CLARISSA MAE M.

VILLARUZ
JUNE 16, 2021

Reference: https://www.viewsonic.com/library/education/what-is-distance-learning-and-why-
is-it-so-important/

TOPIC: What Is Distance Learning? And Why Is It So

Important?
Distance learning – any form of remote education where the student is not physically present
for the lesson – is booming thanks to the power of the Internet. With a variety of course types
to choose from, there is a rise in flexible and affordable education options. In fact, there are a
number of advantages of learning remotely over even traditional teaching models.
So, keep reading to learn more about distance learning. Or go straight to our recommended
distance learning tool: myViewBoard.
As the Internet blurs the line between near and far, distance learning is set to disrupt the
current paradigm of education. With everything from AI-driven teaching algorithms to simple
message boards, there are more options than ever to learn whatever you need to know.
While skilled educators will continue to be an integral part of every student’s life, technology
will bridge the physical spaces between teachers and learners. Distance learning is already part
of many institutions’ programs, and it is set to become an even larger part of the education
sector. But first…
What Is Distance Learning?
Distance learning describes any learning that happens without the students being physically
present in the lesson. (However, this could also apply to the teacher in certain situations.)
Historically, this described correspondence courses in which students would communicate with
their schools or teachers by mail. More recently, distance education has moved online to
include a huge range of systems and methods on practically any connected device.
Want to learn more about distance learning? Defining Distance Learning

Common Types of Distance Learning

Though there are lots of learning (and teaching) options online, there are a few types that are
well supported by existing systems and established pedagogies.
Video conferencing is a common way for teachers to interact directly with students in live
lessons. This could be a one-on-one session or a class-like scenario in which multiple students
connect to the teacher live.
Synchronous learning is when all the students learn together at the same time (and often even
place) but the instructor is at another location. It often features video or teleconferencing that
connects teachers and learners digitally.
Asynchronous learning is a less connected but also less constrained format. Instead of live
online lessons, students are given learning tasks with deadlines. They then self-study to
complete the assignments.
Open-schedule online courses add yet another layer of flexibility. It is a type of asynchronous
course setup, except there aren’t any deadlines either. This is ideal for learners with other
demands on their time, such as professionals or stay-at-home parents.
Fixed-time online courses are a type of synchronous course that requires online users to all visit
a specific virtual location at a set time and place (e.g. a webinar). Unlike more rigid synchronous
lessons, this does allow students from anywhere in the world to connect and interact online.
Computer-based distance education is a fixed-time, synchronous lesson on computers, usually a
computer lab. This is most common in existing institutions that already have access to the
necessary devices.
Hybrid learning is a specific type of blended learning where students are learning the same
lesson in real-time (i.e. synchronous distance learning) but some of the students are physically
present while others are learning remotely.
How Is Distance Learning Different from Regular Learning?
Distance education is clearly different from regular education in terms of a student or teacher’s
physical presence. But what does that mean, exactly?
For the most part, it translates into increased freedom for both learners and educators, but it
also requires higher degrees of discipline and planning to successfully complete the course of
study.
The enhanced freedom of remote learning is most clearly seen in the fact that students can
choose courses that fit their schedules and resources. (Teachers can do the same.) And in the
case of digital learning, students can also choose the location and teaching styles that best suit
their needs.
The flip side of freedom, however, is the discipline required to make the most of the lessons.
Students need to self-motivate in order to actually get the work done, especially in systems that
don’t require them to be present in some specific time or place. Teachers also need to be better
organized with contingencies should their students need additional explanation, again
especially if they are not teaching live and able to “read the room.”
In certain cases, however, distance learning is not just required but the best possible option.
There are times when the advantages of remote education really have a chance to shine.

