Distance Learning, The Different Types and Methods of Home Study
Posted on 17. Jun, 2011 by Alec in Distance Learning, Online Learning
The first distance learning can be traced back to the 18th Century, in the form of ‘correspondence courses’, which became increasingly popular with the development of the postal system throughout the 19th century. Distance learning was born out of the difficulty many people had in accessing education – either due to ill health, inability to travel, financial problems, working or family commitments or being unable to attend institutions due to restrictions on the admission of women.
Since then, education has probably become more easily accessible than ever before. However, distance learning still serves a useful purpose as a means for those who are unable to attend physical classes to study and gain qualifications. Its flexibility and convenience has meant that distance learning has gone from strength to strength over its 250 year history, and it is more popular now than ever before.
Synchronous or Asynchronous? Distance learning courses can be ‘synchronous’ or ‘asynchronous’.
Synchronous learning means that you study as part of a class of students at a set time each week, for example if you and other pupils attend virtual ‘classes ‘ or seminars with your tutor via conference calls, video chats or over the internet. Synchronous distance learning courses are good for students who are able to set aside a period of time every week – these types of courses are the closest to attending a traditional class-based course at a college.
Asynchronous learning means that you complete your studies in your own time, and communicate with your tutor via email, message boards or telephone when you need advice or assistance. This method of study is best for people with busy or unpredictable schedules, as they can fit in their learning around their other commitments. However, it does require a little more discipline than a synchronous learning course to keep on track with your work.
Distance Learning: Modern distance learning still has a lot in common with the original correspondence courses – when you enrol on a course you’ll be sent the books and other materials you need to complete the course and will be assigned a tutor. Your tutor will set you assignments to complete, and you’ll return work to them for marking as well as contacting them by telephone or email if you need help.
Self Study: Self study is a minimalist form of distance learning – when you enrol on a self-study course, you’ll receive your course materials, vouchers for your exams and not much more. You may be assigned a tutor, but it’s likely that contact with them will be limited, or you might not receive any further help at all. Self-study courses are generally much cheaper than other forms of distance learning, as they don’t cost as much to deliver as courses where more tutor support is available. Self study courses work best if you’re very confident with your subject matter, or if you’re extremely self-motivated. However, if you’re less confident with learning alone you may want to consider a course that offers more support.
E-Learning: E-Learning, as the name suggests, is conducted mostly or completely online. For an E-learning course, instead of receiving materials through the post you’ll log into an online system where you can read study guides, complete activities and submit work. Because the cost of materials is reduced, E-learning can be good value for money, and many people find being able to log into the system from any computer to be a convenient way to work. However, E-learning isn’t necessarily for everybody – if you’re not confident with computers or if you don’t have a fast, reliable internet connection you might find working with hard copy textbooks more productive.
Blended Learning: Blended learning is a combination of distance learning and traditional classroom teaching. On a blended learning course, you’ll study most of the course via distance learning using one of the methods above. In addition, you’ll also have one or more in-person classroom sessions with your tutor. This system of learning is common in business training, when a number of people from the same company are studying the same course. Blended learning gives the best of both worlds, adding a social aspect to distance learning and helping students to stay motivated on their course while still offering flexibility.
Summary: Understanding the difference between different types of distance learning is important when choosing the right course for you – by finding out exactly what each course offers, you can choose the one that best suits your learning style and personal circumstances. Good luck!