Distance learning © 2023 by ETS is marked with CC0 1.0 Universal

1. DISTANCE
LEARNING
Distance learning © 2023 by ETS is marked with CC0 1.0 Universal

2. INDEX
• INTRODUCTION
• STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
• TYPES OF DISTANCE EDUCTAION
• ADVANTAGES
• DISADVANTAGES
• BEST PRACTISES
• IMPACT OF DISTANCE LEARNING ON EDUCATION
• SUCCESS STORIES
• REFERENCES

3. INTRODUCTION
• Distance learning, also known as distance education, is a form of education
where the main elements include physical separation of teachers and
students during instruction.
• It uses various technologies to facilitate student-teacher and student-student
communication. This method of learning has traditionally focused on
nontraditional students.

4. • Distance learning is a flexible and convenient way to study anytime,
anywhere, for a wide range of qualifications. It might be an option for you
if you want to continue your education and complete a degree program, but
can’t leave home, are currently working and need to balance your studies
with work responsibilities, or simply desire the flexibility of learning at
home and on your schedule.
• In recent years, the advent of high-speed networks and access to higher
education on a global scale has enabled the delivery of virtual classrooms in
which students connect with each other and with faculty independent of
time or place. Thousands of students are now taking online courses and
distance education courses over the internet.

5. STUDENTS ENGAGEMENT
• Engaging students is a challenging task both in face-to-face and distance
education settings. Because the students are physically separated from the
other students and instructor in distance education, it becomes more difficult
to engage students.
• Student engagement is defined as “the time and energy students devote to
educationally sound activities inside and outside of the classroom, and the
policies and practices that institutions use to induce students to take part in
these activities”.

6. WAYS TO IMPROVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
1.Interactive Content Delivery
2.Collaborative Learning
3.Regular Communication
4.Live Sessions and Virtual Office Hours
5.Technology Integration
6.Clear Expectations and Goals
7.Incorporate Student Feedback
8.Adapt to Diverse Learning Styles
9.Promote Self-Regulated Learning
10.Build a Supportive Learning Community

7. TYPES OF DISTANCE LEARNING
1. Synchronous distance learning
As we all know, 'synchronous' means ‘ at the same time’. In this context, it is
learning that involve live communication through either chatting online, sitting
in a classroom, or even teleconferencing. It is one of the most acclaimed
distance learning types that are most suitable for engaging in continuing
education programs.

8. 2. Asynchronous distance learning
In this regard, it is a type of learning that has a strict set of deadlines, often a
weekly time limit; however, it allows learners to learn at their own pace. It is also one
of the most popular distance learning types because students can communicate with
each other seamlessly through online notice/bulletin boards.
3. Hybrid distance learning
As the name suggests, hybrid distance learning combines asynchronous and
synchronous learning to form a structure where learners are required to meet at a
particular time in an internet chat-room or a classroom. With this platform though,
students are required to complete their work at their own pace.

9. ADVANTAGES
1. Flexibility:
Self-Paced Learning: Students can learn at their own pace, allowing for a more
personalized and flexible study schedule.
2. Accessibility:
Course materials are accessible 24/7, enabling learners to access content when
it's most convenient for them.
3. No Location Constraints:
Distance learning breaks down geographical barriers, allowing students to
access courses from anywhere in the world without the need to relocate.
4. Reduced Expenses:
Distance learning often eliminates commuting and housing costs associated
with traditional education, making it more affordable for many students.

10. 5. Wide Range of Programs:
Students can choose from a diverse range of courses and programs, including
those not offered in their local institutions.
6. Opportunities for Working Professionals:
Distance learning is particularly beneficial for individuals who are already
working, as it allows them to balance work and study commitments.
7. Use of Innovative Technologies:
Distance learning often incorporates cutting-edge technologies, promoting
digital literacy and providing students with skills relevant to today's workforce.
8. Tailored Learning Experience:
Some distance learning platforms use adaptive learning technologies to tailor
the educational experience to individual students' needs and learning styles.

11. DISADVANTAGES
•Ineffective Time Management
Effective time management can be especially difficult in a distance learning environment, where students
are challenged to pace themselves — without the support from friends and peers that would help them
stay focused in class.
•Lack of Instant Communication
In an e-learning setting, communication is often asynchronous, which means there’s a gap between teacher
and student. It’s easy for misunderstandings to develop in these gaps
•Not Receiving Timely Feedback
Providing feedback is one of the most important and meaningful ways that a teacher engages with a
student. When feedback is delayed by additional days or weeks because of an online format, students can
become confused .