Advantages of Distance Learning

Certainly, live instruction is great. The face-to-face contact lets teachers and students connect
in a very authentic way, which often results in strong rapport and understanding. While not
impossible, this kind of connection still seems much easier in person. So why is distance
learning even a thing?
As it turns out, there are a number of advantages when learning remotely. Here are just a few.
Flexibility
The top benefit of distance education is its flexibility. Students can choose when, where, and
how they learn by selecting the time, place, and medium for their education. For those who
want direct, live access to teachers there are video conferencing options. But for students who
may be doing their training around a job or other responsibilities, a more relaxed schedule may
work better. There are options to match virtually anyone’s needs.
And thanks to the proliferation of online learning options, there is a course structure on
practically any subject that a person would want to study.
Easy Access
Whether due to remote location or being differently-abled, some students lack basic access to
educational facilities. Remote learning programs offer every student the opportunity to learn
and improve themself in the environment they find the most effective.
Want to make a live classroom more accessible? 6 Cases of Interactive Digital Whiteboards as
an Assistive Technology in Special Education
Remote learning also opens up new horizons of education in terms of international institutions.
Major universities and trade schools the world over now offer recognized degrees, certificates,
and professional qualifications online to learners of all ages. Or motivated people can get more
basic certificates of completion everywhere from Udemy to Google Skillshop.
Less Cost
Thanks to the scalable nature of digital learning especially, distance learning is driving down the
cost of education. Online degrees are becoming almost commonplace, and there are even
accredited online-only universities that can eliminate expensive infrastructure overhead and
get straight to the teaching.
And those schools that offer both can offer the same program for drastically different prices.
For example, an in-state undergraduate student for Purdue University (ranked #57 in the
United States) estimates in-person tuition and living expenses at $22,782 a year, usually
requiring four years of study. International students’ tuition skyrockets to $45,594 per year. The
same degree online would cost $50,085 in total.

What to Look for in a Distance Learning System

Regardless of whether you are an educator or a student, there are certain features that you
should look for in a distance learning system to get the most out of it.
Ease of Use
Simplicity is the key. Any system you adopt to either teach or learn should be user-friendly for
everyone involved. This means a clear interface and a set of certain essential features that
include:
Digital whiteboarding and annotation
Media creation and sharing
Screen recording with audio
Direct student-to-teacher communication
Multi-device compatibility
Accreditation
The credibility of a remote learning platform is really a combination of the instructor and the
platform itself. For learners, it’s important to note how well recognized that platform’s
credentials are. Does it provide a recognized degree? A professional certificate? A certificate of
completion? These are all things to keep in mind before enrolling.
And educators looking to adopt a remote learning system, it’s important to know what kind of
accreditation that system can bestow on your behalf or on the behalf of your institution. For
academic degrees or professional qualifications, recognition by outside regulatory bodies will
likely be necessary.
Schedule
As most distance learning systems are made to be fairly flexible in this regard, the course
schedule has a lot to do with its content and not the system. Still, it’s an important factor to
consider when choosing a course.
Is it a synchronous or asynchronous course? Are there deadlines or not? How long do you have
to complete the entire course? And does the course’s schedule match yours?
Want to see an example of an online tool that checks all the distance learning boxes? Check
out myViewBoard.
Wrapping Up
Remote education is certainly not a magic bullet and there will always be a place for in-class
learning. At the same time, distance learning still has a lot of untapped potential to reach
students where they are and connect educators and learners in new ways. From increased
flexibility to new learning styles, it seems that the future of learning will be as diverse in time
and place as it will be in thought.
To learn more about what myViewBoard can do for you in your teaching or learning click
here. Or find out more about ViewSonic’s comprehensive EdTech solutions.

Reference: https://blog.nus.edu.sg/sarkar/2019/04/17/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-
distance-learning/

TOPIC: Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning

`No matter where you live, today’s fast-paced world has made it quite difficult for some people
to achieve their desired educational goals. You will agree that not everyone gets the
opportunity to get higher education on campus. If you’re one of them, don’t limit yourself from
availing the privileges that come with knowledge. If you’re striving to continue your education,
online learning is a great option.
At present, online education is not as famous as on-campus learning. But you can’t deny that
distance learning, because of its flexibility and other benefits, is becoming popular in most parts
of the world. Even recent studies have revealed that the number of enrolments for online
education has significantly increased. If you’re thinking about enrolling yourself for distance
learning, here are a few advantages and disadvantages you must know.

