Distance Learning

Distance learning, also called distance education, is a form of education in which students learn remotely. They do not have face-to-face interaction with instructors or other students. In this case, educational institutes send course materials to students by mail and assignments are completed online or returned to the teachers by mail. Students enrolled in distance education programmes must show up at designated centres to take the examination. The qualification gained by studying through distance learning is considered to be at par with those earned through regular classes.

Examples:

• Indira Gandhi National Open University: ignou.ac.in
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies: nmims.edu
• National Institute of Open Schooling: nios.ac.in

Online Learning

Online learning gained widespread traction during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic that forced nations across the world to minimize physical interactions. This, too, is a form of distance education. But in this case the entire exercise of learning is done over the internet. Online learning programmes are more interactive that the traditional form of distance learning as teachers can hold virtual classes and students can interact with them and their peers virtually as well. Online learning is not location-specific, i.e. both teachers and students do not have to be present at a specific location for the goal of learning to be achieved. Students can also take their exams online too.

Examples:

• NPTEL*Swayam: swayam.gov.in
• Udemy: udemy.com
• Coursera: coursera.org

NPTEL- National Programme in Technology Enhanced Learning. It is by the Government of India and offers a variety of courses in an audio-video form