What is the difference between distance and online learning?
Based on the provided reference, the key difference lies in the presence or absence of regular in-person interaction between students and teachers.
Understanding the Distinction
While both distance and online learning involve education delivered remotely, the core differentiator highlighted is the element of physical interaction.
According to the information provided:
- Distance learning includes no in-person interaction between teachers and students.
- Online learning will involve in-person interaction between you and your students on a regular basis. This is because online learning is used as a blended learning technique along with other teaching strategies.
This means that under this definition, online learning is not purely remote; it incorporates face-to-face components as part of a blended approach, whereas distance learning is entirely remote with no physical meetings.
Key Differences Summarized
Here is a quick comparison based on the provided context:
| Feature | Distance Learning | Online Learning |
|---|---|---|
| In-person Interaction | None | Regular |
| Context | Fully remote/standalone | Often part of blended learning |
This distinction is crucial as it defines how student-teacher relationships and overall course delivery are structured in each format.
Implications of the Difference
- Distance Learning: Focuses entirely on remote delivery methods, such as mail, email, or fully asynchronous online platforms without scheduled physical meetings. The student manages their learning without direct, in-person supervision or interaction.
- Online Learning (as blended): Integrates online components with traditional face-to-face sessions. This could mean lectures delivered online with weekly in-person tutorials, or online assignments supplementing classroom lessons. The "online" aspect complements physical presence.
Therefore, while "online" is often used interchangeably with "distance," the reference specifies a crucial difference: online learning includes regular in-person interaction as part of a blended strategy, whereas distance learning is strictly without physical meetings.
