Distance Learning

Module 3 - Distance Learning
This programme has been funded with

support from the European Commission
INTRODUCTION
Distance learning or distance education is a field of education that focuses on the pedagogy/andragogy, technology, and
instructional system design that are effectively incorporated in delivering education to a student, where the teacher and
the student may communicate asynchronously and synchronously. They are basically a learning / teaching methodology,
an educational concept, very closely related to special learning materials and have a differentiated role for the new
teacher vs. the traditional one. In educational procedure, technology has a vital role, which intermediates in order to
create a two-way communication between teachers and learners for the learning process of the learners.
Expected learning outcomes:

Objective: • Learn the benefits of distance learning
The objective of the third module is to introduce • See how the modern use of electronic educational
the term of distance learning, meaning how you technology facilitates distance learning and independent
can learn on the move, with or without handheld learning by the extensive use of ICTs’
technology. • Identify the right ICT tools that can be used in everyday
classroom practices for transforming teaching and learning
ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS
01 What is distance learning?
02 Usage scenarios in distance learning
03 Forms of distance learning
04 Examples for distance learning
05 Summary
This programme has been funded with support from the European Commission. The author is
solely responsible for this publication (communication) and the Commission accepts no
responsibility for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

USED ABBREVIATIONS
CAI - Computer Assisted Instruction
CBL - Computer Based Learning
DL – Distance Learning
TEL - Technology Enhanced Learning
PDA – Personal Digital Assistant, also known as Handheld PC

1. What is distance Learning?

DEFINITIONS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING
• Distance learning (DL) or distance education is a field of education that focuses on the
pedagogy/andragogy, technology, and instructional system design that are effectively incorporated in
delivering education to student, where the teacher and student may communicate asynchronously
and synchronously.
• Distance Education is basically a learning/teaching methodology, an educational concept, very close

and related to special learning material and has a differentiated role for the new teacher vs. the
traditional one. In educational procedure, technology has a vital role, which intermediates in order
to create a two-way communication between teachers and learners for the learning process of the
learners.

DEFINITIONS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING
• DL is an instructional delivery system that connects learners with educational resources. It provides
educational access to learners not enrolled in educational institutions and can augment the learning
opportunities of current students. The implementation of DL is a process that uses available
resources and will evolve to incorporate emerging technologies.
• A generic, all-inclusive term used to refer to the physical separation of teachers and learners.

Watch these videos to
understand what is
distance learning and what
are the opportunities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anWBb7PTIMM

Watch these videos to
understand what is
distance learning and what
are the opportunities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6dHK2cXatM

WATCH
Distance learning can be

applied at different ages.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdveDs6_PD0

DISTANCE LEARNING ACCORDING TO ISO
ISO/IEC 2382-36:2013 Information technology — Vocabulary —

Part 36: Learning, education and training specifies the main
terms and definitions related to DL such as:
• web-based learning;
• online learning;
• computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL);
• computer-based learning;
• blended learning, and others.
Similar standards, both ISO and GOST, are listed in the references.

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION IN DISTANCE LEARNING
Asynchronous Communication Synchronous Communication
• This is communication that is not simultaneous, and • This is simultaneous form of communication. It uses
uses recorded instructional materials technologies that facilitate live interactive instruction
• These types of technologies allow participants to be • Examples: audio conferencing, real-time computer
separated in time and distance from the delivery of communications and video conferencing
instruction
• Synchronous communication technologies, such as
• Telecommunications systems such as broadcast television desktop video teleconferencing and interactive group
(cable or digital), or electronically stored media such as video teleconferencing, enable live, real-time interaction
video, audio, and computer software are among the between instructors and learners
technologies that utilize asynchronous communication
• Instructors, subject matter experts and students see and
• Examples of other asynchronous distance education hear one another at all sites and engage in interaction,
technologies: fax machines, voice mail, bulletin boards similar to face-to-face classroom interaction
and e-mail, computer assisted instruction, computer
managed instruction, computer-mediated education and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKxK2dLk_Ng
computer-based conferencing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTU9bo4kKYI
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF DISTANCE LEARNING
Advantages of distance learning Disadvantages of distance learning

