About Distance Learning Courses
Distance learning, also referred to as distance education, serves as an alternative instructional method to the traditional classroom. Any type of coursework that does not require the student to physically meet in person with the instructor can be defined as a distance learning course. With the proliferation of the Internet, distance learning is becoming more and more popular.
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History
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Many people equate distance learning courses to the age of the computer. However, distance education programs have existed since the early 1700s. Several years later, the advent of the Unites States Postal Office would help proliferate such distance programs. The first educational institution to offer distance learning courses was the University of London (1858). Opened in 1873 and located in Boston, the Society to Encourage Studies at Home was the first U.S. distance learning facility.
Types
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There are a variety of ways in which to learn at a distance. All types of distance learning can be categorized as either synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous distance courses are defined as those in which the teacher and student interact with each other in real time. Examples include telephone, web chat and video conferencing. Asynchronous forms of distance learning allow students and teachers to access course material at their leisure. Examples include email, printed workbooks, web forums, CDs and voice mail.
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Considerations
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The majority of distance learning courses require students to complete all coursework remotely. This may involve reading textbooks, completing lessons and doing reports. Quizzes and tests are also completed from home. However, the possibility for cheating may require some upper level course tests to be completed in a supervised environment. Other classes may require lab work that requires students to meet (with or without a teacher) infrequently.
Expert Insight
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Currently, online courses are by far the most popular type of distance learning. Sometimes called e-learning, approximately 3.5 million Americans enroll in Internet courses each year. Prior to the introduction of e-learning, distance learning courses were largely centered around trade or associate degree topics. The Internet has changed this, with many Bachelor's, Master's and even doctoral degree programs offered completely online.
Most Popular
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According to eLearners, the most popular distance learning programs for 2007 were business administration, criminal justice, psychology, early childhood education, health administration, K-12 education, nursing, engineering, general education and counseling. Some popular online schools include DeVry, American Intercontinental University, Capella University and the Art Institute Online.
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Comments
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hdorftsmyer
Nov 10, 2010
Interesting article. I have just completed my thesis for my masters, and arbitrarily chose and ranked 4 different distance learning courses, based entirely on, 1. what they offer 2. how complete their training or educational materials were 3. and how unique and successful their programs were in a real-world scenario. What was interesting was that some of the smaller correspondence programs (like one called the Asheford Institute of Antiques - a home study program on antiques, collectibles and appraising), actually had more unique, and effective teaching methods (based on real world success ratios that I observed), than some of the online correspondence classes offered by major universities (I audited both). My thesis contended that a more practical approach to learning and working via specialized correspondence schools, seems to be paying greater dividends in real world businesses...
