Distance Education: Alternative Learning

System Beyond bordersNCBTS: Domains 3-Diversity of Learners: 4-

Curriculum

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

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.

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.

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

• 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

• 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,”The Soft Edge”

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.

•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.

Advantages of Distance EducationDistance 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 FlexibilityInteractionIndividualized InstructionVast Resources Readily AvailablePotential Cost

Key Players in Distance Education

•Student •Faculty •Facilitators•Support staff•Administrators

4 Types of Interaction in Distance Education

• Learner content InteractionIt 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 –InstructorInstructor help the student to reinforce understanding of the material or elucidate

meaning.Clarify unclear points and reinforce correct interpretation of the course Learner –learnerInteraction between student and another or between several students. Learner –Technology/systemStudent’s experience with computers can affect their learning in distance education as

well as improve their computer skills.Student must be computer literate.

Distance Education TechnologyPrint 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.