• DL allows students to fit the learning around their work • Lack of social interaction
and home life • Format is not ideal for all learners
• They can usually also set their own pace of study • Some employers don’t accept DL degrees
• Learners can study in any university around the world • Not all courses required to complete the degree my be
• DL usually costs less than a full-time degree offered online
• DL providers usually offer dedicated support to their • It may be difficult to judge whether or not students are
online or distance learning students actually completing the training fully / benefiting from it as
• DL can be easily managed for large groups of students much as they would from a classroom based training session
• Students can train as and when they want to, and can • Students may need support to use the technology
break the course up into section (removing the problem of • The students have to be very self-motivated
concentration loss) • The format is not applicable in all specialties
• Learn while working
• Student can decide the amount of time to be spent on any
particular module as distance programs offer students the
flexibility to use time according to their requirements
• DL saves the time and cost incurred in travelling
A DIFFERENT VIEW
OF BENEFITS FOR
Student
Centered
Flexibility DISTANCE LEARNING
Better
Accessibility
Opportunity
Global
Cost Effective
Knowledge
Chance for Students Control

interaction Study Time

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DISTANCE LEARNING
• Online courses are easier than face-to-face courses
• There is no time limit for completing a course
• The quality is lower
• It’s difficult to get a hold of your instructor
• There’s no interaction with other students
• Online courses require less time
• Cheating is more common and easier in online classes
• You have to be very tech-savvy to take an online course
• Anyone can succeed in an online course https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K_JoBkxVI0
• Online courses aren’t recognized by employers
• Online tutors are poor quality ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS
CHALLENGES OF DISTANCE LEARNING
• To meet the needs of students who are

unable to attend on-campus classes
• To involve outside resources which would

otherwise be unavailable
• To link students from different social, cultural,

economic, and experiential backgrounds

2. Usage scenarios in distance learning
USAGE SCENARIOS IN DISTANCE LEARNING
Three usage scenarios are applicable in distance learning:
• Scenario 1. Theoretical and methodological knowledge - The learner is provided with theoretical
and methodological information
• Scenario 2. Communication with the tutor - In addition to Scenario 1, the learner can also
communicate with the tutor
• Scenario 3. Virtual online laboratories - The learner has access to virtual online laboratories and
tools

SCENARIO 1: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL INFORMATION
• This is the most simple scenario.
• Theoretical and methodological materials are presented to the student through a website.
• The information is presented using different media formats, such as text, images, videos and sounds, pdfs, etc.
• The student’s knowledge may be assessed by the environment with the use of tests, though it is not
mandatory.
Advantages:
• Low cost Disadvantages:
• Can be successfully applied in humanitarian • Has limited application in engineering education
education

SCENARIO 2: COMMUNICATION WITH THE TUTOR
• This is a more complex scenario. In addition to the features from Scenario 1, it also offers different forms of
communication between the tutors and the students, such as:
– Forums
– Video conferences
– E-mail and other forms of communication
• In addition to web-based tests, the student’s knowledge can also be assessed with assignments, math and
science problems, essays, etc.
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
• Higher costs
• Improved quality of the educational process
• It is still not enough to provide self-
• Reduced educational time
sufficient engineering education

SCENARIO 3: VIRTUAL ONLINE LABORATORIES
• This is the most complex scenario, where virtual online laboratories are used. This scenario may be an
enhancement to Scenarios 1 and 2.
• It not only gives access to information but also to technologies, related with the subject of education.
• The presented systems and/or technologies could be presented on different levels of abstraction.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
• Can be used to provide self-sufficient
• Highest costs, because multiple virtual
engineering education
laboratories should be available
• Virtual labs could also be used in traditional
• Higher quality of the connecting network
education, therefore the high costs could be
shared between the two types of education

3. Forms of distance learning
FORMS OF DISTANCE LEARNING
Distance Learning

DEFINITIONS OF E-LEARNING
E-learning education can be defined as:
• E-learning is instruction that is delivered electronically, in part or

wholly
• E-learning is designed to support individual learning
• E-learning covers a wide set of applications, such as web-based

learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital
collaboration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ6_pEQZsVE
• The E-learning content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet
(LAN/WAN), audio and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV,
and CD-ROM
CHARACTERISTICS OF E-LEARNING
• Empowered by digital technology: E-learning is pedagogy empowered by digital technology.
• Computer enhanced learning: E-learning is a term which is used to refer computer enhanced learning
• Technology enhanced learning: E-learning includes all types of technology enhanced learning (TEL), where technology is used to
support the learning process
• Online learning: Use of E-learning is generally confined to “online learning” carried out through the Internet or Web-based
technology, with no face-to-face interaction
• More than CBL and CAI: E-learning conveys broader meaning than the terms CBL (Computer based learning) and CAI (Computer
assisted instruction)
• More than online learning: E-learning is broader in its meaning that they conveyed through the simple terms like “online
learning” or “online education”
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF E-LEARNING
Advantages: Disadvantages:
• Individualized instructions per learner • Learners should have knowledge and skills on how to use Internet
and Web technologies
• Easy access – no time, place or distance barriers
• Teachers should have the necessary competence to provide
• Available to Disadvantageous people qualitative E-learning
• Very flexible in terms of delivery media (like CD, Laptops • Learners, teachers, parents, educational authorities and society have
and Mobile Phones) negative attitude towards E-learning
• Increases the motivation of students • Affects the eyesight and some other parts of the body, due to
physical inactivity
• Possibility to use online, offline and live interaction

between the students and teachers • Isolation and lack of social contacts
• Lack of co-curricular activities

DEFINITIONS OF M-LEARNING
M-learning education can be defined as:
• Similarly to E-learning, M-learning includes delivering of

instructions electronically
• However, mobile devices are used
• A mobile learning educational process is any learning and

teaching activity that occurs through mobile tools or a mobile
environment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv4IrVDeNwQ

CHARACTERISTICS OF M-LEARNING
• Accessibility - The information is always available whenever the learners need to use it
• Immediacy - The information can be retrieved immediately by the learners
• Interactivity - The learners can interact with peers, teachers and experts efficiently and
effectively through different media
• Context-awareness - The environment can adapt to the learners’ real situation to

provide them with adequate information
• Permanency - The information remains unless the learners purposely remove it
• Other characteristics:
o Flexible Learning, Large mass covered, reduces problems like the poor discipline
and unrest of students
o Most mobile devices have lower prices than desktop PCs
o Similar size and more lightweight than desktop PCs
o Ensure bigger students engagement as M-learning is based on modern ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS
technologies, which students use in their everyday lives
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF M-LEARNING
• Increases mobility as location does not matter • Storage capacities of PDA (personal digital assistant) are limited
• Saves time by studying while travelling • A device may become outdated quickly and students have to keep
combating obsolescence
• Environmentally-friendly – no printing
• The buttons on the keypad or stylus pens are small and can be
• Mobile technology increases interactivity by allowing students to tricky to manipulate
closely link with their peers, teachers, interest groups worldwide
• Small display
• Use of relatively inexpensive everyday technologies
• Network connectivity limitations
• Access to additional free learning content
• The expenses / costs to develop a qualitative M-learning platform
• Gives disadvantaged social groups an opportunity to improve their are high
chances in life
DEFINITIONS OF ONLINE TUTORIAL
• An online tutorial is a self study activity, designed to teach a specific

learning outcome.
• Three types of online tutorials can be defined:
o Recorded tutorials are video or screencast recordings, typically of

a subject expert presenting information and ideas or giving a
demonstration
o Interactive tutorials are a structured collection of navigable web

pages. Individual pages can contain any combination of text,
images, audio, video, self-test questions and other interactive
activities. Interactive tutorials can also contain screencasts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj_8C2L9bXI
o Web-based serious (educational) games can also be viewed as an
online tutorial ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS
CHARACTERISTICS OF ONLINE TUTORIALS
• Modern technologies are used – the information is available

on a website and is accessible from any internet capable
device
• The learner is learning alone using information which is

carefully chosen and prepared – online tutorials/serious
games usually have a certain goal and each of their parts is
aimed at learning a certain important fact/piece of
information
• There is no feedback or control of the learning results – the

knowledge of the learner is not assessed
• Such approach is applicable in life-long learning

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE TUTORIALS
• There are many free tutorials on the internet • The learning process is not assessed, nor controlled by a tutor
• The learner can adjust the learning speed as there is no time frame • The internet offers a great range of online tutorials, and it might be
hard to choose the correct one
• The learner can choose the sequence of the acquired knowledge
• Lack of face-to-face contact with tutors and other students
• The learner can learn the information when there is a necessity for
it • No laboratory experience – The learner is not working with real
laboratory equipment, therefore no practical skills are acquired.
• The learner’s motivation could be greatly increased, depending on This is a significant disadvantage in engineering education
the source/type of the online tutorial. The web-based educational
games, which offer a completely different approach in learning are
considered as being especially motivating

