Different forms of “distance learning
Distance learning, e-learning, or online teaching are terms that are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern education. These are broad terms whose exact meaning is not clear to everyone: Huh? Learning remotely? E-learning? Online teaching?
This article aims to provide clarity and show how one can learn online. Three types of online teaching are discussed in particular. First of all, it should be noted that online learning is increasingly taking place in the classroom, i.e., in person. In schools, people are increasingly working with laptops, tablets, or smartphones. However, we will not be discussing this type of online teaching in this article, but only distance learning, i.e., learning from a distance, i.e., from home.
1. Distance learning with teachers
For this first form of teaching, we are talking about the teaching as it was provided during the . Both students and teachers are at home and have no contact with each other except via the internet.
Students connect via a platform such as Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. The teachers do the same. Afterwards, the class takes place live. The teacher gives explanations and tasks that the children and young people solve immediately during the class.
This form of teaching is not different from traditional teaching, as there is interaction between the teacher and the class. Group work is easily carried out thanks to the breakout tools available through the platforms or other additional channels.
2. Distance learning without a teacher
Through online platforms , work materials are made available to students. Students download this material independently and then try to work with the provided materials. There is no teacher dictating what should be learned, where, when, and how.
Self-discipline plays an important role here, as students must organize themselves and stick to the plan. The temptation to postpone – or procrastinate – is higher. Nevertheless, the freedom of time and space can be a great advantage, as this system allows for a certain flexibility.
The teaching material in this form of teaching is multimedia and interactive. This can include films, audio files, podcasts, texts, online exercises, interactive presentations, video tutorials, and other materials, which makes teaching attractive and varied.
3. Online tutoring, as offered
This form of teaching is similar to that described in the previous point; however, it differs from the latter in that online tutoring platforms donot constitute teaching in the strict sense, but a supplement to traditional teaching.
Tutoring platfor provide explanatory videos, summaries,a nd exercise sets. Relevant school topics can be studied with the help of these videos, summaries, and the student can test their knowledge with the exercises. In addition, these platforms often provide solutions or explanations for the exercises.
As we mentioned in the last section, distance learning without a teacher has, on the one hand, disadvantages and, on the other hand, advantages. You certainly have to be very self-disciplined, but you can also be very free.
Distance learning as a complement to traditional education
Normal teaching, that is, that which takes place in the classroom, is certainly not going away. And that’s a good thing. This is especially true given that there are now several complementary offerings to regular teaching, which allow students to review what is taught in class.
