Difference Between Online And Distance Learning

The different learning options lets students explore the world of learning with the help of technology and e-learning platforms. 

Now, there are two types of flexible learning i.e. online and distance learning. Though it is merely the same, it differs to some extent in its features, approaches and workings. 

With students, working professionals and housewives get ease to learn from anywhere in the world. It also gives them freedom to connect at any time, as per their availability. Also know ways of leveraging technology for interactive online teaching. 

The differences between online and distance learning are described below in detail with explanations for each difference. 

Go through it and get a complete overview and understanding of these differences.

What is Online Learning?

Online learning is a delivery of education wherein students learn remotely, over the internet or electronic tools. It is also known as E-learning, offering learnings through virtual learning platforms. 

The impact of online learning allows flexibility to students, slow learners, working professionals and housewives and many others. 

It requires technology in education, which is through digital tools, computers or mobile phones. 

Examples of Online Learning

• Virtual classes, call and chat in online mode, Google meets or zoom calls are all forms of online learning. Here educators meet through virtual platforms or e-learning platforms.
• Webinars, e-books and digital resources are available for better learning.

Explore more on digital technology in education. 

What is Distance Learning?

It is a method wherein students are involved in online education without being physically present in the classroom. 

It offers immense flexibility and opportunities to work independently via the internet. Learners and teachers can interact, engage and resolve various problems. 

Example of Distance Learning

• Video conferencing, webinars, distance education or e-learning platforms. 
• Full-time online courses, hybrid learning models, Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs. 

Difference Between Online and Distance Learning

The main difference in both online and distance learning, online learning time and long interactive sessions are the same as traditional methods. 

In distance learning, learning through independent study material and less interaction. 

Here is the difference between online and distance learning in the table form. 

Basis of Distinction	Online learning	Distance learning
Delivery mode	Learning with the help of digital platforms zoom, google classroom, online sessions, LMS.	Distance learning takes place via online, recorded lectures, printed study materials or post/mail.
Interaction	Online learning is based on real-time or synchronous learning.	Distance learning often goes asynchronous learning.
Examples	Unacademy, Khan academy	NIOS
Assessment	Formative assessment, Summative assessment	Home assignments, offline exams
Accessibility	Not accessible in remote areas	Learning is from all places
Flexibility	Moderate	High
Communication	Virtual chat, virtual calls	No or in limit
Technology required	Technology is reliable internet, devices like laptop/tablet and basic tech skills.	Distance learning can be pursued with limited tech resources like books and computers.
Cost	Moderate to high	More affordable

Explanations of the difference between online and distance learning are described below. 

1. Delivery mode

Online learning occurs through online or electronic mode. It can be in e- learning or virtual learning platforms. Zoom, Google Classroom, LMS portals with stable internet connection are crucial. 

Distance learning is effective with recorded or printed materials. The Internet is not important. 

2. Examples

Examples of online learning are like, online platforms, virtual learning environment, webinars, Google or particular platforms. 

Examples of distance learning are NIOS or different correspondence courses.  

3. Assessment

Assessments of online learning are like formative assessments and summative assessments. 

Know about formative assessment vs summative assessment in detail. 

Assessments in distance learning are like home assignments or offline exams. 

4. Accessibility

Accessibility in online learning depends on the technology and connection.

Distance learning encompasses learning from all places, even from remote areas. 

5. Flexibility

Flexibility in online learning is moderate. It means learners can gain knowledge from home, cafe or any quiet place they like but it is time bound. Classes held on a fixed schedule. 

On the other hand, flexibility in distance learning is high. This is because learners can choose any time, space and speed of learning. 

6. Communication

Communication in online learning is through virtual chats, online calls and others.

Whereas in distance learning, communication is rare and only happens when met. 

7. Technology required

Technology required in online learning are learning management systems (LMS), video conferencing or mobile learning.

Technology required in distance learning are online learning, e- platforms or Google. 

8. Cost

The cost incurred in online learning is reduced with no cost of physical infrastructure and resources. 

While the cost incurred in distance learning is low. Learners depend on self study with affordable cost. 

Advantage of Online Learning 

Understanding the advantages or benefits can be the best way to implement effectively. 

Here are advantages of online learning that are described below. 

