This document discusses distance education as an alternative mode of learning delivery. It defines distance education as education where teachers and students are separated in place and time but communicate through various technologies. The document outlines the objectives, introduction, concept, definition and characteristics of distance education. It cites advantages like flexibility and accessibility, and discusses key players, types of interactions, and technologies used in distance education delivery.

1. Distance Education: Alternative
Learning System Beyond
borders
NCBTS: Domains 3-Diversity of Learners: 4-
Curriculum

2. Objectives:
At the end of this module, the learners should be able to;
• Familiarize with the concept and context of distance education as
an alternative learning mode of delivery
• Cite the advantages and disadvantages of distance education;
• Describe how interaction and technology operate in distance
education as a system; and
• Affirm and recognize that distance education is a viable strategy
for access to quality higher education

3. IntroductionTeaching and learning are no longer confined to the
classroom or the school day. There are many technologies that can
offer a great deal of flexibility in when ,where, and how education is
distributed. Distances Education is rapidly becoming a strategic
alternative delivery mechanism in the global education landscape.
As a educational strategy other than the traditional face- to- face
classroom setting, distance education has been adopted to reach
out remote and diverse independent learners.

4. Concept and Context of
Distance Education
• In retrospect, the history of distance education shows that it had more than
one historical path and that the evolution has not been easy. Many of the
same problems facing implementation and acceptance of educational
innovations today have been faced by distance education throughout its
history.
• The history of distance education could be traced back to the early 1700s in
the form of correspondence education, but technology-based distance
education might be best linked to the introduction of audiovisual devices
into the schools in the early 1900s.

5. Definition of Distance Education
(DE)
• A field of education that focuses on the pedagogy and
andragogy technology, and instructional systems design that aim
to deliver education to student who are not physically on site.
• Education where teachers and students are separated in the place
and time. They communicate at times of their own choosing by
exchanging printed or electronic media, or through technology
that allows them to communicate in real time and through other
online ways

6. • Mode of educational delivery where teacher and learner are separated in
time and space, and instruction is delivered through specially designed
materials and methods using appropriate technologies and supported by
organizational and administrative structures and arrangements
• Education that takes place when the instructor and student are separated by
space and/or time. The gad between the two can be bridged through the
technology. A mode of education in which students enrolled in a course do
not attend the institution, but study off- campus and may submit
assignments by mail or email. Instructional programs or courses in which the
instructor and students need not be in the same physical place, particularly
those relying on computers, audio, or video technology as the medium for
delivery and, sometimes, for two-way interaction

7. • Instructional programs or courses in which the instructor and
students need not be in the same physical place, particularly those
relying on computers, audio, or video technology as the medium
for delivery and, sometimes, for two-way interaction.
• “online learning can be a lifeline to those who have
obstacles, such as geographical distances or physical
disabilities”.
-Paul Levinson,Author,”TheSoftEdge”

8. Characteristics of Distance
Education(DE)
• DE provides learning opportunities to individual learners and
groups who may not have the chance and time to attend formal
schooling or face-to-face instruction due to physical disabilities,
ailment, work early marriage, etc.
• DE is learner-centered. It is focused on the needs of the learner
with the end goal of facilitating independent and self-paced
learning. For slow and quick learners this reduces stress and
increases satisfaction.

9. • DE provides learning packages designed for self-directed
learning utilizing various media, multi- media and other
new technologies prepared by academically qualified
instructional designers.
• DE has an organization structure and clear institutional
systems and procedures for managing and ensuring
academic supervision.
• DE is an outgrowth of research on theoretical and
conceptual models of learning.

10. Advantages of Distance Education
Distance education does not require comminuting
You can complete most of the classes at your convenience.
Live anywhere, study from anywhere while pursuing the education of your
choice.
Gain extra knowledge.
Self –paced learning.
Accessibility
Convenience and Flexibility
Interaction
Individualized Instruction
Vast Resources Readily Available
Potential
Cost

11. Key Players in
Distance Education
•Student
•Faculty
•Facilitators
•Support staff
•Administrators

12. 4 Types of Interaction in Distance
Education• Learner content Interaction
It takes place between the student and the content or the subject matter that is delivered to him/her.
Learner with the help of the teacher encounter new information and knowledge
 Learner –Instructor
Instructor help the student to reinforce understanding of the material or elucidate meaning.
Clarify unclear points and reinforce correct interpretation of the course
 Learner –learner
Interaction between student and another or between several students.
 Learner –Technology/system
Student’s experience with computers can affect their learning in distance education as well as improve
their computer skills.
Student must be computer literate.

13. Distance Education Technology
Print technology
Print material were mailed to students and returned to the teachers through the postal
system.
Computer technology
With the increased popularity of internet, computer technologies are receiving more
and more attention as a means of delivering distance learning.
• It includes email, online collaborations, and web based education.
Video technology
Ability to see and hear an instructor offers opportunities for behavior modeling,
demonstration and instruction of abstract concept.
• Videotapes and DVDs offer popular, easy to use formats for instructional materials.
Audio technology
Audio or voice technology offer cost-effective ways to enhance distance learning
courses.