Education at Distance

Distance education or distance learning, as it is called is a way of education by means of correspondence or any other means of modern technology. It becomes more and more popular, especially among those who are working and do not want to leave their working places to attend usual Universities. Distance education pays special attention to delivering quality education for students who are not personally present. University of South Africa founded in 1946 is one of the oldest distance education universities.

 The beginning of the distance education is the 19th century (1840) when Sir Isaac Pitman, the inventor of shorthand, made up his mind to offer courses through mail. In 1969, the establishment of the United Kingdom’s Open University was the beginning of a significant change in the area of distance education.  After this a number of other open universities followed the development of distance education.

 Modern tines brought their own changes in the system of such education, as a lot of means of getting appeared. In up to date distance education, educational guides are given to the students by means of various ways such as tutorials, audiotapes, videos, satellite broadcasts and CD-ROMs.  Such methods of sending as distant databases, e-mail, and video conferencing are also used.  It is not only very interesting, but very convenient as well, as students can listen or watch them as many times as they need. Video conferencing helps a teacher distribute lectures to various groups in other classrooms, virtual classroom as they are called.  A variety of facilities and services offered by means of the network include online registration, access to online video materials, distribution of course materials and steady communication with professors, instructors and other students through e-mail.

The biggest part of universities in the United States possesses distance-learning programs. It has a lot of advantages. One of the disadvantages of the programs is their high cost. However, the potential of distance education are increasing day by day. It goes without saying that in the near future, distance education will affect greatly the institutions of higher education.