Advantages of Distance Learning for Learners
It’s not a new concept to pursue education at a distance. Let’s grab some useful information about the advantages of distance learning for learners through this article.
We can see that not everyone lives near a college or university. Also, people with full-time jobs struggle to take traditional classes to earn better degrees. For these reasons, distance learning helps people achieve their desired education. In the previous post, you have taken a closer look at the pros and cons of online learning. So, today’s blog post brings you information about distance learning and its benefits. Besides, you can see how to implement this kind of learning effectively in education.
What is Distance Learning?
People may hear about distance learning many times. But not all of them understand exactly this type of education.
Firstly, let’s explore some definitions of this term:
- Cambridge Dictionary: A type of study in which you do not go to school, college, or university. But you study in your place of residence, usually through the Internet to teach and provide work.
Besides, it shows another definition: A method of studying, particularly for a degree, in which you study largely from home and receive. Besides, you send work by mail or the Internet.
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries: An educational system in which learners study at home with the help of special websites and submit their work to their teachers or send it by email.
So, distance learning, as the term implies, is learning from a distance. Simply put, it is a method of educating learners online, in which teachers and learners do not meet in a classroom but use the Internet.
What’s the Difference Between Distance Learning and Online Learning?
When searching for this method on the Internet, you may realize some suggested names. They are distance education, online learning, or eLearning. But, distance learning is a bit different from online learning. Take a look at the comparison table below for more information:
| Differences criteria | Distance Learning | Online learning |
| Time | Students attend classes when they’re ready. Teachers assign and check learning duties in digital. | Students and teachers can attend virtual classrooms together, follow fixed schedules. |
| Interaction | Students and teachers work without in-person interactions. | Students and teachers work with face-to-face interactions. |
| Teaching methodology | Teachers are not required to attend the class. They provide instruction and assessments online. | Teachers combine different teaching methods. |
So, distance learning and online learning have their own characteristics. Keep reading the next part to explore the pros of distance learning.
What are the Advantages of Distance Learning?
Check out the advantages of distance learning for learners before joining.
#1. Flexibility
The key strength of remote learning is its flexibility. Thanks to that, learners can freely study in their own time. For example, some learners may be busy or lack focus in the daytime. So, they can set up a learning timetable in the evening. Or, even when learners’ computers have a good internet connection. They can join the courses when everything is ready. It’s not a problem. Many learners love this characteristic in the list of distance learning’s advantages.
In addition, learners can attend classes in their preferred locations. The learning process can be done in the living room, bedroom, garden, or even on the go.
#2. Accessibility
Among many advantages of distance learning for learners, accessibility is always mentioned. Students who take part in distance learning programs get the opportunity to learn, while also being challenged. You can carry out learning through e-courses, quizzes, tasks, videos, and so on. With a single click, any student can access a variety of qualified courses. All are available 24/7.
What’s more, this learning method helps learners register for many courses at the same time. Then, try to find out which is suitable for the most.
#3. Money and Time Savings
In fact, this new way of schooling is driving down the cost of education. While the quality of education is still ensured. Today, students do not have to pay for books, facilities, transportation, and so on. They can download free reference material via the Internet at home. Thanks to that, those in lower-income or poor backgrounds can afford education.
Moreover, we can save a lot of time with distance learning. Parents no longer have to rush to drive their children to school. Teachers and learners don’t have to worry about time limitations. Just enjoy a coffee or milk and start learning at their own pace.
#4. Enhancement of Skills
This is one of the advantages of distance learning for learners. It is not hard to see that learners’ technical skills can be improved. When learning first began, learners might not be familiar with this type of learning. Every day, learners look for online courses on the Internet. Then, register and access Moodles to complete learning tasks. They can message their teachers, classmates, or others. “Practice makes perfect”. Every single action becomes a great process day by day.
In addition to skills, time management is not an exception. Distance learning lets learners arrange their schedules. A good timetable will help them achieve good learning efficiency. Further, balance their life.
In conclusion, there are many pros of distance learning. Here are just a few. In the next part, the post will discuss the conditions for applying distance learning. Let’s dive deeper into them right now!
How to Implement Distance Learning?
To make remote learning effective, a few conditions need to be met.
#1. Internet Connection and Devices
Yes, this is the first thing to consider. To join distance learning, you have to own a device connected to the Internet. Those can be PCs, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. If it is not possible to own a device, you can share or take turns using it with others. Also, a steady Internet connection will help your learning not be interrupted. The Internet can support you to stay connected with education wherever you are.
#2. Self-Motivation
All results come from people. Besides the pros that you get, they challenge you as well. Do you have enough motivation to ignore laziness, delays, and all distractions? This seems to be a tough question. But only you can give the answer. So, before starting distance lessons, let’s prepare a nice mood and strong motivation.
#3. Interactive eLearning Courses
In fact, this task belongs to teachers. When learners have enough conditions for distance learning, teachers should create consistent e-courses. Without face-to-face interactions, online courses need to attract learners with interactive content. This will engage learners and maintain their interest and motivation during courses.
Let ActivePresenter help you turn dull content into a lively one. Created by Atomisystems, ActivePresenters is an ultimate eLearning authoring tool. It provides you with 11 interactive question types and various useful features. Thanks to that, you can unleash your creativity to generate eLearning courses, quizzes, and games. Also, responsive design allows you to create a single project which displays perfectly on any device with different screen sizes. You can refer to our demo page for more eLearning examples. Further, ActivePresenter supports exporting your projects to HTML5, SCORM, xAPI. Also, it is possible to directly publish them to our LMS. These are some of the reasons why the app is highly appreciated in the market.
Download ActivePresenter and try out all the features as long as you want.
Final Words
In short, distance learning has now become an educational trend because of its benefits. Hope that this article addresses your concerns. Visit our Blog page if you want to get more information about other trends in education.
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