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The Evolution of Distance Learning

Distance learning is not a new approach to instruction and learning. In fact, correspondence courses, which are the oldest form of distance learning, have been used for over 150 years. Thanks to the development of technology, distance no longer poses a problem to learning. Students can study anywhere they want without having to be present in the class at all times, which allows them to combine their studies with work or family life.

Advances in digital technologies have provided innovative strategies for teaching from a distance. This has made distance learning more interactive. In the past, distance learning usually included no in-person interaction between teachers and students. However, digital forms of communication have changed the distance-learning environment.

Communication technologies such as messaging applications, video conferencing tools, discussion boards, and learning management systems (LMS) can increase learner engagement. Students can use break-out rooms on the Zoom platform, for example, to work in groups. They can also join interactive games on Kahoot!. Students can also get materials and projects from their school’s LMS.

A key benefit of distance learning is flexibility. This helps students adapt learning to their personal schedules as well as location. When COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020, a shift to distance learning became necessary due to school closures. Students did not need to commute from home to school. They could continue participating in class without being tied to a specific location. The availability of distance learning has added to its increasing popularity in education. correspondence course (noun phrase) a course of study in which students study at home and receive and send off work by mail or email

flexibility (n) the ability to change or be changed easily

pandemic (n) a disease that affects many people across a whole country or the whole worid