose when, where, and how they learn by selecting the time, place, and medium for their education. For those who want direct, live access to teachers there are video conferencing options. But for students who may be doing their training around a job or other responsibilities, a more relaxed schedule may work better. There are options to match virtually anyone’s needs.

And thanks to the proliferation of online learning options, there is a course structure on practically any subject that a person would want to study.

Easy Access

Whether due to remote location or being differently-abled, some students lack basic access to educational facilities. Remote learning programs offer every student the opportunity to learn and improve themself in the environment they find the most effective.

Want to make a live classroom more accessible? 6 Cases of Interactive Digital Whiteboards as an Assistive Technology in Special Education

Remote learning also opens up new horizons of education in terms of international institutions. Major universities and trade schools the world over now offer recognized degrees, certificates, and professional qualifications online to learners of all ages. Or motivated people can get more basic certificates of completion everywhere.

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