Definition and features of distance education.
Definition and features of distance education.
What is distance education? Write the characteristics of distance education.
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Definition / Concept of Distance Education:-
Distance education is a form of non-formal education. Distance education is mainly conducted as an alternative to formal education. Distance education is the type of education that the student receives according to his/her own needs, abilities, and time in a relatively independent environment, outside the strictness of controlled education, teacher and institution dependence, evaluation centering, etc.
Distance education is not completely controlled like formal education, nor is it completely unregulated like informal education. The main objective of distance education is to expand higher education for students of all levels according to their convenient time, needs, etc.
In view of the problems of ''Quantity, quality and relevance'' of formal education, distance education is a relatively problem-free alternative education system.
Features of Distance Education:-
1. Role of the Teacher:-
The role of the teacher in distance education is minimal. Unlike formal education, the teacher does not teach in the classroom in distance education. The teacher's job in distance education is to prepare study materials or modules related to the curriculum.
2. Educational Institution:-
In distance education, there is no specific educational institution or classroom like formal education. Usually, formal education institutions are used temporarily for distance education.
3. Curriculum:-
In distance education, there is also a specific curriculum like formal education. However, there are some fundamental differences between formal education and distance education curriculum. The curriculum of distance education is much more diverse and the student can choose any type of curriculum according to his/her needs.
4. Evaluation Process:-
The evaluation process in distance education is much more flexible than formal education. The student can participate in the evaluation of different parts of a curriculum at his/her convenience.
5. Absence of co-curricular activities:-
The presence of any co-curricular activities cannot be observed in the distance education system. As a result, the various types of development that occur in a child through co-curricular activities in formal education; This is not possible in distance education.
6. Instructions: -
In distance education, the teacher provides minimal instructions. Students have to participate in the learning process by themselves according to these instructions.
7. Lack of feedback: -
In distance education, unlike in formal education, the teacher is deprived of getting feedback from the students. Since the students do the reading and teaching themselves, all kinds of feedback are absent in distance education.
8. Lack of interaction: -
The interaction that takes place between the teacher and the student in formal education ; it is not possible in distance education. In distance education, students acquire knowledge without the help of the teacher.
9. Acceptability of certificates: -
In distance education, unlike formal education, certificates are awarded at the end of the course and its quality is in no way less than formal education. In the case of admission to any government job or educational institution, the certificate of distance education is acceptable like formal education.
10. Acceptability in society: -
Although distance education certificates are accepted as equivalent to formal education for government work or institution-based work in the state sector, people in the society personally consider distance education to be of lower quality than formal education.
11. Use of technology: -
In modern times, technology has been widely used in distance education. As a result, all types of students, especially students from remote areas, have been particularly benefited. Broadcasting of various educational programs, television, internet, etc. have become widely used in distance education.
12. Age of students: -
Unlike formal education, there is no age restriction in distance education. Students can participate in the course at any age. However, there must be a minimum age and educational qualification.
13. Number of students: -
In formal education, the number of students is limited. But in distance education, there is no such problem. Any number of students can participate in distance education.
14. Role of the state: -
Like formal education, most distance education institutions are run by the state. The goal of distance education , study material , evaluation, curriculum - etc. are all conducted under state control. However, private initiatives are also equally prevalent in distance education.
15. Financial issues: -
In the distance education system, there is no huge expenditure on school building construction, teacher remuneration, textbooks - etc. unlike formal education. The cost of distance education is less than formal education.
16. Vocational education: -
Distance education is particularly effective for various vocational education. Students can participate in any vocational course according to their choice of profession.
17. Student-centeredness: -
The distance education system is completely student-centered. Students enjoy complete freedom in all areas of curriculum selection, studying , evaluation - etc. Therefore, students get the opportunity to become self-reliant in distance education.
18. Flexible Admission Process:-
The admission process in distance education is much more flexible than that of formal education. The tough competition that students face while getting admission in formal education is not a problem in distance education.
19. Part-time Education:-
Distance education is part-time education. Students can study at their own pace, there is no question of being present in the classroom. As a result, students can continue their studies while maintaining their other jobs.
20. Creating equal opportunities in education:-
In many cases, school dropouts do not get the opportunity to participate in formal education; or, people associated with different professions cannot get admission in formal educational institutions for higher education. But in distance education, all these categories of people get the opportunity of education and equal opportunities are created in education.
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