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Helpful definitions
Answers to frequently asked questions
Best practices
And much more
So, if you want to learn more about how to effectively teach students from a
distance in 2021, you’ll love the information in this guide.
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In 2017, 6.6 million students enrolled in distance learning. Due to the spread
of COVID-19, that number has skyrocketed to over 400 million students..
“This is clearly an unprecedented time, and for universities, this may force
online learning to become the new normal. Multiple studies suggest that most
students are already confident that technology-enabled learning works, but
this has probably been a difficult transition for some faculty members. I am
hoping that universities and faculty members will embrace the challenge and
adapt,” K. Holly Shiflett, director, North American partnerships,
FutureLearn, said in a recent interview.
This is a truly transformative moment for many educators and students alike.
There are many excellent benefits of distance learning. For one, it proves less
expensive to support. For another, distance learning is not limited by
geography. For example, you don’t need to be in the United States to take
classes at a university located in America.
1. Synchronous
2. Asynchronous
Synchronous
Synchronous means “at the same time.” It refers to a method of education
delivery that happens in real-time. It requires live communication online. It
uses technology, such as teleconferencing, to achieve this.
This approach limits the student’s ability to learn at their own pace. It may
frustrate some learners who crave the freedom of the asynchronous
classroom.
Asynchronous
As for asynchronous distance education? Students receive clusters of weekly
deadlines. They have the freedom to work at their own speed.
Faculty can leverage live recordings or create videos, and then get analytics,
generate captions, have conversations, add quizzes, and integrate content
right into an LMS.
Student motivation
Asynchronous teaching methods help motivate students to review content on
their own time and on whatever device they prefer.
Students can go at their own pace and when it’s convenient for them. Self-
paced learning accommodates various learning needs and preferences and
enhances student success.
Students can refer then back to the content to study for exams, have
discussions, and consult the content beyond.
For example, rather than simply having a Zoom meeting, professors can do a
lot more with a recording. They can:
A tool like TechSmith Camtasia will you save steps and help create better
content for online courses.
What are the types of distance learning?
Next, let’s explore various types of distance learning. These approaches to
education can be synchronous or asynchronous. Some fall into both
categories.
Video conferencing
Hybrid distance education
Open schedule online courses
Fixed-time online courses
Let’s dive into what each of these types of distance learning entails.
Video conferencing
Video conferencing is traditionally a meeting where two or more participants
use video to connect over the internet. This is a form of synchronous
communication. Using tools like Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate, Adobe
Connect, or other conferencing software, teachers and students interact
together no matter where they are located.
They submit assignments through online forums. They maintain contact with
their instructor. Yet, they work at their own pace. As students progress, they
gain access to new modules.
Online textbook(s)
Bulletin boards
Email
And more
Students are given a set of deadlines. Then, the instructor sets them free to
work at their own pace. Students who value learning independently excel
with this format. It requires significant self-discipline and motivation, though.
Students who lack the right skill set may find this approach daunting. They
may feel overwhelmed by the presentation of material. They may lack the
motivation to work through the course in an effective way.
How do they work? Students log-in to the learning site at designated times.
They must complete pre-scheduled classroom activities at a specific pace.
These activities often include chats and discussion forums. Fixed time online
courses encourage student interaction. But there’s little room for self-pacing.
What are the benefits of distance learning?
There are many distance learning benefits. They vary by synchronous or
asynchronous course structures, though.
Self-inspiration
Flexibility to choose
Adaptability and freedom
Easy access
Earning while learning
Money and time savings
Virtual trips
Communication with other educational institutions
Let’s take a look at these benefits. We’ll explore why they make distance
learning a compelling option.
Self-inspiration
Motivated students excel in distancing learning classes. It encourages
students to stay self-disciplined.
Flexibility to choose
Distance learning courses also come with flexibility. This varies by course
structure, though. For many courses, students set their schedules. They take
classes in their preferred location.
Easy access
Attending traditional classes is impossible for some. Work and home life
responsibilities can get in the way. Distance learning provides easy access to
education. Students need a computer and an internet connection.
Earning while learning
For those working full-time jobs, continuing education was once out of the
picture. Today, though, they can hone and update their professional skills.
Virtual trips
Distance learning allows students to take virtual trips. These “trips” let
students experience places related to the curriculum. Students can learn in
interactive ways through these experiences.
Virtual trips are an exciting way to engage students, and are interactive tools
many instructors rely on to increase engagement.
How does distance learning work?
There are different types of distance learning available. Nonetheless,
instructors send all information to students over the internet.
Online textbooks
Screen-recorded videos using tools like Snagit and Camtasia
Voice-over slideshow presentations
Scheduled chats between students and the instructor
What characterizes the best distance learning courses? An emphasis on
student-friendly course structures and interfaces. Find out more about how to
build online courses.
This is largely because of video and technology. Video helps make distance
learning feel personable and helps keep students engaged.
Not only are students more successful, but they prefer remote learning.
77% of academic leaders rate online education as equal or superior. And 69%
of chief academic officers agree.
Let’s consider some of the disadvantages. For one, students face a higher risk
of online distraction. Without face-to-face meetings, students can lose track
of deadlines and motivation.
Students who work well on their own may easily surmount these obstacles.
Students who have trouble prioritizing may stumble. So will those who lack
organizational and scheduling skills.
Distance learning comes with hidden student costs, too. These expenses
include:
Not all students have access to these resources. Distance learning can put
them at a distinct disadvantage.
Distance learning has gained widespread credibility and acceptance, too. Top
online universities are comparable to their on-campus counterparts.
Nonetheless, students should still keep an eye out for scammers. Before
choosing a distance learning program, they should explore the institution’s
accreditation.
What does accreditation look like? While it may vary, accreditation occurs at
three levels:
Programmatic accreditation
Regional accreditation
National accreditation
7. Participate in learning
The best thing you can do for your students is to participate and support them
in the learning process, even from a distance. Stay active in discussion
boards, ask questions, and comment on individual posts by students.
The future of distance learning
Most professors aren’t confident they can make online learning as effective
as their face-to-face courses.
If you want more resources, get our free checklist on creating effective
videos for online and blended courses.
Download Now
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JUSTIN SIMON
Global Content Strategy Manager at TechSmith. I play a lot of golf and watch a lot of
football.
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Blended Learning: The Ultimate Guide
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