Air is vital to life and so is knowledge. And just like air no one should be denied to knowledge. So, to make learning available for all, the concept of distance learning was introduced. Distance learning is the modern form of learning. And just like the internet has covered up the distance between far and near, similarly distance learning has changed the paradigm of education with online courses.
With the developments and improvements in digital technology , the shift from traditional classrooms to online or distance learning seems normal. From teaching algorithms to teaching coding in different computer languages, there are more options than ever to learn. While skilled mentors continue to be an integral part of every student’s life, technology has bridged the distance between the teachers and learners.
Distance learning is gaining popularity day by day thanks to the developments in the internet field.
What is distance learning?
Distance Learning is the modern form of learning which emphasises on self study by the learner. It aims at imparting education to those students who are not able to pursue education on a regular basis due to financial barriers, time constraints or any other reason. It is flexible in regard to timing of teaching and learning. It uses various technologies to facilitate communication between student and teacher and communication among students . Distance learning was basically implemented with an aim to help students pursue higher education without the issue of geographical barriers.
Different universities adopt different learning approaches to provide distance learning education to its students. Some of the approaches adopted by universities to distance learning education to students are:-
1)Correspondence Courses– Correspondence course is that form of distance learning in which books and other study materials are sent to the student by post and the course can be completed from home without having to attend the classes regularly. With the growing popularity of the internet, this form of distance learning has become less popular , but it still exists in some universities.
2)Video Conference Classes– In video conference classes teachers directly interact with the students in live lessons. It could be a one on one session or it can be a class like session in which multiple students can connect with the teacher.
3)Synchronous Learning– In synchronous learning, the students learn together at same time, sometimes even at the same place but the instructor is at another location. It uses tele or video conferencing to connect the instructor and the learners.
4) Asynchronous Learning– Asynchronous learning is a less interactive form of learning. In this form of learning the students are given tasks with deadlines and they have to do self study to complete the given tasks.
5) Open Schedule Online Courses– Open schedule online courses are similar to asynchronous learning type, the only difference here is that in this type of learning learners are not provided any deadline. They can finish it at their own pace. This type of learning is ideal for professionals or stay at home parents.
6) Online Courses- This type of learning is a computer based fixed time synchronous type of learning. In this the lessons are given on computers through the internet. This is the most common form of distance learning these days.
7) Hybrid Learning – The hybrid form of learning combines the elements of both synchronous and asynchronous styles. That means, some lessons which require a mentor are delivered by an instructor while other lessons can be self studied. This type of learning adapts to the needs of the curriculum.
The top 10 universities that provide distance learning around the world
As distance education is remote in nature, it can connect students to universities worldwide, making it more accessible for students in different countries. It is also very affordable ,which makes it more accessible to students around the world. With the growing demand of distance learning many universities have started providing distance education along with the regular courses. The top 10 universities providing distance learning around the world are
- University of Manchester- University of Manchester is the most popular university of Britain. It is a world leader in both teaching and research and enables student from all over the world to pursue courses in different subjects like Arts, Informatics, Nursing, Engineering, Management and much more. The University of Manchester is a first choice institution for online learners from all over the world. Their online learning model is particularly popular with working professionals , who wish to develop their careers and prefer the flexibility to full time education. For detailed information you can visit their website: https:// www.manchester.ac.uk
- The University of Liverpool- The University of Liverpool is a member of the prestigious Russell group, comprising the leading research universities in the UK. According to Financial Times, it is the world’s leading E-learning university. This university is the largest provider of 100% online postgraduate degree courses in Europe. The university provides students with the option of 51 courses in variety of subjects like business, law, information technology ,health, psychology etc. In which more than 10,000 students are studying for degrees from across the world. The university seeks to expand the availability of international academic programs for students who may not be able to travel overseas. It provides students access to higher education with an international perspective to their chosen field of study. For details about the online program and admission procedure visit the website https://online.liverpool.ac.uk
- Indira Gandhi National Open University– Indira Gandhi National Open University known as IGNOU, is a central university in New Delhi, India. With a total active enrollment of over 4 million students, it claims to be the largest university in the world. It aims to encourage, coordinate and set the standard for distance and open education in India. The university offers distance education in almost all the educational disciplines. The best part about IGNOU is its affordable fees , which are less than 1/5th of the fees of private colleges for the same courses. For detailed information about the courses and their fee structure visit the website www.ignou.ac.in.
