E-Learning, Blended Learning, and Distance Learning: Are They the Same

 Are E-Learning, Blended Learning, and Distance Learning the Same things?

The terms “e-learning” blended learning, and “distance learning” are often used interchangeably, but they are actually not the same things.

💚E-learning is designed to create online communication between teacher and student and to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. 

💚Blended Learning is a formal educational program that consists of in-person study time as well as individual study online.

💚Distance learning is more about the distance between the student and the teacher, and how technology bridges this gap. 

E-Learning, Blended Learning, and Distance Learning: Are They the Same
E-Learning, Blended Learning, and Distance Learning: Are They the Same

An Overview of E-Learning, Distance Learning and Blended learning

During the past decade, there has been a huge revolution in the applications of the educational computer, and the use of computers in the field of education is still in its beginnings, but it is increasing day by day. Rather, it took many forms, from computers in education to using the Internet in education, and finally, the concept of e-learning appeared, which depends on technology to present educational content to the learner in a good and effective way.

 

There are also characteristics and advantages of this type of education, and the most important advantages are that it can reduce time, effort, and cost, in addition to the ability of educational technology to improve the general level of academic achievement and to assist the teacher and the student in providing an attractive educational environment that does not depend on place or time.

 

E-learning is one of the methods of education in communicating information to the learner, and it is done using modern communication mechanisms from a computer and its networks and multiple media, i.e. the sustainability of technology of all kinds in the delivery of information to the learner in the shortest time, the least effort and the greatest benefit and in a way that helps manage and control of the educational process and measure and evaluate the performance of learners.

 

The information revolution has made the world more like a small electronic screen in the era of fusion between information technology, culture, and technology.

 

 Electronic communication and the exchange of news and information between computer networks became a tangible reality, which allowed quick access to science and knowledge centers and libraries, and to get acquainted with the new moment by moment.

 

The development of educational stages

The first stage: before 1983: The traditional teacher era where the communication between the teacher and the student was in the classroom according to a specific academic schedule.

The second stage: From 1984: 1993 AD. The emergence of the global information network "the Internet".

The third stage: from 2001 onwards: The second generation of the global information network as web design has become more advanced.

 

E-learning

The concept of e-learning has begun to spread since the use of electronic display means to deliver lessons in traditional classrooms and the use of multimedia in the processes of semester education and self-education, and ending with building smart schools and virtual classrooms that allow students to attend and interact with lectures and seminars held in other countries through the Internet and interactive television technologies.

 

E-learning, with its strength and flexibility, can improve the educational process and solve many of the problems that education means today while preserving the quality of education, as:

  • It provides educational content for learners anytime and anywhere via the Internet and in many other forms.
  • It reduces education and training costs.
  • It enables you to follow the flag accurately.
  • It helps universities to absorb large numbers of students.
  • It provides education for residents in remote areas.

 

Blended learning

Blended learning is an approach to education that integrates technology and digital media with traditional place-based classroom methods, giving students more flexibility to customize their educational experiences.

Blended learning includes a set of media that are designed to complement each other. 

Blended learning requires the physical presence of both student and teacher, with some elements of student control over time,  path, place or pace.


The blended learning program can include many learning tools, such as online virtual cooperative learning software, online-based courses, self-learning courses, electronic performance support systems, and learning systems management


Blended learning also mixes multiple activity-based events that include learning in traditional classrooms in which the teacher meets students face-to-face and self-learning is a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

 

Distance education

Distance education is the process of separating the learner, teacher and writers in the educational environment, and transferring the traditional environment of education from a university or school and others to a multi-geographically separate environment.

 

Distance education is a modern phenomenon of education that has developed with the rapid technological development in the world, and its aim is to give the opportunity to educate and provide it to students who cannot obtain it in traditional conditions and almost daily.

 

The idea of distance education began in the late seventies by European and American universities that sent various educational materials to students by mail, including books, recording tapes, and videotapes to explain the materials and teach them. Likewise, the student used to deal with assignments, with these universities requiring students to come to the university only for the final exam date, on which the mark is calculated.

 

In the late eighties, the matter developed into the communication between the teacher and his students through television and radio stations, then with the advent of the Internet, at first e-mail became the means of communication between the student and the teacher until the beginning of the new century.

Learning, discussions, and direct communication are provided through specialized websites and programs.

 

What is the difference between e-learning and distance learning?

E-learning can be defined as one of the educational methods in communicating information to the learner that depends on modern technologies i.e,,computer and the global network and their multiple media such as CDs, educational software, e-mail and discussion spaces.

E-learning is designed to create online communication between teacher and student and to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom.

 

Distance learning is the education of students who may not always be physically present in the school. The distance Learning concept is more about the distance between the student and the teacher, and how technology bridges this gap. Today, Distance education has become a derivative part of E-learning. 

 

In both cases, the learner receives the information from a place far from the teacher (the source of the information). And when we talk about the electronic study, it is not necessarily that we are talking about online learning. Rather, e-learning may be asynchronous. We can learn from remote locations that are not limited by space or time through the Internet and technologies.

The Scientific World

The Scientific World is a Scientific and Technical Information Network that provides readers with informative & educational blogs and articles. Site Admin: Mahtab Alam Quddusi - Blogger, writer and digital publisher.

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