What is Distance Education?

History of Distance Education

Before we look at what is distance education, let’s examine the history of distance education. Distance education is not a new phenomena as it has been practiced since the turn of the century. The term "distance education" is used interchangeably with "distance learning". The earliest efforts at distance education involved correspondence study and really did not use any form of telecommunication, but instead relied on the postal service for the delivery of content and assignments.

Next came audio-based distance education which incorporated radio and audio teleconferencing. During the 1940’s, video-based distance education consisted of one-way video and audio, one-way video and two-way audio or two-way video-audio. Video-based distance education is still one of the major sources of training delivered at a distance. The late 1960’s and early 70’s introduced computer-based distance education using technologies such as network-based computer conferencing and tapes.

Today we’re looking at web-based instruction using telecommunication and internet technologies. Learning can either be facilitated via learning management systems or learners can simply download various plugins to participate in online activities and communicate with classmates and instructors.

What is Distance Education?

Typically distance education is defined by Moore and Kearsley(1996) as "the planned learning that normally occurs in a different place from teaching and as a result requires special techniques of course design, special instructional techniques, special methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special organization and administrative agreements".

Research results and studies show that with good instructional design, distance education is as effective as other forms of teaching and learning generally characterized as face-to-face education or conventional education. It may not override conventional learning but it serves the same purpose and allows for more people to be reached, conveniently. If anything, distance learning colleges are more appropriate for some students as these schools often have a better understanding of what it takes to continue your studies while working full time, thus creating courses that are as flexible as your schedule requires. Colleges such as Capella University, Grand Canyon University, Walden University, University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, Argosy University offer online distance education.

The Future of Distance education

With the rate that technology changes, no one can predict the future of distance education but we can tell what we know is already here.

Desktop Video conferencing - using Microsoft’s NetMeeting or Webex is an example of video conferencing. Desktop videoconferencing allows you to both hear and see the other party. You can share live, motion video images and exchange images of objects and documents. File sharing and application sharing is also possible. This allows for both people to look at one file or application at one time from two separate locations. Applications for desktop videoconferencing cover all areas of the business, education and military. Its popularity has increased as a result of advances in video data compression technology.

Web-based Instruction - most online learning offered by these top accredited colleges and universities constitutes web-based instruction. It's convenient for the student by allowing them to access the instruction(learning materials) anytime, from any location with internet connection. It facilitates mentoring through teacher and student interaction and promotes active learning. Web-based instruction is also becoming one of the fastest means of education geared toward the life-long learner.

We are still in the early stages of web-based instructional learning. To a large degree, it will be up to technology and educators to define and shape its future.

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