Distance learning and correspondence learning are often misunderstood to be the same but in fact these are two unique approaches to remote education. Both provide flexible educational opportunities and they vary in many respects. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between the two, to help students identify a suitable higher education path that aligns best with their lifestyle objectives.
In 1728, a shorthand teacher, Caleb Phillips, bought an advert in the
Boston Gazette assuring that students
“may by having several lessons sent weekly to them, be as perfectly instructed as those that live in Boston.” With improvements to the postal service, the practice became better established where students could mail their work in and receive a certificate of expertise upon completion.
The practice then evolved to radio broadcasts as many of the radio stations were owned by educational institutions and by 1934, the University of Iowa was broadcasting televised courses
1.
Correspondence learning
Correspondence learning allows a person to study and complete academic tasks at their own pace across a given period. This depends on the approach of the institution. A student can listen to a pre-recorded video/audio of a lesson and submit academic tasks to complete the course with no feedback thereafter save for results. This means that things will not be taking place “in real-time”. In terms of interaction between the facilitator and the student, there is none or in some instances it is very limited. Whilst correspondence learning allows for a more independent form of study it requires the student to maintain self-discipline and self-motivation.
Distance learning
Distance learning, very similar to correspondence learning, may require compulsory live attendance at online webinars and assessment deadlines. Students are exposed to various teaching styles and forms of assessment and have more interaction with facilitators during their learning journey through live webinars and facilitator feedback. Students get to network and collaborate with fellow students and stakeholders alike. It also requires self-discipline and self-motivation, and a student will have to plan accordingly around a given schedule for webinars and assessments. The way this form of learning is structured greatly depends on the institution.
Whilst both forms of study offer a more convenient approach to the traditional on-campus form of learning, there are many benefits to a traditional on campus learning experience which is also offered at Regent Business School. Take time to reflect on what each of these learning opportunities have in store for you to understand which one best suits your circumstances.
To learn more about the various learning opportunities and courses offered at our instituted, click here and let us help you on your journey to success.
which he/she learned on the current set of . This form of learning ultimately, the form depends on the approach of the institution offering it
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Correspondence |
Distance learning |
| Timelines |
In general, deadlines for class and assessment submission are not very strict. Correspondence learning provides a learner with list of classes/pre-recorded videos to watch and assessments or activities to completed over a certain period in order for the course to be considered completed. This will vary in terms of the institution. |
A more structured approach is given in that there are generally live classes to attend at set times and set assessment due dates that have to be met in order for the course to be completed. |
| Interaction |
More often than not |
|
Even though distance learning tools have evolved to much greater extents in the digital space, the character of this approach still differs which will explore further.
