What is the Difference Between Distance Education and Online Education?

Distance and online education are two modes of learning. The advancement of technology has made online/digital learning a convenient and flexible mode to benefit society. It involves in-person interaction between faculty and students done with the help of technology, which makes it interactive. On the other hand, distance learning has no interaction between teachers and students.

Further, there are several other differences between the two modes of education, which we are discussing in this post.  First, let us understand the two modes of education to know the differences better.

What is Online Education?

Online learning or online education is the mode of learning where instructions are delivered electronically using several platforms of multimedia. It is also referred to as e-learning, web-based learning, or Internet-based learning. In this mode of education, the teachings are done remotely. So, students are not required to go to the university to study, rather they can learn from the comforts of their home through various online modes. The classes in online learning typically involve a mix of recorded videos or live lectures along with study materials for reading and assessment for the students to complete on their own during a time frame.

What is Distance Education?

Distance learning is a mode of learning where students do not interact with teachers in any way. Here, the student is not required to attend any classes – online or offline. They can have the study materials couriered to them by post or via online mode. Students can stay at home and study in their comfort. They are required to submit assignments and projects on particular time durations which are used to assess and evaluate their progress in the course. Here, the teachers do not track the learning done by the students and they have to stay motivated on their own to complete the course on time.

Difference between Distance and Online Education

Several differences are there between online and distance modes of learning. Below are the key ones:

1. Interaction

Online education is carried out by an educator in a classroom and online students from across the globe can join the class virtually. There are online interactions between the teacher and students digitally via classes, seminars, and group discussions all taking place virtually.

Alternatively, in distance learning students and teachers may not have any interaction. They may not conduct any online classes through virtual mode. Here, the educator assigns work/projects to students and they are given a timeframe to complete the work and submit it either online or at a distance education center.

2. Study Materials

For online education, the students can have the study materials ready in a digital format for assessment, quizzes, etc. Students can download and save the materials to go back to them as and when required. In distance learning, the study materials are mostly in the form of physical books and notes that are sent by post to the students. They are expected to study and complete the given assignments on time to score well on the assessments.

3. Assessment

Due to the limitation of geographical locations, students are expected to take tests and exams online, while in distance learning mode teachers assign activities and assignments to students who in turn complete them before the deadline to score grades.

4. Teaching Method

Online education uses various tools like artificial intelligence to impart education interactively, while in distance learning, there is an absence of any interaction between teachers and students. Students have to self-motivate themselves.

5. Intention

The intention of study in the case of online education inculcates in-person teaching and several learning and interactions. In the case of distance learning, it is normally the instructions in the form of course books sent via postal services.

Benefits of Online vs. Distance Education

Online Education - Benefits

·   Student engagement is a key benefit of online education as compared to distance learning. In most online courses, the students get some kind of online interaction with the faculty, which is not seen in distance learning.

·  With online education, students have the flexibility to control what to study and plan a schedule accordingly. They have the option to go back to the recorded lessons over and over again.

·  Online learning saves time as it offers course materials that can be used by students for study, which saves time of students on preparing notes.

Distance Learning – Benefits

· Students are saved from attending any classes in the case of distance learning, which allows them to pursue other interests or jobs.

·  Students in this mode of learning can learn at their own pace and have complete flexibility to use their time well.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, online learning can be considered a better mode for both teachers and students. Though distance learning suits students with limited internet access, online learning helps students acquire quality education through online mode to help them pursue a career of their choice. This is especially beneficial for students who due to financial or any other reason are unable to attend regular college.

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