Distance learning and online learning are two forms of education that appear similar but are not always. Whether distance learning refers to a method of education where the learner and the educator are not in the same location, online education refers to the use of internet-based tools and resources for education. In this article, we’ll discuss online education in detail and how it’s different from distance learning.
What is Online Education/Learning?
Online learning is simply a method of learning that involves the use of the internet as the primary source of learning. It can be online courses, educational videos on YouTube, online blogs, websites, live classes online and other sources.
Online learning has become quite popular lately, primarily because it reduces the need to actually visit a college or school in order to learn, but also because it is convenient and cost-effective. Online learning tools involve the use of the latest technologies & tools such as artificial intelligence, AR, VR and other internet-based resources to make learning more effective, convenient and interesting. It may also help improve the learning experience and speed up the learning process. For example, the Green Uni Network is an online learning system that uses advanced technologies such as blockchain, AI and AR to provide seamless access to online degree courses in IT & computers with a legitimate European diploma in order to make high-quality college education accessible to everyone in the world.
What is Distance Learning?
As the term suggests, distance learning requires the two parties - the educator and the learner - to be located far from each other. The main purpose of this type of education is to enable students to get access to and learn from the best educators globally even when they are not in the same location.
Distance learning may not necessarily involve the use of the internet. For example, a student learning a distance course from a college in another city might simply receive education material, books, video tapes, etc. through the post, which they can use to learn at their home. This was once a very popular method of learning for those who were not able to go to college due to work or other responsibilities.
However, the evolution of online learning has completely changed distance education, which is now considered nearly impractical without the use of the internet. This is why distance learning and online learning are often used interchangeably. But, there are a few basic differences between the two.
Online Learning Vs Distance Learning
Distance learning is when students and their teachers are far from each other with no face-to-face interaction. Online learning doesn’t necessarily have to be remote. Students can use the internet to learn even when in a classroom.
Distance learning involves students learning on their own using the resources provided by the tutor/institution and doesn’t involve any direct interaction. Online learning can include direct interaction with teachers, which means this method of learning is more interactive.
Distance learning is mainly used as a replacement for classroom-based traditional education and replaces teachers with pre-set learning material. Online learning is used on top of traditional classroom education to improve the learning experience and convenience.
Many universities and institutions now provide distance learning and courses using the internet, which makes it the same as online learning.