Tech Behind Distance Learning

Distance learning's advantages are mostly due to the technology behind it. Without these capabilities, absorbing information via long distance wouldn't be as effective. Thanks to these technologies, students are able to learn from the comforts of their own computer and earn a degree without having to travel long distances with precious time they don't have. Simply put, it widens the reach of educational opportunities to benefit new and larger groups of students. Improvements with the internet, multimedia platforms and communication technology overall allow for a more seamless learning experience for the student of a Distance Learning course and increasing connectivity between the teacher and the student. Perhaps the framework of the technology behind distance learning is one of the most used forms of technology today: the internet. Distance learning has been able to flourish over the wide expanse of the internet, growing from private networks to the public portals we see today in the form of websites. Due to the increasing speed of internet connection, Distance learning has been able to expand its multimedia tools by which it teaches its students. Perhaps one of the most effective technologies in connection with the internet is the video call software. Software such as Skype and some proprietary video web conference programs used by Distance Learning programs are one of the most useful tools in providing education online. It's a very versatile tool; teacher can communicate as if the student was in front of him/her or teaching in front of a class. Web seminar programs allow the video feed of a teacher to be broadcasted and streamed to a number of people. Likewise, students can also utilize this capability by being able to communicate to the teacher in the form or presentations, oral assessments and the like. Aside from video conferencing software, the use of file sharing programs whether proprietary or public, also play a large role in educating via the internet. The use of file sharing allows students and teachers to exchange notes and presentations as well as assignment/paper submissions. Another valuable technological tool is the quiz program. Distance learning centers use these programs to administer exams over the internet to a selected group of people. Exams can be entered in by student ID or whatever identification measure the teacher has, and may have a time limit. The advantage of the distance learning technology is not only for the students. The teacher also gains a lot from distance learning. Instead of collecting papers and exams manually, scores may be automatically inputted and calculated by the program, depending on the type of exam. The mere collection of assignments is simplified because assignments are submitted over the internet, reducing the need for paper. Moreover, the teacher can enjoy the same benefits of distance learning by being able to teach anywhere with a laptop.