4. Examples for distance learning
EXAMPLES OF DISTANCE LEARNING
• Examples of E-learning:
o E-Learning Shell 02 –
http://e-learning.uni-ruse.bg
o Engine for Virtual Electrical Engineering Equipment at the University of Ruse
https://eveee.uni-ruse.bg
Examples
• Examples of M-learning:
o Personalized M-Learning mathematic class –
https://bib.irb.hr/datoteka/526624.mlearning.pdf
• Examples of Online tutorials:

o Electronics tutorials –
http://electronics-tutorials.ws
o Cisco Systems - Learning Games –
https://www.insite.net/cisco_games/
E-LEARNING SHELL 02
• E-Learning Shell 02 is the E-learning platform of the University of Ruse.
o http://e-learning.uni-ruse.bg
• The platform provides education through materials and communication, therefore it adopts Learning scenario 2.
In theory, web-based virtual/remote labs could be integrated.
• The following types of educational materials are supported:
o Lectures
o Seminar exercises
o Practical exercises
o Books and lecture notes

E-LEARNING SHELL 02
• The platform supports the following media types:
o Images
o Videos
o Documents
o Binary files (for download)
• The learners’ knowledge can be assessed using:
o Assignments
o Tests
• The platform provides communication through Forums, Chats and E-mail

ENGINE FOR VIRTUAL
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT
• EVEEE is an engine for Virtual Laboratories at the University of Ruse.
o https://eveee.uni-ruse.bg
• The EVEEE platform provides education through virtual laboratory

exercises, therefore it’s Learning scenario is Type 3.
Labs contain instructions, virtual lab and eventually a report.
• The virtual labs can be integrated in other E-Learning platforms.
• The virtual labs commonly include:
o Instruction with theory and tasks

o Virtual laboratory
o Report
ENGINE FOR VIRTUAL
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT
• Other than the virtual labs themselves, the platform supports the common media types:
o Images
o Videos
o Documents
• The learners’ knowledge can be assessed by the tutor

when the students sends their report with experimental
results.
• The platform does not provide a communication channel

but since this is a web-based tool, there are no limitations.

PERSONALIZED M-LEARNING MATHEMATIC CLASS
• The study of Matasić et al. presents a typical methodology for M-learning in mathematics classes.
o https://bib.irb.hr/datoteka/526624.mlearning.pdf
• It provides education through different multimedia formats and simulation tools, therefore it is a Type 3 Learning scenario.
• It includes the following types of educational materials:
o Theory
o Videos of the teacher
o Mathematical problems
o Video solution to the problems
o Interactive play

PERSONALIZED M-LEARNING MATHEMATIC CLASS
• The example relies on the following media types:
o Images
o Videos
o Documents
o Web-based interactive tools (simulation/virtual lab)
• The knowledge is not assessed.
• Even though the process does not include communication, learners

could use any form necessary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oLNLCO0vfI

ELECTRONIC TUTORIALS
• The website “Electronics Tutorials” has Tutorial materials in the field of electrical and electronic engineering.
o https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/
• The website allows education through well-structured materials in the form of tutorials, therefore it is a Type 1 Learning scenario.
In theory, virtual/remote labs could be integrated.
• The website hosts the following types of educational materials:
o Tutorials
o Examples

ELECTRONIC TUTORIALS
• The learning process is not assessed by the website, therefore it is entirely in the hands of the learner.
• The website uses the following Media types:
o Images
o Text
• Each article contains a section for comments by readers,

which allows communication between the learners

CISCO SYSTEMS – LEARNING GAMES
• Cisco Systems provides several web-based Learning Games, which are

aimed at showing basic rules in network systems.
o https://www.insite.net/cisco_games/
• The website provides educational games, therefore can be classified as

a Type 3 Learning scenario.
• The learning games are flash-based and include:
o Tutorial
o Game controls
o Goals
o The interactive game itself