• Online learning: Online learning through e-platforms, personalised apps, mobile learnings or live sessions. Explore about personalised learning. Also explore how online learning can reduce the cost of education for learners. 

• Flexible learning: It has flexible learning through which they can have access to learning at any time and anyplace in the world. Online learning for special needs students is also an effective approach for further studies. 

• Interactive sessions: Interactive learning through live quizzes, live classes, online lectures, and clear of doubts between teachers and students. 

• Immediate feedback: Immediate feedback and instant chats through online quizzes, live sessions and tests.

• Accessibility worldwide: One of the importance of online learning is accessibility worldwide. Usage of online resources, videos, recorded lectures, global platforms- Udemy, Khan academy or Unacademy.

Advantage of Distance Learning

Some common advantages of online learning can help you to understand its importance in kids’ lives. 

Here are advantages of distance learning which are described below.  

• Cost- effective: Distance learning reduces travelling and accommodation expenses. They also cut tuition and heavy infrastructure fees from students. 

• Flexibility: It gives flexibility of learning from distance and excludes daily attendance of classes. 

• Learning at own pace: Since distance learning, it gives you an option of learning at your own pace. Self-paced learning is there in distance learning. 

• Less technology required: There is no or less technology involved in learning from a distance. They are either to learn from printed materials or imported notes. 

Disadvantages of Online Learning

Some essential points or disadvantages learners and parents must know before opting for online learning. 

Here are disadvantages of online learning that are described below. 

• Disruptive stability in Internet connection: In case of disruptive stability in internet connection, online learning is a break. Without a proper network and internet connection, it’s hard to engage in online learning.

• No personal interaction: Since learning goes online, there is absence of physical meets and real personal interactions. 

• Burn- outs: After a prolonged usage of technology and online system use, they face burn outs, tiredness and fatigue. 

• Mental health illness: With daily online classes and involvement and no break, students tend to get mental health illness. They are bored of online engagement and participation if it’s not insightful.

Disadvantages of Distance Learning  

Distance learning comes with few disadvantages which need proper planning before implementation. 

Here are disadvantages of distance learning that are described below. 

• No immediate feedback: There is no immediate feedback as students are in distance. There is no regular chats or interaction between educators and students.

• No teacher involvement: Since learning is correspondent, there is no teacher involvement or hardly any meet- ups.

• Communication gap: Communication gap is involved since there are no meet- ups and engagements of students or teachers. 

• Isolated: Students feel isolated as interactions and engagements are absent. They do not know each other and feel completely lost and consumed, going nowhere. 

• Less technology required: Technology requirement and involvement is indeed as it is correspondent and far away. There is no connection between students and teachers. 

Is Distance Learning The Same as Online Learning?

Parents, teachers and learners are often confused between online learning and distance learning. Both the terms are interchangeably used but they are not exactly the same. 

• Distance learning is a wider concept than online learning. Here the learner and facilitator separate physically from each other. 

Traditionally distance learning is done through providing resources via mail or postal service. But now online elements are used. 

• Adapting to online learning is a kind of distance learning which gives more flexible opportunities to learners. 

The process is entirely based on a digital platform, online classroom, video conferences and digital materials. To know more read the tips for online learning success. 

In a quick overview, all online learning is distance learning but not all distance learning is online learning. 

When to Choose Online Learning and Distance Learning?

Both online learning and distance learning are effective choices for learners at any grade. However they have some major differences that help learners to choose the right one. 

The choices of both depend on their learning style, flexibility required schedule and access to technology etc. 

One must choose online learning when he or she wants real time interaction, effective internet accessibility, tools like laptop tablet smartphone and looking for regular feedback.

For best results learners can choose the right online learning platform here. 

While distance learning must be the right choice when individuals want high flexibility, cost effectiveness and learn at their own pace. 

Final Thoughts! 

Both a flexible system of learning which is online and distance learning offers education beyond certain barriers. 

Students can get access to it even though they are remote and at any time. Go through the ways to engage students in online learning. 

While distance learning is affordable in less cost, they make academic goals easy for students and learners. 

The differences between online and distance learning allow students to dive into their personal and professional requirements and then make a decision. 

For an innovative online learning experience 21K School can be an ideal choice.

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