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What
is the difference between distance learning and
distributed learning?
Although
the phrases "distributed learning" and "distance
learning" are used interchangeably, there is a growing consensus
that distributed learning has a broader meaning. The primary characteristic
of distance education is that learning takes place independently
of place and time, allowing students to absorb the content from
a distance. On the other hand, the principal goal of distributed
learning is to customize learning environments to better fit different
learning styles, whether students are on or off campus. In this
new pedagogical model, students are encouraged to learn in an interactive
and collaborative environment at their own pace, at a time that
is convenient for them. As Chris
Dede emphasizes, distributed learning is based not only on new
media but also on new pedagogy. Distance learning emphasizes the
learning environment, whereas the focus of distributed learning
is on pedagogy.
The use of technology in teaching is blurring the lines between
residential and non-residential teaching. For instance, a residential
course that heavily uses a Web site and audiovisual content lends
itself well to distance education. The proliferation of video conferencing
facilities makes it possible to deliver residential courses to faraway
students via streamed video. New information technologies are transforming
the methods and delivery of conventional distance education courses.
Within this context of rapid change, the definitions of distance
learning and distance education continue to evolve.
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