Distance Learning

Evidence suggests that efficacy of distance learning “depends on the quality of the interactions among the students, the content to be learned, and the instructor.”

Distance Learning is defined as:

“planned learning that normally occurs in a different place from teaching and as a result requires special techniques of course design, special instructional techniques, special methods of communication by electronic and other technology.”

(Moore and Kearsley, 1996)

Three Types of Distance Learning

Although distance learning does not necessarily require technology, using digital tools provides many advantages in these three types of instruction.

Synchronous

  • Live webinar

  • Course chatroom

  • Synchronous communication between instructor and students


Asynchronous

  • Interactions between a human instructor and the students are separated by time.

  • Video lectures/lessons are posted in a learning management system (LMS)


Blended

  • Combines one or more forms of distance learning and face to face instruction

  • Facilitated by technology

A Note and Caveat About Blended Instruction

Blended instruction (online and face-to-face class segments), on average, produced better learning outcomes than conventional face-to-face instruction when other resources, such as more time for learning and additional resource materials, were incorporated (Means et. al., 2013).

Implication for Teaching Practices

“Technology that encourages students to actively engage with course material and with other students can positively affect cognitive outcomes” (186).

  • Incorporate relevant content area technology and resources to enhance and vary the ways students engage with materials.

Researchers raised concerns about the suitability of fully online learning for less motivated, lower achieving or less mature learners.

  • A blend of online and in-person instruction is generally recommended for lower achieving and younger learners.

  • In a fully face-to-face or blended instruction environment, use programs such as Remind, Class Dojo, and Google Classroom to improve social communication between home and school.

Created by: Sophia Cho