What is Distance Learning?

Distance learning is education that is delivered through methods that do not require physical attendance. Not to be confused with homeschooling, distance learning involves providing online instruction through various digital forms of communication. 

The History of Distance Learning 

Historically, distance learning can be traced back to the 1800s when courses were conducted by mail. Instructors would make lessons accessible through weekly mailings. Another method involved mailing texts to students to be transcribed and corrected. These approaches proved to be very successful and eventually evolved into a more formal process. The first correspondence school in the United States was founded in 1873. Throughout the next century, the method expanded to include radio use. Television followed thereafter and tele-courses rose in popularity. By 1938, there were at least 200 city school systems, and many colleges and universities, that were broadcasting education programs for public schools. 

Currently, the use of distance learning has skyrocketed due, in large part, to the COVID-19 pandemic. School systems are now faced with the challenge of creating innovative ways to continue education for children without the option of in-person attendance. Distance learning includes various online options for educational delivery during this time. 

Methods of Remote Learning 

- Video Communication: Along with the recent resurgence of this education style came the need for expanded technology. Due to the increased focus on web-based teaching, online resources such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams have risen in popularity and necessity. In many cases, students are required to attend class meetings and be “present” within courses held in the virtual classroom.

- Audio Recordings: Many academic subjects are now being offered by way of pre-recorded lessons by teachers. A portion of distance learning involves asynchronous learning, where students access course materials on their own schedule. Audio recordings are available to retrieve for gathering information and experiencing a lesson outside of the classroom. 

- Email and Discussion Boards: Communication between child and teacher can be possible through email messaging. Discussion boards enable interactive conversations between students. This space allows insight into peers’ work and stimulates discussion and feedback on assignments. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning  

Distance Learning definitely comes with its pros and cons:

- Safety: Particularly with the pandemic, public health is fostered through online education. Children are less exposed to multiple germs and tend to avoid more illnesses. 

-  Scheduling: Flexibility in routine becomes an option. For college students especially, the availability of internet-based courses could enable more students to partake in education. This would resolve conflicts where work and personal commitments would otherwise prohibit in-person sessions.

-  Lack of hands-on training: Some courses, including science, art, and trades, may not be practically conducted without some element of personal interaction. Many valuable learning lessons are benefited by interactive participation. 

-  Socialization: In a traditional school setting, development of social skills through peer interaction is supported. With distance learning, this element may not be as accessible. Children may not be surrounded by peers at the same exposure level as they would be in the classroom.

Fortunately, technology presents many avenues that can be explored in the world of distance learning. Although not always the first choice by parents for education, it offers a viable solution when in-person learning cannot be available.  Variations of remote learning have emerged to include hybrid schooling, where learners attend school partially in-person and partially online.  Distance learning is definitely evolving, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to be utilized in the future. Research local preschools on Winnie, and connect with local teachers to ask more on this style of education.