Difference Between Online and Distance Learning

The online education system has seen a phenomenal transformation in recent years, which has helped the industry soar high as one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide. Online and distance learning modes allow flexibility and convenience along with many other benefits that help students learn and grow in their careers. For a novice, distance and online learning might appear similar, however, there are some crucial differences between the two. For instance, the approach to delivering education and access to interactive opportunities of both modes vary. Hence, it is important to understand the nuances associated with both methods of learning to know their distinct roles in contemporary education.

In this post, we are discussing the basic points to segregate online and distance learning to present you with a true picture of both.

What is the difference between Online and Distance Learning?

The key differences between online and distance learning are:

Location Differences

Online or e-learning is mostly carried out by an instructor in a classroom with students joining from anywhere in the world. The teacher and students in an online class can work together through digital lessons and assessments.

In the case of distance learning, students and teachers may not be present in a classroom together. The teacher may assign work to the student who in turn can work online at home and submit. Also, the teacher can check the work digitally later.

Learning Materials

The study materials for online courses are created in digital format, including assessment materials and class quizzes. These are shared with students online. Online learning uses various live interaction sessions with faculty members and guest lecturers to help students clear all doubts. This gives them an edge to understand concepts better.

On the other hand, the study materials in distance learning are primarily physical books or content and are couriered by post or shared via mail to the students. It is expected for the students to learn the concepts and submit assignments to their regional centers by post or through hand delivery for evaluation.

Interaction

Due to varying locations, the interactions between teachers and educators also vary. Online programmes generally involve personal interactions between students and teachers regularly. They use a blend of learning techniques and strategies.

On the contrary, there is no personal interaction in distance learning mode between teachers and students. However, there may be some communications in the form of video calls, messages, discussion boards, etc.

Teaching

In online learning, teachers may use various AI tools to teach students interactively during online classes to create a regular offline kind of environment. The faculty also access and monitor students via assignments, quizzes, seminars, etc.

In distance learning, however, there is an absence of interaction between teachers and students. Here, students can prepare for assessment based on the course material and submit assignments for evaluation.

Intention

There is also a difference in intention between online and distance learning methods. The online mode uses a combination of teaching methods including in-person teaching and mixes a variety of learning opportunities for students.

Distance learning, on the other hand, delivers instructions by sending course books via postal services or online. It doesn’t use any variation in teaching style.

Benefits of Online Vs. Distance Mode of Learning

Depending on the needs of students, both online and distance learning modes can be beneficial as both are viable and effective methods of teaching.

Benefits of Online Learning

Student engagement – Online learning is the best way to engage students and their productivity, especially when used as a blended way of learning. By blending a variety of instructional and teaching resources and means, online learning delivers or imparts education in multiple ways.

Segregate Instructions – With online learning mode, it becomes easy to segregate the instruction or lessons. With a digital curriculum, you can have the flexibility to control and distinguish what you read. For instance, you can go back to the lessons already learned or you may divide lessons and complete them as per your comfort.

Saves time – Online learning saves time because it provides ready-to-use course materials and saves students time in preparing notes. They provide all the ready instructional materials for students to study.

Benefits of Distance Learning

No disruptions – In distance learning, students are not required to attend online classes or to interact with teachers. Hence, they can carry on with their studies as per their feasibility and submit the assignments at the end of an assessment period.

No disturbances – As students in distance learning are learning remotely, they are hardly disturbed by any communication or interaction

Flexibility – Since students can learn at their own pace, they get complete flexibility to use their time well.

Drawbacks of Online Vs. Distance Mode of Learning

Drawbacks of Online Learning

Below are some shortcomings of online learning:

Requires Technology – Students in the online mode of education rely heavily on technology such as the Internet and computers. Without regular technological aid, online learning will be disrupted.

Screen time – With online learning students have to spend more time online in front of the computer screen, which is a concern for many.

Cheat – There is also the issue of cheating in online learning, especially during assessments. Many students may take undue advantage of the digital mode to cheat and score grades.

Drawbacks of Distance Learning

Distance learning also has many drawbacks as mentioned below:

Difficult to keep tabs on students – In distance learning it is hard to check if students are working on their courses and preparing for assessments.

Cheat – Like in online learning, there is a scope of cheating for students in distance learning too.

Lack of motivation – With no communication with teachers, even students find it difficult to stay motivated in a distance mode of learning.

Is Online or Distance Learning Better for Students?

Overall, if you look into all the aspects of learning to differentiate between online and distance learning, online seems a better learning mode for both students and educators. Distance learning may suit students with limited access to technology at home and who live in areas with low Internet accessibility.

Online learning helps students gain quality education and skill sets to pursue careers ahead in their lives. This learning allows students to access good education irrespective of locational and other limitations. Online learning fosters an inclusive approach to education.

For students looking for the best educational institutions for online degree courses, Amity Online University is the best choice. Amity offers a range of courses for undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate programmes. Visit the website today to learn more.