Distance Education Programs

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Earlier distance education programs were referred as correspondence courses. This educational system originated in nineteenth-century as vocational education program that were conducted through postal mail. Now the system has been largely replaced by more sophisticated technologies and delivery techniques.

Actually distance education is said to be a teaching methodology in which the teacher and student are separated by time and place. Distance education programs have a 'flexible' delivery mode; you may or may not attend the classes, as it is optional. As in case of electronic classroom or Virtual Learning Environment, they may or may not be a part of a distance education set up. Electronic classrooms can be both on campus, and off campus.

Subjects you can opt

Nowadays you have a variety of subjects like rural development, programs in agriculture for farmers, science education, creative writing, mass communication, and many more, apart from the traditional courses in liberal arts, science and business administration to explore through distance education programs.

Modes of distance education courses

Distance education has traversed many ‘generations of technology’ according to the records. These are print, audio / video broadcasting, audio / video teleconferencing, computer aided instruction, e-learning or online-learning, computer broadcasting or webcasting etc.

Still now radio remains the most feasible form, particularly in the developing nations, where it has commendable reach. Distance education programs today utilize E-mail, the Web, and video conferencing over broadband network connections to connect both wired physical locations and wireless mobile learning. Contending with the conventional sector, course material today is of very high quality and completeness, using modern technologies such as edifying animation.

There are various types of distance education courses and some of the recognized one’s are as below:

• Correspondence courses-conducted via regular mail
• Telecourse or Broadcast content is delivered through radio or television
• CD-ROM - the student interacts with computer to learn the content stored on a CD-ROM
• PocketPC or Mobile Learning - the course content is accessed from a mobile device or through a wireless server
• Through Internet conducted either asynchronously or synchronously
• iPod, PocketPC and Smart Phone - increasing popularity of these have offered an additional medium for the distribution of distance education content. Some professors now allow the students to watch video of the course as a Podcast

Advantages of distance learning

You would be glad to know the benefits of distance learning, which you often lack in conventional education. Some of the following points will clear out things for you:

• Increased access to learning - Distance education promotes the opportunity to meet the needs of students unable to attend on-campus classes.
• Wider choices of institutions for learning - You can choose between a variety of instates worldwide
• Increased compensation and promotion potential - Adds weight to your resume and increases the chances of promotion 
• Flexibility - Biggest benefit of distance learning lies in the flexibility of time. You won’t be confined to classroom for a certain number of hours. Again, the online courses provide you with flexibility in completion of the lesson.
• No problems of attendance - You are allowed to take an exam without attending a traditional classroom, which may be far off. Use of local teachers to observe the examination process can make the benefit of distance learning much more appealing.
• Financial benefits - A lot of money is saved in distance learning. You can save on transportation, food costs and housing. On the other hand, you can continue distance education programs while doing your full or part time job.

Though distance education programs are often criticized for their drawbacks like lack of guidance and inferior quality, they are still the best option for the working populace.