#2 Distance Education

1.     Differences between a traditional/conventional face-to-face education and distance education.

ANSWER:

The Traditional Education there was an interaction between the students and a teacher at a time they can talk and respond immediately while the Distance Education provides opportunities to all individual and learners and groups who may have the chance and time to attend formal schooling or face –to-face instruction due to physical abilities, work, ailment and early marriage. It is also Learner centered, utilize by various media and new technologies.

2.     Benefits of distance learning

ANSWER:

 Distance learning is much more flexible than traditional styles of classroom education. Students who need to take other classes or work can do class work whenever they have a free moment instead of being restricted to a rigid schedule. Students who enroll in classes with online education obtain a wider range of networking opportunities. Instead of being limited to networking in the local area, distance learning enables students to make connections with a more diverse range of people. Online education enables students to work at their own pace in many circumstances.

The requirements are not as strict and typically give a range of due dates when the work needs to be submitted. The schedules for distance learning are more open and allow for students, parents and professionals to take the classes whenever it fits into their schedule. This is beneficial over classroom education that requires students to schedule work and child care around the class time. Online classes typically cost less than an education in a classroom environment. There are less space limitations and materials required for each student and the savings are passed on from the educational institution to each student.

A huge advantage to getting an online education is that there is no need to travel to and from class every single day. Someone who doesn’t drive or want to spend money on the costs of public transportation every single day will likely choose to get an online education over the traditional classroom. Distance learning enables students to learn from some of the most prestigious professors and guest speakers in each field. Sitting in the classroom is not the best way for every student to learn. A student may learn better at his own pace and in a different format than traditional schooling options offer. Online classes are just as, if not more, effective at teaching students than the traditional classroom style of learning.

3.    Four types of interaction

ANSWER:

v  Learner-Content Interaction

          Learner-content interaction results from students examining/studying the course content as in the traditional classroom course, learner-content interaction in a Web-based course can take the form of discussions. Online discussions are not only a form of learner-content interaction, but also learner-learner and learner-instructor interaction. In online discussions, students learn the course content by the text supplied by others participating in the discussions.

v  Learner-Instructor Interaction

The interaction that transpires between students and faculty is intended to help reinforce student understanding of the material or elucidate meanings. Interacting with instructors can help students clarify nebulous points and reinforce correct interpretation of course information. In the traditional classroom setting, oftentimes learner-instructor interaction can occur in a face-to-face, physical meeting. In the Web-based course, most often this type of interaction must be transmitted by electronic means, such as chat discussions or e-mail communications.

The role of the instructor in a Web-based pedagogical format is a dramatic change from one in the traditional classroom. In the traditional classroom, the instructor often takes center stage and becomes a lecturer; in the Web-based format, the instructor becomes more of a facilitator.

v  Learner-Learner Interaction

 Learner-learner interaction can be between one student and another or between several students. Although the interactions that occur in the Web-based course are through an electronic medium, the electronic format seems to be an effective medium for dialogue. This form of learner-learner interaction is intended to promote understanding the course content and stimulate critical thinking. Collaborative projects may lessen feelings of isolation and promote a sense of a learning community in the Web-based classroom.

v  Learner-Technology/System

The desired outcome of students’ interaction with computer technology is that they learn the content and that computer use fosters their willingness to continue with the online course. The major variables linked to learner-interface interactions included computer experience, students’ perceptions regarding the technology, and access to technology.

4.    “Interaction is the key component of this use of the technology to support a more social learning, negotiating meaning through interaction with peers over distance, and forming a sense of community using the technology.” - Amirian

Explanation:

These days, the internet has grown into information for college seekers. Everything from applying for financial aid to taking a course can be accomplished online. Now, a student can even obtain online degrees from one of many schools offering online education as an alternative to a traditional classroom education. And distance education is becoming increasingly popular for students everywhere.

Through technology we can interact and were not able to attend classes, and instead we can access your coursework from an internet website. We can communicate over distance to our college students, peers and love ones.