subject: Technologies Used in Distant Learning, Its Pros and Cons [print this page] Technologies Used in Distant Learning, Its Pros and Cons
Online education is closely associated with pedagogy, technology, and science. It is aimed at delivering education to those students who are able to study in traditional classes. Distant learning is the process of creating favorable conditions to study for outside students who are physically separated by distance and time. So far, distant learning is carried out with the help of specific courses sent by mail. But with the advent of technologies, e-mail, online forums and chats allow to obtain a degree at home. What are the main techniques used in providing online courses? Synchronous technologies consist in delivering the learning material immediately. It can be received trough the following media platforms: Web-based communication allowing a person to establish an immediate connection with his/her tutor; Telephone is another way to consult tutors or to clarify the details of an assignment. Videoconferencing resembles a traditional way study, as it creates an impression of students' physical presence at the lesson. It can compensate the lack of communication. Live streaming and web conference are other alternatives of distance learning. It is presented by video broadcasting through the Internet. Asynchronous technologies: Audiocassette is used to listen to the recorded material and to do audio exercises. E-mail is another way of sending and receiving the learning material. This method is more time-consuming, but does not impose time-constraints on you. Video files can be also rendered via the internet. It can be some lectures, presentations, or images necessary for the academic process. Voice mail is another variant for material interchange. It provides you addition support for accomplishment of complicated assignments. It is up to you which technology to choose to obtain a degree, but as both types have its advantages and disadvantages.
