By Tatiane Annita Tchindje Domche

The process by which technology is used for education in ways where the student does not have to physically be in the place where the teaching is taking place. Access to the instructor is gained through technology such as the Internet, interactive videoconferencing and satellite.

(http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:Distance+Learning&ei=iUwySvqhCqe1-QbpoYnFCQ&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title)

• Coventry University * http://www.viddler.com/explore/Geocast/videos/4/

• Different programs available MA in Peace and Reconciliation

Studies Parapsychology MSc degree (http://www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet/d/286/a/3867

http://wwwm.coventry.ac.uk/ptshortcpd/pgpt/Pages/pgpt.aspx?itemID=151)

partly online : with a certain period of time Physically spent in the university; 2 weeks time for the MA in Peace and Reconciliation Studies for e.g.

Fully online: online teaching done completely online and there is no compulsory physical relation with the university. In this case the example of the Parapsychology MSC degree can be taken into account

http://fcit.usf.edu/distance/chap5.htm

computer studio, e-learning materials, virtual communities (e.g. Web-CT and e-Studio), videos and animations produced as training/publicity material for the university.

http://www.noldus.com/default/coventry-university

PrintTextbooksStudy guides WorkbooksFax

Voice/Audio TelephoneVoicemail Audio conferencesAudiotape Radio

Computer E-mail Web-based courses Videoconferences CD-ROM Collaboration software

Video Videotape Satellite delivery Microwave Broadcast video Desktop Video

Convenient in the way that the participant can easily be flexible for other work and achievements.

Distance learning does not require commuting: money saved for the travelling for e.g.

Asynchronous classes: no physical attendance to classes result to the possibility of attending several different classes.

Enhancement of the feeling of Freedom as the participant feel more independent and having control on what he is doing.

Opportunity to live in one place and study in a complete different environment EG: living in Asia and studying in USA

Self-paced learning: allows the participant to get more time to work out the concerned modules without the physical stressing school’s atmosphere.

The comfort of been home or at work while taking classes

Costly according to the accompanying cost of getting new technology in the participant’s study place

complex technology means that the participant has to master the technology of distance learning in the case he/she would like to learn

Advance planning and hidden cost : everything has to be planned in advance in the way to be done in time. In the case that does not happen, additional cost could be show up

No immediate feedback in the case when the classes are not done in live for E.G. As the distance learning program is still considered as been new, all the courses are

not yet available in the program and certain courses where the physical presence of both parties of the learning program such as ... Can not get into the distance learning program or some alternatives possibilities have to be taken into account.

Social and oral communication skills are neglected in the distance learning program as the participants mostly communicate via written supports such as mails; participants of the distance learning program get a different social life compared to the one who get the “normal” study life.

http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/advantage-and-disadvantage-of-distance-learning.html

Advanced technologies more and more used in education and in all domains of life

Growing up of the demand of flexibility by the market Relationship and physical interaction less involved and more neglected in

nowadays life Enhancement of been more efficient: produce more for less time More opportunities in nowadays life compared to previous time The world keeps moving and lots of changes apply on the humanity Technologies and new ideas daily developed in the way to facilitate

human’s living and welfare

Easy access to information

Worldwide open education: education of developed countries can be easily accessed by new countries or poor countries

Fast knowledge management and sharing because of the technology involved

Easy access to updated information by seniors: Everyone can nowadays be educated

Different possibilities on how to conduct our life since now we can both work and study because of the flexibility of the distance learning program

World appears to be more competitive because of the easy access of knowledge and information

Distance learning as the future type of education in the way

to bring information and knowledge from nowhere to somewhere as kid, child, senior, men and women.

Online sources:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:Distance+Learning&ei=iUwySvqhCqe1-QbpoYnFCQ&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title

http://www.viddler.com/explore/Geocast/videos/4/ http://www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet/d/286/a/3867 http://wwwm.coventry.ac.uk/ptshortcpd/pgpt/Pages/pgpt.aspx?itemID=151) http://fcit.usf.edu/distance/chap5.htm http://www.noldus.com/default/coventry-university http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/advantage-and-disadvantage-of-

distance-learning.html

Other: course notes and knowledge of the module Web Application in Business

(Workability), KULeuven, year 2008-2009.