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With the development of computers and use of the internet, schools have started to offer online classes that allow students from all over the world to earn degrees online. This is also known as distance learning. There are even some schools that focus entirely on this type of education and do not have real-world classrooms at all.
Distance learning allows students to take classes online. Students can participate in online class discussions utilizing their home computers. They can also submit their papers and other written works by e-mail or via a special bulletin board that only students and their instructors can access. Most of the materials students need are distributed online.
Background Of Distance Education
Distance learning is not an entirely new concept. This type of education actually started in the mid-1800s when Isaac Pitman of Great Britain taught short hand via mail delivery. In those days, distance learning took a very long time, but was a good alternative for people living in rural areas. Today, this idea has evolved on the internet creating instant communication between teacher and student.
In addition to computers, distance learning can utilize other technology to help students learn. Televisions are also used for this method of education. Instructors can send videos to help explain subject matter to students. Video tapes of presentations by students can also be sent to the instructor.
Unfortunately, there are downfalls to distance education as well. One pitfall with distance education is the possibility of cheating. Without a teacher present, instructors cannot be totally sure that the person taking the test is who they say they are. Also, students can utilize books and other materials to aid them in test taking; whereas in a classroom setting students can monitored. But this problem is not an issue for all types of distance learning situations. Some often use the open book test taking or essays to prevent cheating.
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