Distance learning is becoming more and more acceptable in today's education system. Check out four factors that will help you decide which one to opt for, especially in higher studies.
Distance Learning vs Traditional Learning
In spite of the enormous advantages associated with distance learning, there is a constant debate regarding its worth. Traditional ways of education are gradually being replaced by distance learning and yet, the credibility of this type of a learning system is questionable.
The ideal academic education culture is often perceived as a standard set-up, that is, with the teacher preaching and the students listening. However, times have changed and advanced modes of learning such as with the use of computers, laptops and projectors have taken the place of the traditional blackboard. Both these modes deliver quality education to students.
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Difference between distance learning and traditional learning
To facilitate education to students, the traditional set-up utilises a variety of factors such as the infrastructure and study material (textbooks, journals). In comparison to distance learning, traditional learning is more organised and enables a free flow of communication and an open interaction between the students and teachers.
Back in the day, when distance learning was not a widely opted mode of education, it was known by the term "correspondence courses". The course content is delivered to the recipient through webinars, online streaming, live/recorded video lectures, Learning Management System, or PowerPoint presentations to name a few. Group discussions and communication between students and teachers take place via emails, text messages and various other forms of messaging platforms.
Here are 4 factors that can help you decide which system to opt for:
1. Length of the programme
While some online learning programmes allow students to take exams at their own convenience, some demand a dedicated time and effort from the students end. Some distance learning courses even have real-time lectures, assignments, and deadlines. When students are given the chance to study at their own pace, they can complete their programme even faster than they would have in traditional learning.
2. Technical access
In distance learning, a great deal of technology is involved, wherein students are required to own advanced gadgets to receive online education. Students need to have a regular access to their emails, hardware, and devices such as a webcam, headset etc. No such digital and technical requirement presents itself in traditional education.
3. Cost comparison
As compared to traditional learning, distance learning can be less expensive at times. The cost of books is alleviated due to the availability of online study material. Some institutes offer a discount on their online programmes which would not be available on campus. However, the fact that online learning would only cover one subject/topic at a time and charge individually for the same cannot be denied.
4. Location restriction
In distance learning, the courses are taken online which does not restrict the student to a particular location. In traditional learning, however, students must go to school or college for education. Here, there is a pre-assigned time at which students have to report daily for receiving their education.
Which one is better?
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As the capacity to deliver high-class distance education becomes easier, the debate as to which one among traditional and distance learning is a better form of education is likely to heat up more in the coming years. In the future, the time spent on classroom studies will be channelised on online learning with more impactful outcomes and acquisition of global competencies.
About ISBM
The Indian School of Business Management is ranked among the top ten international B-schools that provide management courses through correspondence. ISBM has over 100 specialisations and management courses to choose from with concepts and case studies that provide a broad exposure to relevant business theories and management specifics.
At ISBM, the correspondence courses in management field are industry oriented, student-centric and specially designed keeping in mind the working professionals so that they can pursue higher education without disrupting their current work progression. ISBM's offerings include Diploma to Doctorate and Laureate level courses for aspirants who wish to establish their career in the field of business and management.
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- Authored by Dr Vinay Agrawal, Chancellor, ISBM
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Published By:
AtMigration
Published On:
Mar 8, 2017
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