ESCOLA Module 3 Distance Learning

Module 3 - Distance Learning
This programme has been funded with
support from the European Commission

Objective:
The objective of the third module is to introduce
the term of distance learning, meaning how you
can learn on the move, with or without handheld
technology.
Expected learning outcomes:
• Learn the benefits of distance learning
• See how the modern use of electronic educational
technology facilitates distance learning and independent
learning by the extensive use of ICTs’
• Identify the right ICT tools that can be used in everyday
classroom practices for transforming teaching and learning
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.
ESCOLA | DIGITAL TEACHING TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING LABS

What is distance learning?
01
02
03
04
Usage scenarios in distance learning
Forms of distance learning
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.

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

1. What is distance Learning?

Watch these videos to
understand what is
distance learning and what
are the opportunities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anWBb7PTIMM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6dHK2cXatM

Distance learning can be
applied at different ages.
WATCH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdveDs6_PD0

• 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 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

• 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.
DEFINITIONS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING

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.
DISTANCE LEARNING ACCORDING TO ISO

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

Student
Centered
Better
Opportunity
Cost Effective
Chance for
interaction
Students Control
Study Time
Global
Knowledge
Accessibility
Flexibility
A DIFFERENT VIEW
OF BENEFITS FOR
DISTANCE LEARNING

Advantages of distance learning
• DL allows students to fit the learning around their work
and home life
• They can usually also set their own pace of study
• Learners can study in any university around the world
• DL usually costs less than a full-time degree
• DL providers usually offer dedicated support to their
online or distance learning students
• DL can be easily managed for large groups of students
• Students can train as and when they want to, and can
break the course up into section (removing the problem of
concentration loss)
• 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
Disadvantages of distance learning
• Lack of social interaction
• Format is not ideal for all learners
• Some employers don’t accept DL degrees
• Not all courses required to complete the degree my be
offered online
• It may be difficult to judge whether or not students are
actually completing the training fully / benefiting from it as
much as they would from a classroom based training session
• Students may need support to use the technology
• The students have to be very self-motivated
• The format is not applicable in all specialties
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF 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
• Online courses aren’t recognized by employers
• Online tutors are poor quality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K_JoBkxVI0
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT 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
CHALLENGES OF DISTANCE LEARNING

2. 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
USAGE SCENARIOS IN DISTANCE LEARNING

• 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
• Can be successfully applied in humanitarian
education
Disadvantages:
• Has limited application in engineering education
SCENARIO 1: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL INFORMATION

• 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.
Advantages:
• Improved quality of the educational process
• Reduced educational time
Disadvantages:
• Higher costs
• It is still not enough to provide self-
sufficient engineering education
SCENARIO 2: COMMUNICATION WITH THE TUTOR

• 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.
SCENARIO 3: VIRTUAL ONLINE LABORATORIES
Advantages:
• Can be used to provide self-sufficient
engineering education
• Virtual labs could also be used in traditional
education, therefore the high costs could be
shared between the two types of education
Disadvantages:
• Highest costs, because multiple virtual
laboratories should be available
• Higher quality of the connecting network

3. Forms of distance learning

Distance Learning
FORMS OF DISTANCE 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
• The E-learning content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet
(LAN/WAN), audio and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV,
and CD-ROM
DEFINITIONS 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”
CHARACTERISTICS OF E-LEARNING

Advantages:
• Individualized instructions per learner
• Easy access – no time, place or distance barriers
• Available to Disadvantageous people
• Very flexible in terms of delivery media (like CD, Laptops
and Mobile Phones)
• Increases the motivation of students
• Possibility to use online, offline and live interaction
between the students and teachers
Disadvantages:
• Learners should have knowledge and skills on how to use Internet
and Web technologies
• Teachers should have the necessary competence to provide
qualitative E-learning
• Learners, teachers, parents, educational authorities and society have
negative attitude towards E-learning
• Affects the eyesight and some other parts of the body, due to
physical inactivity
• Isolation and lack of social contacts
• Lack of co-curricular activities
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF E-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
DEFINITIONS 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
technologies, which students use in their everyday lives
CHARACTERISTICS OF M-LEARNING

Advantages:
• Increases mobility as location does not matter
• Saves time by studying while travelling
• Environmentally-friendly – no printing
• Mobile technology increases interactivity by allowing students to
closely link with their peers, teachers, interest groups worldwide
• Use of relatively inexpensive everyday technologies
• Access to additional free learning content
• Gives disadvantaged social groups an opportunity to improve their
chances in life
Disadvantages:
• Storage capacities of PDA (personal digital assistant) are limited
• A device may become outdated quickly and students have to keep
combating obsolescence
• The buttons on the keypad or stylus pens are small and can be
tricky to manipulate
• Small display
• Network connectivity limitations
• The expenses / costs to develop a qualitative M-learning platform
are high
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF M-LEARNING

• 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
o Web-based serious (educational) games can also be viewed as an
online tutorial
DEFINITIONS OF ONLINE TUTORIAL

• 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
CHARACTERISTICS OF ONLINE TUTORIALS

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

4. Examples for distance learning

• Examples of E-learning:
o E-Learning Shell 02 –
http://e-learning.uni-ruse.bg
• 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/
Examples
EXAMPLES OF DISTANCE LEARNING

• E-Learning Shell 02 is the E-learning platform of the University of Ruse.
• 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
E-LEARNING SHELL 02

• The study of Matasić et al. presents a typical methodology for M-learning in mathematics classes.
• 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.
PERSONALIZED M-LEARNING MATHEMATIC CLASS

• The website “Electronics Tutorials” has Tutorial materials in the field of electrical and electronic engineering.
• 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
ELECTRONIC TUTORIALS

• Cisco Systems provides several web-based Learning Games, which are
aimed at showing basic rules in network systems.
• 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.
CISCO SYSTEMS – LEARNING GAMES

5. 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.
SUMMARY

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
REFERENCES

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

ESCOLA Module 3 Distance Learning

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