Distance learning is more common since the COVID-19 pandemic in today’s university learning programs worldwide. In the last several years, the number of students who registered for this learning method has been skyrocketing, even though the pandemic is over.
The distance learning program allows university students to study online, without attending classes physically. This makes it possible for many students from Nigeria, Malaysia, or Jordan to attend classes at a university in the USA.
But it is just one of many examples of the online learning benefits. In this guide, we will discuss the other benefits.
What is Distance Learning?
Distance learning is a learning method that does not require students and lecturers to be present physically at the school, university, or other educational institution. In other words, they can hold the learning process online.
Students and lecturers can take classes from home, making it possible to have classes with people from around the world.
Simply put, there are two types of distance learning processes, including:
- Synchronous online learning
It involves the real-time learning process. Here, you will have a live interaction with your teacher and peers. You need a video conference app to do this, like Zoom or Google Meet.
It is super flexible in place, but it still needs a proper schedule so that everyone can join the class, making this type still has a limitation in flexibility.
- Asynchronous online learning
This approach can make students study at their own pace. You can take the courses and materials anytime you want. So, there is no set schedule.
However, you need to finish your assignments before the deadline. You will find various types of materials, such as conversations, quizzes, or presentations.
The 8 Benefits of Distance Learning for Academic
Before you decide to take a distance learning course, here are the eight benefits of it for academic purposes, such as:
1. Flexibility of Time and Place
Distance learning is great for those who are struggling with time and location constraints. It is difficult for them to learn with a traditional method if they are currently employed or live in different areas.
Online learning provides you with the freedom to decide your own learning process more autonomously, making it possible for you to learn anywhere and anytime you want.
2. More Affordable
We understand that the cost of education can be high, but distance learning provides many ways for you to save money.
You do not have to commute to campus every time you have a class. This learning program also helps you reduce the costs of textbooks and course materials.
In the traditional learning program, you need to spend more than a thousand dollars every year for them.
The tuition fees for online learning are also more affordable at many universities. In some universities, students enrolled in online programs receive around a 25% discount on the regular tuition fee.
3. More Options for Learning Resources
An online learning system enables universities to provide a wide variety of relevant learning resources and materials that are accessible anywhere and anytime for students.
The universities also have e-libraries and software licenses to support students’ learning process. The access is unlimited, you can read the resources anytime since the e-libraries are open 24 hours.
4. Creating Virtual Learning Interactions
The distance learning system creates virtual learning interactions, which have some advantages for both students and lecturers that are not available in the traditional learning system.
Virtual learning interactions are more engaging than traditional ones. The online learning system makes it possible for lecturers to share equal attention with all students. Also, this system allows them to exchange ideas, interact, and discuss easily.
Students have better opportunities to collaborate and post their feedback on assignments with classmates through virtual meetings or groups, with several tools available on the online meeting apps.
5. Personalized Learning Process
Distance learning offers a personalized learning process for students. Those who are not assertive may have a better chance to participate and be more active in the virtual classroom.
Students can set their own best learning environment, with self-paced learning. They can choose their own best time to complete materials and assignments.
As the course is online, they can complete the coursework anywhere.
6. Enhancing Time Management Skills
The online learning system is ideal for those who want to manage their time wisely, since the students still need to finish the coursework within the deadline.
This system teaches students how to manage their time better between their work, studies, and personal life. Students not only gain knowledge from the courses, but they also hone their time management skills.
7. Immediate Feedback
The distance learning system provides numerous advantages for lecturers to check their students’ coursework. Students can upload their assignments digitally for evaluation by their lecturers.
The lecturers will review students’ assignments and submit feedback digitally, with no paper involved. As a result, students will get their scores and feedback faster than in the traditional learning system.
This advantage enables students to understand their strengths and weaknesses faster, so that they can make better adjustments to their learning methods and future assignments.
8. More Free Time
Online learning offers more free time since your learning process is not dictated by physical classes. You don’t have to commute to and from campus. You just need an internet connection and a digital device to attend the remote classes.
You can spend more time doing something productive, talking to your family, or merely having me-time. Also, you can focus on your career when there is no class schedule.
The 4 Benefits of Distance Learning for Career
Distance learning also provides benefits for career success, such as:
1. Career Advancement
The distance learning system is a powerful option for those who are looking to advance their professional career or even pivot to new career opportunities.
Staying relevant in a career often requires skill updates, and this system can help you with that. Online courses offer specialized knowledge and training to upgrade skills in your current role.
The more skills you have, the more valuable you are for getting higher wages.