5 Advantages of Getting an Online Degree

Online Education Offers More Flexibility
There is no denying that recent advancements in online media have brought a plethora of
benefits for people. Among them, one is online education; you can pursue and complete your
desired courses easily, no matter which part of the world you live in. Many resources are
available to do your task fast. Moreover, you can check for plagiarism to correct yourself. All
you need is just a computer and an internet connection. In that case, distance learning allows
you to set your study schedule, according to your convenience.
Since you won’t have to be physically present in the classroom, online learning allows you to
schedule your study time conveniently. Unlike college or university, distance learning allows
you to choose lessons you want to study on a particular day. In addition, you can also obtain
study materials and course instructions at any time, allowing you to complete your education at
your own pace.
Learn and Earn
For most working students, it’s quite difficult to manage their studies and job at the same time.
Therefore, you may have paused or discontinued your studies. That’s not the case with online
learning; it allows full-time professionals a flexible study schedule so that they can learn and
earn simultaneously. Whether you want to study after 12 in the morning, in the evening, or
early in the morning, distance learning allows you to take lessons at any time of the day.

No Geographical Boundaries
One of the biggest pros of online learning is that you don’t need to head to any educational
institute. That means you are not bound by geography; with distance learning, you can
complete your desired course from anywhere in the world.
Moreover, you can pick the institute that offers the program you’re looking for, no matter even
if it’s located in another country, or even in any other continent. In addition, if you need to
relocate during the course, you won’t have to worry about transferring to another institute.
In simple words, you don’t need to spend time or money commuting from one classroom to
another. Also, distance learning allows you to complete your assignments at a feasible time.
Not to mention, many institutions that offer online learning programs deliver tutorials and
lectures through video conferencing.

Cost Savings
Enrolling for an online course will surely help you save plenty of money. You won’t have to pay
for books, childcare, parking fee, or even fuel. Since most of the online programs are self-paced,
such courses provide you an opportunity to get your graduation degree in less time than a
traditional program. In addition to that, a great number of online degrees require low tuition
fees.

Makes you Tech Savvy

As distance learning includes courses that are offered online, you will be accessing learning
material via your computer, submitting projects and assignments through websites,
participating in quizzes and other tasks online, interacting with other classmates and professors
through online forums, you will become more tech savvy as compared to other students
studying in a traditional campus.

Disadvantages of Distance Learning

Credibility and Quality of Online Learning
Regardless of its growth and popularity, some people question the validity and quality of online
learning. At the same time, online education isn’t considered the best option due to the lack of
quality faculty members. Even experienced and qualified lecturers sometimes not find it
comfortable to teach in an online environment. Also, every course is differently designed and
thus need to be delivered in a correct and proper manner.
However, because of time limitations, some instructors get little time to talk about minor yet
important details or concepts of particular topics, which is a big challenge. In addition, many
employers do not accept online degrees as they are cynical about distance learning in terms of
quality and credibility.
Questionable Accountability
Not to mention, it is difficult to complete online educational programs as you are on a self-
tailored schedule. While it offers a flexible study routine, you may procrastinate when it comes
to taking lessons or submitting your assignments.
Unlike traditional educational institutes where you’re bound to take lectures on time, distance
learning needs you to stay disciplined, focused, and motivated to complete the program.

Difficulties in Comprehending the Study Material

There is no denying that online education is usually self-directed. That means you will only have
the study material available online to understand the topic. In case you can’t get the gist or
comprehend the topic well, you will need attention from your professor.
This is especially true when it comes to complex topics in the coursework. While self-directed
learning allows you to become an independent student, not everyone is good at understanding
complex and difficult topics on their own.
No Individual Attention or Feedback
Lack of interaction with professors and students is one of the biggest drawbacks of distance
learning. This is true because taking online classes from home makes you feel isolated.
However, you can overcome that by enrolling with your colleagues so that you can join
workmates in online classes.
You are Missing Campus Life
There is no doubt that distance learning keeps you away from all the fun activities and extra co-
curricular activities that one enjoys at a traditional campus. However, you can take it as a small
price to pay for getting an education at your own pace, with great flexibility and convenience.