12. • Not Receiving Clear Instructions or Expectations
It’s always crucial to set clear expectations for students. While setting clear standards is a challenge in any
classroom, asynchronous communication can make it a greater obstacle.
• Isolation and lack of social interaction
Distance learning students often find themselves feeling isolated from their classmates because they do not
have the same opportunities for social interaction that traditional students do. This can be especially
disappointing for those who are used to being involved in extracurricular activities at their home schools.
• Distance learners need to be highly motivated to succeed.
In a distance learning environment, you are responsible for your own learning. You have no one to follow or
ask questions of, and no way of getting help if you get stuck. This can be a problem for people who don’t
like to take initiative or who struggle with self-discipline.
• Limited access to resources and support
Distance learners often lack access to some resources that would be available if they were attending school
on campus such as libraries with books, journals, etc.
• Technical difficulties and access to technology
They may not have easy access to professional help when they need it. Without proper technical support and
training, students may find themselves struggling with course materials and assignments.

13. BEST PRACTICES
1. Explicitly teach expectations and engagement: Explicitly and
systematically teach how to use new instructional media. Co-create and share
expectations for how to engage in this learning environment. Give
opportunities for practice.
2. Allow for asynchronous learning: Some of your students may not be able
to watch a livestream, whether it’s due to timing, internet access, or the ability
to focus on a lesson via a videoconference. And some students have trouble
processing information when it’s presented only in auditory form.

14. 3. Actively build a supportive community: When you’re not in a classroom
together, it’s not as easy to check in with students about their emotional and
physical well-being. Build time into your teaching and learning to reduce social
isolation and support feelings of connectedness and belonging.
4. Make materials accessible: Create short text descriptions of images and
videos you use during video and distance learning.
Avoid using inaccessible image-based PDFs for handouts and other digital
materials. Use Word, Google Docs, or another accessible format instead.
5. Assign note-takers: Consider assigning students to take notes for the class
using Google Classroom applications. Along with transcripts and recordings,
good notes are really important and helpful to all students.

15. IMPACT OF DISTANCE LEARNING ON EDUCATION
• "Distance learning surged in popularity during the COVID-19
pandemic as a crucial tool to ensure continued education while
maintaining social distancing measures."
• Generally, the impact can be well understood by surveys.
Tab 1.Themes and Subthemes Identified from Thematic Analysis

16. From the data analysis, we can conclude that in the year when COVID-19 started
(2019/2020), the shift to distance learning slightly impacted the perception of
students' effort, but later this trend returned to the pre-COVID-19 situation.
• Section that asks about the impact of the university's closures, during the COVID-19 crisis, on your
teaching and assessment in science. To answer the question, the mean for each item was calculated, and so
the total means using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

17. SUCCESS STORIES
STORY OF A FATHER:
Chris is a plant superintendent of an 8.5 million gallon per day wastewater
treatment facility. Because of his profession he chose to complete Kirkwood
Community College’s Wastewater Environmental Science Degree Program.
Working full-time and being a father of three children would not have left
Chris much time to travel a traditional classroom. Fortunately the flexibility to
study and take exams in distance education made Chris’ goal achievable.

18. DISTANCE EDUCATION IN ANNA UNIVERSITY:
In tune with the growing global trend of extending conventional University
instructional mode to self-learning and distance education methodology, Anna
University has created the Centre for Distance Education. Through this initiative
the Centre aims to develop and disseminate professional education to every nook
and corner of the state that will foster economic and social development in line
with the mission of the university. The programmes are designed with a border
vision to enhance the ability of the students to operate in an increasingly diverse
environment.
Anna University is offering professional MBA,MCA and Msc. (Computer
Science) Programmes through Distance mode from 2007.

19. REFERENCES
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338336010_Engagement_in_Dist
ance_Education_Settings_A_Trend_Analysis
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357858986_The_Impact_of_Dist
ance_Learning_on_Science_Education_during_the_Pandemic
• https://www.nu.edu/blog/challenges-of-distance-learning-for-students/