Педагогические науки/1.Дистанционное образование

Moiseeva F. A., Zaharova S. L.

Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade after M. Tugan-Baranovsky

The importance of distance education for students and educational institutions

Distance education programs are more popular than ever. College and high school students now have hundreds of legitimate distance education schools to choose from.

Distance education or distance learning, is a field of education that focuses on teaching methods and technology with the aim of delivering teaching, often on an individual basis, to students who are not physically present in a traditional educational setting such as a classroom. It has been described as a process to create and provide access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance. Distance education courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason (including taking examinations) have been referred to as hybrid or blended courses of study.

Distance education is also known as: distance learning, virtual learning, online learning, e-learning, online education, web-based training.

Distance learning is the type of studying which was available long before the computers and the Internet were invented. Now, distance learning is mostly associated with the Internet and is usually called online education. We may consider online education from different perspectives. Here is some specific information about different opinions about distance learning. We shall focus our attention only on the importance of distance learning.

The importance of online education for students and educational institutions:

- Students have an opportunity to remain home and continue studying. This is extremely important for disabled people.

- Distance learning costs less. Furthermore, students do not spend money on transport and living in the hostel.

- Flexible schedule is the usual practice in online education.

- Students can continue to work without o the detriment of learning.

- The possibility to study for several degrees simultaneously.

- There are different kinds of computer software that allows students to provide both eye to eye communication and work in groups.

- There is no necessity to lease big accommodation for students as they study at home.

- Most of the material is considered individually, so fewer tutors can govern more students.

- Much more students can attend online classes that increase profit educational institutions.

- There are no additional expenses on different learning materials, like books and journals, and other items necessary for traditional studying.

Thus, distance learning is a great opportunity for both students and educational institutions. Due to a number of advantages of online education for students, they should remember that deadline is the main type for control.

The types of available technologies used in distance education are divided into two groups: synchronous and asynchronous.

Synchronous technology is a mode of delivery where all participants are “present” at the same time. It resembles traditional classroom teaching methods despite the participants being located remotely. It requires a timetable to be organized. Web conferencing and videoconferencing are examples of synchronous technology, as are direct-broadcast satellite, internet radio, live streaming, telephone, and web-based VoIP.

With synchronous learning, distance education students must log on to the website at a set time. Often, they interact with their peers and professors via group chats, web seminars, video conferencing. With asynchronous learning, distance education students complete all coursework on their own time. They often learn via assignment sheets, message boards, email, pre-recorded video lectures, mp3s, and traditional mail correspondence.The asynchronous mode of delivery is where participants access course materials on their own schedule and so is more flexible. Students are not required to be together at the same time. Mail correspondence, which is the oldest form of distance education, is an asynchronous delivery technology and others include message board forums, e-mail, video and audio recordings, print materials, voicemail and fax.

The two methods can be combined in the delivery of one course.

Making money from emerging markets: an increasing acceptance from the population of the value of lifelong learning, beyond the normal schooling age, and that institutions can benefit financially from this by adopting distance education. We see sectors of education such as courses for business executives as being “more lucrative than traditional markets”.

Catalyst for institutional transformation: the competitive modern marketplace demands rapid change and innovation, for which she believes distance education programs can act as a catalyst.

We have identified another financial benefit for the institutions of the Ukraine, distance education creates new graduates who might be willing to donate money to the school who would have never have been associated with the school under the traditional system.

Pros and Cons of Distance Education.

Many students find that distance education courses give them the freedom to complete a degree while meeting their personal and professional obligations. Motivated learners are often able to complete distance education degrees in a fraction of the time often required. Distance education courses also allow students to network with participants from all over the nation.

On the downside, distance education courses do not offer the face-to-face interaction found in traditional classrooms. Some students find that they struggle to stay motivated and meet deadlines due to the independent nature of distance education courses.