Online Distance Degree Revisited

The term online distance degree refers to earning your college or university degree through an internet-based computer without the traditional college campus environment. Thanks to advances in technology, getting a degree is now much easier thanks to the faster means of a computer and the internet! These degrees include all regular diplomas or even bachelor’s degrees as well as master’s degrees.

The educational system abroad devised this method to help children get a diploma easily rather than just keeping a diploma. Although this is a relatively newer method, it is a tried and tested guaranteed method. Online distance degree is most useful for people with physical disabilities, people who work late nights and even people who cannot access a good school, college or university. The use of an online distance diploma is rapidly increasing in the western world. By definition, it is “a process of creating and providing access to learning when the information source and the learner are separated by time and distance, or both”. It refers to imparting learning to the learner to help them adjust outside of the classroom atmosphere.

This method gains importance by providing individual attention to students and helping with international communication.

History of distance learning/ origin:

o This method of learning dates back to the mid 18th century when the University of London is believed to have first introduced distance learning. Later, another university, the University of South Africa, launched an online distance learning course. Many other universities soon followed suit. The larger university offering an online distance degree is the ‘Open University’ in the UK; Founded in 1969.

o Technology used:

The online long-distance diploma broadly uses several types of technology, which are mainly divided into synchronous and asynchronous.

o Synchronous technology refers to a group of people receiving exactly the same information at a fixed time and place. This is most commonly practiced in school and junior college/graduate programs. Learning takes place via telephone, video conference or web conference.

o Asynchronous technology uses audio tapes, email, printed materials and more.

Types of Online Distance Diploma Courses:

o Distance courses conducted by email.

o CD-ROM learning. Herein, the student accesses their study material using CDs or content already stored on a CD-ROM.

Main advantages of this method:

The online distance diploma offers great advantages in 3 main categories:

– For children who do not have access to schools, colleges or other educational institutions, this method is a blessing. This is called expanding access.

– It fulfills the learner’s aspiration for lifelong learning. It thus helps with developing market opportunities.

– It helps individuals to adapt to the ever-increasing rapid technological developments. Students learn together with educational technology.

There are a number of myths surrounding distance learning. Students are still reluctant to complete a diploma course online. Some fear that employment will be a major problem as their employers may not accept an online diploma certificate. However, these are just pure myths because no one can deny a recognized diploma, online or not!

Thanks to Carol Currie