Types of Distance Learning

Online distance learning gives you the opportunity to take advantage of both education and technology. While there are some differences in the types of teaching that you may find in distance learning, you will find that they are limited to about five different main kinds.

Each one of the different kinds of distance learning will have some pros and cons, but the best form for you will depend on what you need.

Here is a look at each of these forms and how they may benefit the student.

Correspondence Courses

The original distance learning was in the form of correspondence courses, but it now takes advantage of current technologies.

Traditionally, the student was sent the textbook and the instructional materials, and then had to read, write papers, take tests, etc., according to the materials given. Papers and tests had to be mailed back and forth - which added to the time involved. This form of education is still going on, but the materials sent are often on CDs, DVDs, or possibly PDFs and MP3 files.

Internet-based

A number of distance learning classes are conducted online. This may or may not require students to log-in to a certain website where they are actually seeing the live class - called synchronous learning. Oftentimes, messages can be sent to the teacher, and they can be answered live - possibly through chat software. Attendance is required in this type of situation. *Find online course designer jobs on our distance learning job board.

Various online tools may be used while teaching. These tools would help to create an interactive framework while working on the Web, and could include: bulletin boards, chat rooms, messaging, and even video-conferencing.

The same class can also be recorded digitally and made accessible to students who log-in to view it - when convenient (asynchronous learning). They do not, of course, have the opportunity to ask any questions live and receive answers, although they could email them.

The limits of Internet-based learning are probably only just beginning to be seen. Institutions of higher learning such as Princeton, Rice University, and Vassar College of the United States, as well as other ones overseas, are currently using Second Life as a way to teach English to those wanting to learn it. A lot of online career training is delivered via the Internet.

Computer-based Training (CBT) - Media Delivery

Other classes may use a tool to record the class or information, and then disburse it to the students in some electronic form. This could take the form of cassettes, videos, CDs, or DVDs, and each student listens or watches when convenient. This form of learning may also involve broadcasting the course through radio or TV (synchronous - but without interaction), as well.

Computer-based training is often open-ended. There usually is not a definite time schedule that needs to be followed, which allows students to proceed at their own pace.

Mobile Learning (m-Learning) - Electronic Media

Another step in delivery methods for distance learning is the use of electronic devices such as PDAs or MP3 players. Since these devices are very popular, many online colleges and professors offering online courses now deliver their classes and other materials through these tools. You can even find free online classes to enjoy on your mobile device, perhaps while riding the bus or subway home from work.

This works well for students who may not have prolonged access to a computer. This would include people in the military and others in similar situations. Delivery methods may also include podcasts and smart phones. These devices make it easy to find time to listen to the courses because it can be done while riding in a cab, a bus, a plane, car pooling, or even while jogging.

Instructor-led Training (ILT)

This type of distance learning training comes from techniques developed in the classroom. There is a teacher and there will usually be some kind of textbook or manual from which the teacher will teach. This method is commonly used in business and with teaching technology classes. An advantage is that the teacher can bring the material to the level of the students, and can explain any difficulties not covered well in the manual.

With the many different types of distance learning programs available, you certainly can find one that will suit your educational needs. Distance learning has come a long way and provides college courses and degree programs for just about every need - and makes it easy, too.

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