Importance of Distance Learning South Africa

You may want to know what distance learning is all about and why it is growing in importance. It describes learning occurring without the physical presence of students in the classroom. In certain situations, it also applies to teachers. Traditionally, it is referred to as correspondence courses. Previously, students used to communicate with their teachers through the mail. Presently, online versions include a variety of methods and systems providing easy access to superior quality education to students.

Know The Common Types

There are different types of Distance Learning South Africa practiced online. Some are supported by established pedagogies and existing systems.

• Asynchronous Learning: This is considered to be a less connected as well as less constrained format. Students are provided with deadline-based learning tasks rather than live online lessons. They are to self-study and complete their assignments.

• Synchronous Learning: It takes place as all students tend to learn at the same time together or at the same place. Here, the instructor is present, but at another location. Often, it features teleconferencing or videos connecting digitally learners and teachers.

• Video Conferencing: Teachers use it commonly for direct interaction with students to take live lessons. It can be a class-type scenario where multiple students get to connect with a live teacher or a one-on-one session.

• Open Schedule: It includes another flexibility layer. This asynchronous course setup type does not come with any specified timelines. It is ideal for those learners who are busy in their lives or careers like stay-at-home parents and professionals.

• Computer-Based Learning: This synchronous, fixed-time distance education involves teaching using computers. It is commonly practiced in institutions with access to essential devices, tools, and other accessories.

• Fixed Time Courses: These are synchronous course types requiring online users to visit some specific virtual location. This is generally at a specified place like a webinar and time.

• Hybrid Learning: It is considered to be blended learning allowing students to learn the same lesson but in real-time. However, some students could be studying remotely while others present physically in the classroom.

Difference Between Distance Learning and Regular Learning

When a teacher or student’s physical presence is concerned, distance education is quite different from that of regular education. It offers both educators and learners increased freedom. However, it also demands increased planning and maintaining discipline to ensure the successful completion of assigned study materials. Students can also select courses that match perfectly their resources and schedules. Students in the case of digital learning can select their preferred teaching styles and location.

Benefits Offered by Distance Learning

• Flexibility: Students can freely select how, when, and where to learn by choosing the medium, time, and place for their education.

• Easy access: Remote learning programs help every student to derive learning opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.

• Affordable: Online distance learning has made education quite affordable and easily availed by those who find it tough to attend regular colleges.

Remote Education

In-class learning does have its own significance. But then, distance learning does have the untapped potential to help students in huge numbers to avail learning opportunities. The future of learning is likely to be diverse in place and time as it offers new learning styles and increased flexibility.