Online learning is about completing a course through the medium of the web, and distance education refers to learning a wide range of programs, without being physically present on the campus.
History
The concept of distance education was born around the 1990s when the educators or instructors sent assignments and received it from the students through post or mail. Online learning has now become an advanced version of distance education and has become the humble successor of the traditional distance learning method.
A Paradigm Shift
With the rapid advent of information technology, computer networks, satellite communication, cable television networks, our ways of living and learning are undergoing profound changes. The exponential growth of the internet, facilities have helped to overcome one of the drawbacks of distance education by saving time that was delayed because of transit mail. Distance education has now entered a new era with the rise of new technologies.
Online Teaching Methods & Distance Learning
Online learning meets the needs of distance education for those who cannot participate in traditional classroom settings such as students living in remote locations, who hold full-time jobs or prefer to learn independently. Online learning has an excellent method of course delivery as students can flexibly choose where, when, and even how they can learn. For students pursuing distance education, the virtual platform offers them pre-recorded lectures, student resources, and e-books, and even live interaction sessions with the instructors. The importance of online learning gained tremendous significance during this pandemic time as it allowed anyone to access a course from any part of the world through the web.
Distance Education in India
Students often are apprehensive about opting for higher education via a distance education degree. However, with advancements in technology and additional training given to teachers for the delivery of distance education classes through the online platform tools has made the entire process of acquiring knowledge easy. Many students are now enrolling for distance education programs as they are content with the learning experiences.
In India, distance education is now becoming the preferred choice among the students more than ever as it is flexible, cost-effective, and does not require physical attendance and yet offers numerous career opportunities.
Two of the most sought after programs which are immensely popular among the students are MBA (Masters of Business Administration) and MCA (Masters of Computer Application).
Here is a piece of great news for all the students seeking learning and career possibilities in Bangalore, also known as the technological hub of India, the “Silicon Valley” has renowned institutions that offer distance education degrees in these two programs.
One such university is Jain (Deemed-to-be University) one of the finest academic destinations in the country that creates an exceptional space for an enhanced learning experience. For students, opting Distance education program in MBA and MCA in Jain (Deemed-to-be University) provides them with advanced pedagogy such as an industry-oriented syllabus, practical application of concepts, case study analysis, study materials, interactive lectures, and constant support from the faculties.
The Future Scope
Distance learning will be a very significant element of future education, training, and learning systems. It has become widely accepted within mainstream education in such a way that it will make up part of the repertoire of most educational institutions. The emergence of new forms of distance learning based on information and communication technologies, in particular those supported by using the World Wide Web, will open pathways for global classrooms.
Key Takeaway
Distance education comes with its own set of challenges like technological and connectivity issues, completing the syllabus using virtual tools, student support to name a few. But one must take into account that it is providing an innovative alternative learning opportunities through diversification of educational delivery systems, which cannot be efficiently reached by traditional delivery methods.