- Boston University Online Distance Education– Boston University comes with different online learning programs that enable students from all over the world to pursue their educational goals and get a degree from Boston University. Boston University provides world class faculty, highly motivated students , supportive staff and academic programs that provide specialized skills in some of the competitive industries. Boston University has the aim to offer an innovative approach to distance education, along with a deep commitment to online students. They provide quality level education in a variety of subjects, including Computer Information Systems, Health Communication, Music Education Criminal Justice and much more. For information about the courses visit the website https://www.bu.edu.
- Symbiosis Centre For Distance Learning– Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning or SCDL offers correspondence education to students across the world. It is referred as the best Deemed University of India by Government of India. Students from over 45 countries are currently studying under the ambit of SCDL. The programs designed by SCDL are designed to match the current trends and demands of the modern day world and they provide quality distance learning in almost all educational disciplines including science, arts, management, health care etc. One great thing about getting a degree from SCDL is that it upholds close links with most of the businesses and industries to provide employment ability to students, after they are done with their courses. Visit the site www.scdl.net for more info.
- University Of Florida Distance Learning- University of Florida is a national and world leader in online education. It provides more than 200 programs and certificates which are accessible fully online. The offered programs are from different domains like Agricultural and Life Science, Communication, Journalism and much more. An online degree from University of Florida is the same degree as one earned on campus, which means the same rigorous admissions standards , the same world class faculty and the same tradition of academic excellence. Refer the site https://www.distance.ufl.edu
- Massey University Distance Learning, New Zealand- Massey University is the leading university for distance learning in New Zealand. Massey University commits to provide an exceptional and distinctive learning experience. They attract almost 17,000 students every year for programs in different subject areas like Business, Social science, Creative arts etc. To support the distance learners and make learning easy for them the university provides web based discussion forums, study notes, podcasts, interactive exercises and activities. For more information about Distance learning from Massey University check the website https://www.massey.ac.nz
- University of Southern Queensland– The University of Southern Queensland is a university based in Queensland, Australia. It is the second largest online university of Australia. It provides on campus as well as flexible learning programs in Commerce, Sports, Arts, Science ,Engineering and much more through external learning or via off campus and overseas education partners. Students are provided with all the study materials through its study portal and lectures are made available to students via audio, video or written format making distance learning easy for them. Visit the site https://www.usq.edu.au for more.
- Charles Sturt University- Charles Sturt University is the largest and leading online Australian university. It is located in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Queensland. The university provides a wide range of online undergraduate, graduate and single subjects degree programs in Business, Engineering, Information Technology and much more. The university gets more than 20,000 enrollments almost every year. As the university provides learners with a wide range of online services, making distance learning easy for them, more students prefer studying online with Charles Sturt University than any other university in Australia. Visit the site https://study.csu.edu.au for more info.
- University of Pretoria Distance Learning– The University of Pretoria is a public research university in Pretoria, South Africa. The Unit of Distance Education in University of Pretoria was launched with the aim to address the calamitous need of practicing educators in the rural and remote areas, to enhance their education and qualifications. The University provides quality distance education to students of remote areas of South Africa. Its programs are specially designed for students with innovative leadership qualities. Visit the site https://www.up.ac.za for more .
What makes Distance learning a preferable option?
Distance Learning is gaining great popularity every other day. People these days prefer opting for distance learning courses over the traditional classroom learning. Some of the reasons that make make it a preferable option are:
- The first and the most important reason is that you can gain a degree from anywhere in the world. You can study from universities across the world ,even without travelling to that country. Distance learning allows universities to be available to students who would otherwise not be able to attend the courses due to distance, finance or any other reason.
- People who cannot attend courses due to health complications, busy work schedule or parenting demands which make them confined at home can get enrolled in the courses they like and carry on with their studies. You can manage learning around your work and home.
- Distance learning courses often cost less than full time courses. As it is pocket friendly you can save money.
- If you want you can pursue a job while learning through distance learning .The time wasted in travelling, while going to and from college can be utilized in some better place.
- You decide when and where to study.
- For slow and quick learners it increases satisfaction and removes stress as you are free to decide your pace of learning .
With so many learner friendly reasons, opting for distance learning degree is never a bad option.
