What is Distance Learning?

About Distance Learning Education

Ever wondered what is distance learning? distance learning is the process of knowledge transfer to learners who are separated from the instructor by time and/or physical distance and utilizing technology components. Distance learning is what should occur if special consideration has been taken to the course design, instructional techniques, communication mediums and organization and administrative issues associated with distance education. Knowledge transfer should transpire despite the fact that the instructor and learner are geographically separated by time or distance.

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You are probably an adult, in the Millitary or have a very demanding job and family. You are still holding onto that life-long dream of achieving a Master’s or PhD degree but don’t know how. At last, there’s a solution. Many learners’ professional and personal lives have been affected by the online learning experience. See how you can change yours now!

Research results have consistently shown that with good instructional design there’s no significant difference between distance learning and in-class learning. We found a college that upholds the best principles in distance learning. Enjoy the flexibility without compromising quality. Click HERE to request more information.

“Today, higher education is a necessity for those who wish to work and prosper in an economy that is becoming dependent not on sheer muscle power, but on brain power. Today, the workforce is rewarded for how well and how fast problems are detected and solved.” (Saba Ph.d, 2001) Get the skills you need to compete in today's workplace.

"Distance learning" and "distance education" are terms used synonymously in education and learning technology. It is deemed that distance learning has been a method of teaching and learning for many individuals for at least one hundred years (Moore & Kearsley, 1996) starting with print technology and the postal service (correspondence education) to electronic communication that is used today.

Why Distant Learning?

The biggest driver of distance learning has been due to social changes. Over the years, individuals, institutions, business, industry and the military have continuously sought for alternative means of access to higher education as they strive to cope with lifestyles and changing demands of the economies and societies they live in.

"Today, higher education is a necessity for those who wish to work and prosper in an economy that is becoming dependant not on sheer muscle power, but on brain power. Today, the workforce is rewarded for how well and how fast problems are detected and solved".(Saba, Ph.d, 2001). Since the internet has become ubiquitous, we have seen an emergence of online distance learning colleges such as Capella University, Grand Canyon University, Walden University, University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, Argosy University among others to fill the demand for higher education.

Who uses Distance Learning?

Distance learning is being used by just about anyone involved in the educational process. From high school to higher education, military and government to continuing education, corporate training to lifelong learning, distance learning is being used for several purposes; to reach underserved and advanced students, reach learners in different geographic locations (rural areas, cities, U.S. and across the world), for course enrichment, staff development, cost-saving and to offer just-in-time training to individuals and employees in remote locations.

Distant learning is very flexible. At the same time, distant learning requires more of the learner. As a learner, you are responsible for ensuring that you schedule the required time from other activities, to complete courses and assignments. Whatever schedule you set, you must follow through with it or else your learning will not be effective. Distance learning has reversed the dynamics of learning whereby instead of the students going to school, the school now comes to the students.

What Technology is used for Online Distance Learning?

It is hard to keep up with the technology associated with distance learning. Presently distance learning uses emerging technologies to enhance traditional way of learning. That is what is distance learning on the web, also referred to as online learning, online distance learning or e-learning is increasing becoming the logical way to learn. This has been made possible by the evolving information and communication technology. Telecommunication networks are providing learning opportunities for non-traditional populations of learners and individuals isolated by distance or geographical barriers.

Using satellite, computers, telephone, the Internet, interactive video conferencing and audio, distance learners can participate and share many different types of experiences that would not ordinarily be made available to them. Through distant learning technologies, students can interact with one another, interact with their instructors and easily consult experts at remote locations.

Online distance learning is very flexible. You may have 30 minutes during lunch or you may choose to participate early in the morning or late at night. In most cases you have the opportunity to log on and participate in classes at times that are most convenient to you.

Online Distance Learning - what is the experience like?

If you are wondering what participating in online distance learning is like, consider these following glimpses into how students participate online in their courses:

• Participating in online discussions and chat sessions with your fellow students and instructor instead of having to attend courses in lecture halls. You’ll also be watching videos streamed over the Internet, taking exams through customized applications by schools specifically developed for the Internet, and participating in classes using conference calls.



• Completing team projects where yourself and teams of students meet together on the same website at scheduled times to discuss how to accomplish the goals of your projects and share research. You’ll also be communicating and collaborating with other students using computer conferencing software, e-mail, chat and recorded video conferences from your instructor.






• Completing your homework independently at home and submitting it electronically to your instructor, via email or online "drop box" just in time before the deadline, after which the drop box automatically closes.



• Using online research tools including databases and extensive collections of electronically stored documents to complete your projects instead of wading through stacks of books in a library. The Internet’s search engines and many scholarly databases that schools make available to students replace trips to the library.



• Anytime you have a question for your instructor, simply e-mail them or see if they are available for an online chat or telephone call. Many academic instructors use Instant Messaging(IM) to communicate with their students.

Online distance learning has opened the door to so many learning possibilities. You too can open yours by pursuing an associates, bachelors, MBA, Masters or Phd online program or by requesting FREE information from one of these top accredited colleges and universities.

Alternatively, you can search for an online college of your choice by degree or zip code

Distance Learning Tips & Articles - to guide you on your way to fulfilling your education and career goals. Get advice, tips, trends, definitions, terminology on distant learning education, online degrees, online colleges, employment info. and more.

How do you choose the right college? here's the first tip in choosing a distance learning college