Distance Learning: are we ready for it? 
                     DISTANCE LEARNING: 
ARE WE READY FOR IT?
What is 
distance 
learning?
Distance learning is a way of educating 
students online. Lectures and learning 
materials are sent over the internet. Students 
work from home, not in a classroom.
Source: www.techsmith.com
Types of distance 
learning
The types of distance learning include:
• Video conferencing
• Hybrid distance education
• Open schedule online courses
• Fixed-time online courses
Source: www.techsmith.com
Impact of COVID-
19
Due to the coronavirus, distance learning 
typically a style of teaching utilized by 
colleges and universities is now being 
adopted by elementary and high school 
students as well. 
Entire school districts and campuses are 
being forced to create online-based learning 
opportunities and do it effectively. 
Source: www.techsmith.com
Benefit of 
distance 
learning
There are many excellent benefits of distance 
learning. 
For one, it proves less expensive to support. For 
another, distance learning is not limited by 
geography. 
For example, you don’t need to be in the United 
States to take classes at a university located in 
America. 
Source: www.techsmith.com
Reach and 
engagement
With hectic and unpredictable schedules, 
faculty can extend course content beyond the 
scheduled meeting and class time through 
pre-recorded videos and other content.
Source: www.techsmith.com
Student 
motivation
Students can go at their own pace and when 
it’s convenient for them. Self-paced learning 
accommodates various learning needs and 
preferences and enhances student success.
Source: www.techsmith.com
Flexibility to 
choose
Distance learning courses also come with 
flexibility. This varies by course structure, 
though. For many courses, students set their 
schedules. They take classes in their 
preferred location.
Source: www.techsmith.com
Adaptability and 
freedom
Instructors can tailor distance learning to suit 
students’ diverse educational needs. And it 
provides students with the freedom to learn 
anywhere, at their own pace. It remains an 
adaptable learning form.
Source: www.techsmith.com
Easy access
Attending traditional classes is impossible for 
some. Work and home life responsibilities can 
get in the way. Distance learning provides 
easy access to education. Students need a 
computer and an internet connection.
Source: www.techsmith.com
Are we ready?
Remote education is certainly not a magic bullet and 
there will always be a place for in-class learning. 
At the same time, distance learning still has a lot of 
untapped potential to reach students where they are 
and connect educators and learners in new ways. 
From increased flexibility to new learning styles, it 
seems that the future of learning will be as diverse 
in time and place as it will be in thought.
Source: www.techsmith.com