Distance Learning

The articles that I have read and the video that I have watched spoke about the role and the main benefits of distance learning. So, what is distance learning? Distance learning is a field of education that delivers teaching to students who are far from the teacher and are making use of various technologies, like Internet, DVDs, and CDs to fulfill their learning.

Nowadays distance education is being used across the world. From high school students to those who are involved in high education, corporate trainings and lifelong learning. It is well-known that Internet connects people all over the world. Today Internet supports education in the form of virtual classes. The virtual teachers mentioned that they established more personal relations to their students, identified their main strengths and weaknesses more quickly and got to know them better than in traditional classes. Besides, online courses are there to help those students who are busy and can take those courses anywhere and anytime if there is internet access. Moreover, virtual classes offer students the opportunity to take courses that are not available in their schools and to fit their own schedules.

Thus, educators point out that virtual classes are not for everyone and one has to be highly self-motivated to take some courses and learn on his/her own. The main disadvantage is the lack of   social interaction between t-s and s-s.  

Distance language learning courses have been developed over the past years. First of all it is crucial for learners to develop the ability to engage with aspects of the learning context without direct mediation from the teacher. Distance language learners must develop the habit of controlling their own learning and constantly writing tests to check their progress.

Finally, distance learning has totally changed our perceptions of how teaching and learning should be. Its main goal is to improve the course via technology and improve the quality of education. Moreover, distance learning provides learners with new opportunities and new perspectives. The learners become more self-directed and autonomous as compared to face-to face-learning as they face the role of a teacher and participate in learning experiences that match their individual learning needs.