Different Types of Distance Learning

Distance education has gained immense popularity in a short span of time as it allows individuals to pursue their studies despite personal issues, professional commitment, financial problems and physical barriers.

India, an education hub is gradually becoming a hub for distance learning. Many reputed institutes are now offering the option to the students whereby they can study online. It is a convenient mode of education that allows individuals to study according to their schedule and at any place.

There are different types of distance learning. Each type has helped innumerable students differently in continuing their learning process.

The various types of distance education are-

Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Education

Synchronous distance education refers to a system of correspondence education whereby a student has to study at a particular time every day. This system is not much flexible as the student has to be free in that particular period of time.

On the other hand, the asynchronous type of distance education is more flexible in comparison to synchronous distance education as the student can study according to their schedule. This type of educational system focuses more on practical projects and assignments that allow the students to understand the concepts better.

Open Schedule Online Courses

There are certain students who prefer self-study and they love to work independently. Such students find open schedule online courses as most suitable for them. Through this mode of distance education, learners get the freedom to complete the course according to their pace. All the study material such as online textbooks, modules, video lectures and other resources are delivered to the students through email or bulletin boards. The students just get a deadline for the completion of the entire course and it is totally up to them how they plan their studies to cater to the deadlines.

Fixed Time Online Courses

Under this type of distance learning, a student has to log in to their account in the learning platform at a given time (notified by the institute). In that particular time, sessions are conducted by the instructors just like a regular class. Though the students can learn from their places, they have to work according to instructor’s requirements.

Correspondence Education

This is one of the most popular and easiest modes of distance learning. Under this system, the learners receive study materials, assignments and other resources in the account. The students can then study according to their schedule and at their own pace. They are notified about exams which are also conducted online.  

Video Conferencing or Webinars

Video conferencing is one of the most common and significant ways of imparting distance education. It is a preferred mode of distance education as it facilitates direct contact between instructor and learners. Furthermore, it allows an instructor to educate a large number of students in a single session (about 100 participants). Video conferencing and webinars ensures flawless communication between the faculty as well as students. It allows students to clarify their doubts by speaking to the instructors.

So, these were different types of distance learning modes. Each of these has its own significance. MIT School of Distance Education is one of the pioneer distance educational institutes of India. Its distance learning course is a mix of correspondence learning along with webinars. The individuals get access to study material for self-study while webinars are also organised regularly to bring experts to clarify the doubts of the candidates.  The institute is known to fast-track the career of innumerable individuals through its distance education courses. So, apply for admissions at MIT-SDE right away.