The same rule is also applied when you are looking for a promotion. Online courses help you earn certificates or degrees without disrupting your current job.
2. Expanding Networking
Networking is a crucial aspect of a career. You’ll get the opportunities to network with industry experts and industry leaders around the world through distance learning courses or degrees.
You can interact with peers, lecturers, and experts through forums, discussions, online communities, or online discussions. These online learning facilities can lead you to professional relationships.
The more you have relationships with experts or industry leaders, the more opportunities you will have to make a career advancement.
3. Improved Job Prospects
The job market nowadays is getting more competitive than ever. You can make your skills and resume stand out by pursuing a certification or a degree online.
An online certification or degree is proof of your skills and professionalism over other candidates. This will give you bigger opportunities to attract companies.
4. Entrepreneurship Opportunities
The distance learning system also offers entrepreneurship opportunities for students to learn skills required to make ideas into successful businesses.
You can find a wide range of online courses related to entrepreneurship, from business fundamentals to advanced entrepreneurship techniques.
You can learn how to understand the market, manage operations effectively, run effective marketing campaigns, and so on.
More than that, many online programs include practical exercises to hone your entrepreneurship skills, from creating a business plan to analyzing business case studies.
Online courses in finance and accounting can also help you a lot to build your entrepreneurship opportunities. You will learn how to forecast, budget, and ensure financial sustainability for your business.
Distance Learning Modes
During your distance learning process, you are likely to come across different ways of learning. Here is the explanation:
1. Video Conferences
The interactions between students and lecturers via the internet. They have to use video conference apps like Zoom or Google Meet. This method helps both students and lecturers to run the learning process in a proper way.
2. Hybrid Distance Education
Hybrid distance education comes from the combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning methods.
This approach involves online forums and online assignments. Students have to submit their assignments before the deadlines on the available online learning system app. They can study at a convenient pace.
However, students need to keep in touch with their lecturers to get immediate feedback and possibly engage in discussions outside the scheduled sessions.
3. Open-schedule Online Courses
This type of course can be completed through the asynchronous remote learning method. You have freedom and flexibility to learn the courses at your own pace. During the program, you will receive:
- Emails
- Online books
- Bulletin boards
Since it demands independence, you have to stay up to date and follow the deadlines. The best approach to get the highest grade is to have self-discipline and motivation.
4. Fixed-time Online Courses
Fixed-time online courses are the most common choice format for the distance education system. You can access the learning website anywhere and anytime you want.
To attain success and receive the certificate, you must complete the tasks that have already been scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the advantages of distance learning for academics?
Distance learning provides many advantages in academic settings, such as flexibility of time and place, more affordable costs, more options for learning resources, creating virtual learning interactions, a personalized learning process, enhancing time management skills, getting immediate feedback from lecturers, and having more free time.
2. What are the advantages of distance learning for a career?
The advantages of distance learning for a career include career advancement, networking opportunities, improved job prospects, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
3. What are the disadvantages of distance learning?
Although online learning provides many advantages in career and academic settings, it also has several cons, such as increased home responsibility, isolation, and technical issues.
4. Is distance learning better than offline learning?
It depends on individual needs and limitations. Online learning offers flexibility, personalized learn pacing, and lower costs, while offline learning offers real-time interaction, a more well-structured learning environment, and stronger social connections.
5. What are the modes of online learning?
We can divide online learning modes into four categories, including video conferences, hybrid distance education, open-schedule online classes, and fixed-time online classes.
6. What are the methods of online learning?
Simply put, online learning methods include synchronous online learning and asynchronous online learning.
7. Is an online program really good for me?
If you are pursuing a degree or a certification with time and distance limitations, the online learning system is a solid option for you. However, you need a strong motivation and self-discipline to make it a success.
Ready to Build Your Future in Flexible Ways?
Distance learning has been gaining popularity consistently since the COVID-19 pandemic. This learning method allows students around the world to possibly attend a class without commuting to the campus. Now, education is more flexible, accessible, and impactful for people.
You will find a class or webinar with students from Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, and other countries interacting and exchanging ideas in real time. Online learning looks so promising with its advantages, both for career and academic.
Similar to offline learning, distance learning also has several disadvantages you need to understand.
This learning system demands that you have a strong motivation and self-discipline to make it a success, which makes online learning not suitable for everyone. If you do not have them, then the learning process will be challenging.
In order to decide your next educational step, it is highly recommended to evaluate the pros and cons of distance learning.
If you find the advantages of online education appealing, then the distance learning programs are good fits for you.
We encourage you to browse online courses or graduate programs available to learn more about what’s best for you.
