Types of Distance Learning

1. Enhancements to Face-to-Face Courses

   Some distance learning approaches (e.g., web assistance) are incorporated into a traditional face-to-face classroom course. At some colleges, 75% of all courses now include a web component. In these "web assisted" courses instructors might post only a syllabus, or they might add PowerPoint study slides, useful links, additional readings, sample quizzes, and other study materials. Some instructors' websites even include a section where they post answers to students' questions.

2. Videoconferencing

   Two-way video and audio, sometimes called "2-way ITV," are used. Like traditional face-to face courses, videoconferencing is a synchronous (occuring in "real time") approach to learning. Videoconferencing differs from traditional courses in that students and instructors can be anywhere so long as technological links can be established (by satellite, T1 lines, or some other technology).

3. Online Courses

   The Internet and local servers are used to establish a course site on a user-friendly platform such as BlackBoard or WebCT. Students use the course site as their "classroom." Student-centered learning is the dominant philosophy—this means the instructor acts as a facilitator and coach. This contrasts with the instructor-centered learning philosophy, where the instructor is the "sage on the stage" and mainly lectures while students remain passive in the classroom.

4. Correspondence Courses

   The essential difference from an online course is that in a correspondence course, there is no interaction among students. Even student-instructor interaction is limited and highly structured. The instructor controls the learning. Although correspondence courses were originally print-based, today any technology may be used for this noninteractive format. For instance, some courses have made videotapes of lectures available. Students view the lectures and then mail in answers to questions from an accompanying textbook. Courses offered on public television are also generally correspondence courses in format

5. Mixed

   With today's advanced technology there may be no reason to limit the media used, and many trainers and educators are experimenting with multiple media approaches. For example, some executive MBA programs use all 4 of the approaches listed above. The program may involve weekend meetings (either face-to-face or in videoconference), online interact ion, and online assignments.