The Takeaway
Despite its disadvantages, distance learning provides a great opportunity for students striving
to have more options and learn with more comfort. The biggest benefit of online learning is
that it allows you to access different learning tools using a small budget. To wrap up, distance
learning can be the best option for working students.

Reference: https://learnsafe.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-distance-learning/

TOPIC: What Are the Benefits of Distance Learning?

When the coronavirus closed down schools and required distance learning for the rest of the
school year, things seemed complicated. Suddenly, parents, students and teachers alike were
forced to learn a new way of schooling. Yet despite the initial discomfort, the benefits of
distance learning go far beyond protection from the virus. 

No Bus or Commute
It’s no surprise that gas prices are lower than ever during this pandemic, as people are staying
home. That includes students learning online. Parents no longer have to rush to get their
children ready for the bus or drive them to school. This is beneficial not only for financial
reasons but also for time management. Both teachers and students can use this extra time
however they feel is necessary. Whether it’s a few more winks of sleep or extra study time, this
is definitely a plus of distance learning. 
Learn on Your Own Schedule
Students now have the freedom to pick and choose their schedule. They are able to learn at
their own pace in a relaxed environment. Students who learn better in the morning after a good
night’s sleep may choose to tackle their harder subjects right when they wake up. Students who
are night owls may prefer to wait until later in the day, once they’ve fully woken up and are at
full mental capacity.
For Some, the Home Environment May Be Less Stressful
Although students may miss extracurricular activities and social relationships from school, many
have reported feeling less stressed while schooling from home. Students can study where they
feel most comfortable and can videoconference to their classes at the click of a button. While
schooling at home, it is also easier to complete other hobbies and housework that otherwise
would have been placed on the back burner. By being at home, many students are able to get
things done in a safe and relaxing environment. 
 
Distance Learning Teaches Time Management and Other Skills
Time management skills are essential for succeeding in online schooling. These skills are
essential in every aspect of life, from maintaining work-life balance to completing projects
before due dates. Students who had otherwise busy schedules now have much more time
available to them due to the closing of school activities. Distance learning forces a student to
understand the best ways they learn and implement those ways at the best times. 
Of course, distance learning means that students are spending more time on their computers.
This in turn means that there are more chances of them facing online dangers. Just as schools
keep student safe on campus, they can also keep students safe when learning at home.
Monitoring software like LearnSafe alerts schools to at-risk activity both on- and off-line,
assuring student safety no matter where learning takes place.

CONCLUSION

Technology has truly paved the way for education, making the learning process easier.
As the Internet blurs the line between near and far, distance learning is set to disrupt the
current paradigm of education. With everything from AI-driven teaching algorithms to simple
message boards, there are more options than ever to learn whatever you need to know.
Through the technology distance learning made possible for the students to learn in a new way
without a face-to face contact and without the students being physically present in the lesson.
This new mode of learning helps the students to have a flexibility in working their assignments
and other school works at their own pace and time. There are a few types of distance learning
that are well supported by existing systems and established pedagogies, which are the video
conferencing, Synchronous learning, Asynchronous learning and Hybrid learning. Students have
a full control of their learning which this can be an advantage and disadvantage to them.
Seemingly, it has various impacts to the learners, the advantage is here: Flexibility; Easy Access;
Cost Savings; Learn and Earn; No Geographical Boundaries; Teaches Time Management and the
biggest benefit of online learning is that it allows you to access different learning tools using a
small budget. Of course, along with the advantages are the disadvantages and these are the
Credibility and Quality of Online Learning; Questionable Accountability, Difficulties in
Comprehending the Study Material; No Individual Attention or Feedback; You are Missing
Campus Life. But I agree of what the article Disadvantages of Distance Learning says that
Despite its disadvantages, distance learning provides a great opportunity for students striving
to have more options and learn with more access of information. Nevertheless, what matters is
the level of motivation that the student has inorder to acquire knowledge and to succeed in his
or her chosen course.