Distance learning VS in-class learning: Are they really distinguishable?

Hello! Welcome to my weekly blog!

In this blog I discuss and answer the following:

• The characteristics of distance education and e-learning that distinguish distance learning from traditional classroom-based learning.

• What are 1-3 challenges that exist in moving the content from your chosen context from a traditional classroom to a distance learning setting?

• Which setting do you prefer to learn in (distance or traditional) and why?

Happy reading!

Characteristics

Flexibility and a diverse audience are just a few characteristics that can distinguish distance education from in-class learning. As it pertains to flexibility, students in the distance education realm have the freedom to create their own schedule to achieve a work/life balance. I often think of it as learning on your own time and at your own convenience. This is contrary to students in the physical classroom setting as they may have a fixed, rigid, or set schedule to follow and adhere to. However, a disparity emerges when the asynchronous and synchronous format are taken into consideration. To explicate, the asynchronous online format may offer more flexibility because students learn on their own time. However, the synchronous online format is somewhat similar to in-class learning as students and instructors meet and interact at a specific time via video conferencing or other means. In this case, there is no major difference between in-class learning and synchronous distance education.

This can also apply to the second characteristic i.e., a diverse audience. Generally, distance education reaches a worldwide audience. Students from any geographical location can achieve their educational goals Online. On the contrary, in-class learning attracts more students in a particular or specific geographical location. Although, many students travel to attend universities in various regions, there may still be a significant difference in the number of students in the distance education realm and the in-class setting. In fact, Bates (2019) noted that there has been a significant increase in class size in the distance education sector. This was especially noticeable and evident from the onset of the covid-19 pandemic where the mode of teaching and learning shifted to the virtual setting. This therefore sets in-class learning and distance education apart.

Despite these distinguishable characteristics, it can be argued that there is no major difference between distance learning and in-class learning. This can be illustrated by Moore’s (1983) transactional distance assertion. He asserted that the distance in education is more social and psychological rather than geographical (Moore, 1983, as cited in Saba, 2011). This therefore suggests that although students and instructors are separated geographically, they are connected through technology. Essentially, it is safe to say that technology connects us all. As such, there may not be a significant difference between in-class learning and distance learning because in both settings, students and teachers are connected.

Challenges

Challenges can arise when shifting the mode of teaching and learning from the physical classroom setting to a virtual format in the higher education context. Among these challenges are the digital divide that exists among students and the digital literacy, and comfort level of the students and instructors. In several countries, there is a disparity between students who have access to various communication technologies and those without access. This, in essence, is the digital divide. Those without access will be greatly disadvantaged if a switch to the virtual sphere occurred. Moreover, students and instructors who are not comfortable and/or skilled with the use of digital media may also struggle with such a move. Poor digital literacy skills and the digital divide therefore serves as barriers and implications of the virtual setting.

Preference

Personally, I prefer the distance learning (asynchronous) format because it provides me with the opportunity to work, attend to other commitments, and successfully achieve my educational goals all at once. It is also less anxiety- producing for me and I feel less pressure in this environment. I also love writing and tend to express myself much better in written formats. Distance education therefore offers my preferred mode of communication and interaction with peers, instructors, and the content.

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Quick question:

The image above highlights some differences between distance learning and in-class learning. If you think that there is a significant difference between the two of them, which characteristic(s) would you say makes them significantly different? What are your thoughts?

Feel free to let me know in your response!

Krista

MDE student

University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus | UMGC

References

Bates, A. W. (2019). Chapter 01: Fundamental change in education, and Chapter 02: The nature of knowledge and the applications for teaching. In Teaching in a digital age. SFU Document Solutions Books. https://teachonline.ca/teaching-in-a-digital-age/teaching-in-a-digital-age-second-edition

Saba, F. (2011). Distance education in the United States: Past, present, future. Educational Technology, 11-18.