In the modern world, every aspect of light is going to be digitalized. Digitalization has brought several significant changes to the world in this fast-moving era; Distance learning is one of those changes.
Distance Learning has become so common all around the globe, especially from the past two years. It’s an effective way of study which helps the students learn the use of technological innovations. This post will explore the overall experience of distance learning in the UK and some of its pros and cons.
What is Distance Learning?
The term shows ‘a learning with a distance between the teacher and the student’. It involves individual learning, not a group. Distance Learning, also known as remote learning, means students do not need to go to a particular institution. Instead, they can study from their homes or from anywhere they want.
When Distance Learning Was Exposed in the UK?
Distance learning has been in practice in the UK for almost 200 years, even when technology was not there. Here is a brief history of distance learning in the UK.
Þ Distance Learning in the 1800s
Distance learning is not something new to the UK. The University of Chicago first introduced a distance learning program in the 1800s, when no one could imagine the teachers and students at two different locations. At that time, the medium of education was only books and teachers. Still, a successful program was conducted through the mailing system. That’s how Distance Learning was founded in the UK.
Þ Distance Learning in the 20th Century
After the Second World War, radio and television became the mediums of distance learning. As a result, the concept of education outside the classroom came into consideration on a larger scale. Then, in 1970 when the other technologies had taken place in the world, such as computers, distance learning gained popularity, and the first Open University of Britain was established.
In 1986, the University of Wisconsin started to use developing technologies to provide adequate education to their distant students. The idea of distance learning led the world to the idea of E-learning.
Þ Distance Learning During Pandemic
Although distance learning has been familiar to the UK for an extended period of time, it turns a common practice during the last two years of Covid19. In this pandemic, maintaining distance was the only way to people safe.
Therefore, all the schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions decided to follow distance learning rules. As a result, digital devices became the medium of education and students started learning from their homes.
Distance Learning Mediums in the Modern World
Distance learning mediums in the 21st Century are still the same, i.e., paper books, guidebooks, etc. But, students and teachers prefer to use digital mediums for distance learning as it is the age of technology and not the 19th Century. Some of the most commonly-used distance learning mediums nowadays are as follow.
- Digital Classrooms
- EBooks/PDF documents
- Recorded Audio Lectures
- Video Lectures
- ENotes
- Social Media Platforms
Benefits of Distance Learning in the UK
In the UK, distance learning secures several perks. Some of them are discussed below.
· It is Flexible
Flexibility in terms of time and schedule is one of the most significant benefits of distance learning. Students are not obliged to follow a fixed schedule. The recorded lectures help the students to study anytime, at their convenience. They can make their timetables to study and learn.
· It Caters the Students Needs and Concerns
It is difficult for disabled students to go to universities and colleges and move from class to class. Distance learning resolves this issue by making education feasible for physically disabled students. They can learn within their homes without any hassle.
Further, the average students also face difficulty completing their assigned essays during the bustling college and university routines. Even they don’t have enough time to buy essay UK based online. Distance learning made it easier for them to focus on their coursework and other academic responsibilities.
· It has Reduced Commuting Cost
Commuting is expensive in the UK. Many students do not afford daily fares due to financial problems. Distance learning has reduced the commuting cost as for now, and students don’t need to travel to the institutions for educational purposes.
· It has contributed to Active Networking
Due to the use of technology in distance learning, UK students are going to be involved in active networking systems. Educational institutions now use digital mediums to connect their students through computer networks. It enhances their exposure to technology as well.
· It is the Solution to Social Anxiety
Many students have social anxiety; they can’t express their thoughts in front of others. It affects their potentials and creates barriers in their way to success. Distance learning, which seems to be an individual learning system, provides the solution to social anxiety. Students can give their best in academics without being confused and distracted by others.
· It is Feasible to International Students
Distance learning has made education feasible o international students. Now the students do not need to travel to other countries to avail themselves of their scholarships. Moreover, now hundreds of online scholarships are available that can benefit students within their homes.
· It has increased the Learning Mediums
The conventional learning system, i.e., on-campus learning, doesn’t allow students to explore hundreds of broader learning mediums. But in distance learning, students can use the medium of their choice to study and learn. Also, they can have online academic assistance. Several services like write my essay UK based, support distance learning and contribute to the students’ academic growth.
Final Statement
Here are the comprehensive details about distance learning in the UK. The way distance learning is getting prominent day by day in the UK depicts that in the future, the whole educational system will soon be transformed into the digital school of learning.
Since the pandemic, most schools have been following distance learning methods, and they don’t intend to return to physical classrooms yet. Therefore, distance learning can be considered and imagined as the only educational plan in the UK for the future.