In today’s digital time, terms such as ‘Online Learning’ and ‘Distance Learning’ have become prevalent, and are often used interchangeably. While both offer a great deal of flexibility to its learner, there are differences between the two, which this article lays out.

What is Distance Learning?
The origin of distance education or learning are college correspondence courses, where education materials were post-mailed to the student. The majority – if not all – of the course was learnt through the postal correspondence between the student and the educational institution. Typically, the students study and prepare at home and are required to travel to test centres for examinations.

What is Online Learning?
As per the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 – “Online Mode” means a mode of providing flexible learning opportunities by overcoming separation of teacher and learner using internet, e-Learning Materials and full-fledged programme delivery through the internet using technology assisted mechanism and resources.
Online Learning courses are 100% online and flexibile. Students can choose where they learn, when they learn and even how they learn. Classes can have live online sessions but are never face-to-face.

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    The teaching methodology in online Learning is designed to replicate in-class learning in a virtual arena. Here, teaching methodologies are closely related to what one would experience had they attended regular offline classes.
    For example: Online programmes for MBA or MCA adopt blended teaching techniques to mix things up and make learning fun and enjoyable.

    On the other hand, teaching methodologies in the case of Distance Education is often cut and dry. Students get the study material, and learn from it as per their pace. Some distance courses may share videos through thumb drives to teach the learners, but overall, the teaching methodology is less interactive in comparison.

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      Actually, the interactions in Distance Education between the students happens in a very limited way like it can happen during face-to-face classes or practical sessions at Learner Support Centre. In remote areas, this interaction becomes even more sparse due to the unavailability of resources and infrastructure. We may see that there are number of online groups and forums where students may get in touch with fellow learners, but they’re few and scattered.