What Is Distance Learning And How Can It Benefit You?

Since the pandemic began back in 2020, the pervasiveness of distance learning has risen considerably. 

To this day, most students have remained at home, studying and taking classes through their laptops and interacting with fellow students solely through social media apps like Zoom and Facebook. 

With 1.2 billion students globally out of the classroom, the rise in distance learning has been tremendous. 

For most, it's an entirely new way of learning that educational institutions have had no other choice but to embrace. Today, it is being used for all sorts of academic purposes and school-related extracurricular activities for students.

Unlike conventional on-campus education, online education is still in its infancy, but one thing is sure; it's not going anywhere anytime soon!

In the following article, we'll work to help you understand what distance learning truly is and how it can benefit you.

What Is Distance Learning?

Distance learning helps you obtain a degree without having to attend classes on campus.

Students typically engage with learning their materials at home while participating in distance learning. 

Tutorial assistance is also available through a virtual learning environment via phone, email, Zoom meetings, and other electronic means. 

Depending on the course being taken, there might be face-to-face encounters with professors or tutors on rare occasions. Still, for the most part, distance learning is done entirely virtually, without any in-person interactions. 

Distance learning courses are available at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional levels. 

Regardless of the course or credit, all universities and colleges ensure that their distance learning programs and credentials are on par with those offered on their campuses.

In other words, distance learning can help you advance academically while allowing you to incorporate your studies with your existing life and work schedule. 

It's also thought of as an attractive option for older students returning to their studies, including full-time employees who wish to progress their education without sacrificing their job. 

Benefits Of Distance Learning

Now that we've explained what distance learning is, let's look at the many benefits of distance learning that make it such an attractive option for students. 

Flexibility 

One of the best things about distance learning is that it's a considerably more flexible way to learn than traditional on-campus education. 

You get to set your study schedule with distance learning because these types of programs don't require you to be physically present in a classroom or adhere to your professor's set schedule. 

Plus, distance learning allows you to complete your coursework from any place, at any time, and at your own pace. 

Do you have an important task to complete first thing in the morning? No problem; log in to finish your homework that afternoon or later that evening. 

Or, for those that have young children to look after, distance learning can allow you to watch or listen to your classes at night when they're in bed sleeping!

Earn While You Learn

Many of the students who enroll in online courses are working-class people who want to advance their education without needing to quit or sacrifice their jobs. 

Even if you aren't already employed full-time, distance learning provides you with a flexible schedule that allows you to learn while working and paying for your education.

This is a significant benefit since many people, both freshmen and older adults, often forgo continuing their education due to financial reasons. 

Forget Geographical Boundaries

You are not limited by geography when taking a distance-learning course because you can complete it from anywhere. 

In other words, you can enroll in any school that offers the program you're interested in, regardless of where it is located in the country or even abroad. 

You won't have to think about moving across cities, states, or countries with distance learning!

More Affordable

Compared to traditional on-campus schooling, you can save money on things like parking, gas, books, child care, and more by using online education. 

Plus, since many of these programs are self-paced, you might even be able to complete them in less time than a conventional on-campus curriculum. 

More importantly, many online degrees or courses come with lower tuition fees, making distance learning an attractive option for many.

Improve Tech Skills

Distance-learning initiatives often use cutting-edge technology to deliver education. 

You will become more technologically advanced than your classmates by accessing study materials electronically, submitting assignments through websites, and engaging in online forums to communicate with professors and classmates daily.

Depending on the post-education career you're aiming for, building and developing these tech skills can sometimes prove to be an invaluable asset.

Take Control Of Your Education

Learning at home has its drawbacks, such as being disciplined and having to focus. 

But it also provides a unique opportunity for students to cultivate a more mature and responsible attitude toward their education. 

With distance learning, the onus is on you to develop your self-discipline without teachers or professors watching over your shoulder.

Attendance 

One problem many students struggle with is showing up and attending class during traditional on-campus learning. 

However, with distance learning, you're much more likely to turn up for class when you can do it from the comfort of your own home. 

Plus, it also removes the chances of being late due to traffic or issues with public transportation. 

Distance Learning - Education At Its Best

While there's nothing wrong with traditional on-campus education, distance learning seems to step things up a notch! 

With distance learning, students are more in control of their education, allowing them to study when, where, and how they want, making it a desirable option for virtually anyone!