• The educational games provide guiding hints and assess the results at
the end of the game.
5. Summary
SUMMARY
• Distance learning or distance education is a field of education that focuses on the pedagogy, technology,
and instructional system design that are effectively incorporated in delivering education to students,
where the teacher and the student may communicate asynchronously and synchronously.
• There are three usage scenarios in distance learning: Scenario 1. Theoretical and methodological
knowledge; Scenario 2. Communication with the tutor; Scenario 3. Virtual online laboratories.
• There are three forms of distance learning: E-learning, M-learning and Online tutorials and serious
games. E-learning is delivered electronically, in part or wholly. M-learning requires the use of mobile
devices, such as smartphones, tablets, etc. Online tutorials are self-study activities, designed to teach a
specific learning outcome with the use of information technologies. Serious games also fall into the last
category.
• Examples for each form of DL, such as the E-learning platform of the University of Ruse, an M-learning
mathematic class, the website Electronic tutorials and Cisco Systems’ learning games, are shown. They
are applicable for engineering labs.
REFERENCES
1. Amani Mubarak Al-Khatir Al-Arim, Distance Learning, ERPA 2014, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences
152 ( 2014 ) 82 – 88, doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.09.159
2. Chris Panagiotakopoulos, Antonis Lionarakis, Michalis Xenos, Open and Distance Learning: Tools of
Information and Communication Technologies for Effective Learning, Proceedings of the sixth Hellenic
European Research on Computer Mathematics and its Applications Conference, HERCMA2003, Athens,
Greece, 2003.
3. https://www.otan.us/content/pdf/dl/WhatIsDL.pdf
4. Jessica Miles, The Cost of Convenience: How Does Distance Education Mix with the Modern-Day Student?,
Handbook of Research on Adult and Community Health Education: Tools, Trends, and Methodologies, 2014,
25, DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-6260-5.ch017
5. Ezgi Pelin Yildiz, Aytekin İşman, Quality Content in Distance Education, Universal Journal of Educational
Research 4(12): 2857-2862, 2016, DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2016.041220
6. Hall, B. (1997). Web-based Training. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York.
7. Allen, M.W. (2003). Michael Allen's guide to E-learning. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons,
Incorporated. Ally, M. (Ed.). (2009). Mobile learning: Transforming the delivery of education and Training.
Athabasca University Press.

REFERENCES
8. Clark, R.C., and Mayer, R.E. (2003). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for
consumers and designers of multimedia learning. San Francisco, California: John Wiley & Sons,
Incorporated.
9. Quinn, C. (2000). M-learning: Mobile, Wireless and In-Your-Pocket Learning. Line Zine.
10. Shepherd C. (2001). M is for May be. Tactix: Training and Communication Technology in context. p.5.
11. Colazzo, L., Molinari, A., Ronchetti, M., & Trifonova, A. (2003). Towards a Multi-Vendor Mobile Learning
Management System. Proceedings for the World Conference on E-learning. Phoenix, USA. Retrieved April
24, 2007.
12. Polsani, P. (2003). Network learning. In K. Nyinri k. (ed.) Mobile Learning Essay on Philosophy, Psychology
and Education, Vienna: Passage vertaq, 2003 139-150, ISBN – 38511656032.
13. Trifonova, A. (2003). Mobile learning – Review of the literature. Technical Report DIT-03-009,Informatica e
Telecomunicazioni, University of Trento.
14. Sharples, M. (2005). Learning as conversation: Transforming education in the mobile age. Proceedings
Seeing Understanding, Learning in the Mobile Age, Budapest, April 28-30,147-152.
15. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/esu/media/tutorials/design-principles/page_02.htm

REFERENCES
16. Behera, S.K. (2013). E- And M-Learning: A Comparative Study, International Journal on New Trends in
Education and Their Implications, July, Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Article: 08, p.65.
17. https://online.illinois.edu/articles/online-learning/item/2017/02/14/10-common-misconceptions-about-
online-courses
18. Matasić, Iva; Eret, Lidija; Dumančić, Mario (2011). Example of Personalized m-Learning Mathematic Class
("Mobile Learning") // Pre-Conference Proceedings of the Special Focus Symposium on 11th ICESAKS:
Information, Communication and Economic Sciences with Art in the Knowledge Society.
19. ISO/IEC 2382-36:2013 Information technology — Vocabulary — Part 36: Learning, education and training
20. GOST R 52653-2006 Information and communication technologies in education. Terms and definitions
21. ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 36 ‘Information technology for learning, education and training’
https://www.iso.org/committee/45392/x/catalogue/p/1/u/0/w/0/d/0

eu.escola.project@gmail.com
Facebook.com/EUESCOLAPROJECT
Thank You escolaproject.eu

Distance Learning

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Distance Learning

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Distance Learning

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 3 - Distance Learning

This programme has been funded with

Expected learning outcomes:

02 Usage scenarios in distance learning

03 Forms of distance learning

04 Examples for distance learning

ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS

CAI - Computer Assisted Instruction

CBL - Computer Based Learning

TEL - Technology Enhanced Learning

PDA – Personal Digital Assistant, also known as Handheld PC

ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS

ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS

• Distance Education is basically a learning/teaching methodology, an educational concept, very close

ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS

ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS

ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS

ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS