Distance learning teachers use technology to instruct students remotely, offering a variety of subjects and levels from primary school to university. Synchronous methods include video conferencing, while asynchronous methods involve pre-recorded lectures and email communication. Educational and professional experience is required for most distance learning teachers.
A distance learning professor instructs his students from a remote location. Rather than face them in a traditional classroom setting, he communicates with them online via computer or occasionally over the phone. It could be as close as another classroom at the school or in a location hundreds or thousands of miles away from the students.
The subjects he teaches are varied and offered at different educational levels, just like the curricula offered in brick and mortar schools. A distance learning teacher typically teaches at all levels and subjects from primary school through university master’s courses. This innovation in education allows those in rural or sparsely populated areas to receive instruction previously available only at colleges and universities. At the elementary, middle, and high school levels, students who are unable to attend school due to physical or geographic restrictions or illness can receive the same education as their peers through distance learning programs.
The methods used by a distance learning teacher are varied. He usually delivers his lectures or classroom instruction via computer, but he also incorporates video, voice, and print applications into his presentations. Feedback and interaction between student and teacher can occur in real time or through pre-determined question-and-answer sessions incorporated into lesson plans.
These two methods of instruction commonly used by a distance learning teacher are synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous usually refers to the real-time scenario mentioned earlier. Depending on the level of sophistication of available computers and electronic transmission lines, the student and teacher can communicate via videoconference, which is comparable to talking face-to-face. Another popular synchronous communication method is live two-way computer conversation via web conferencing software or instant messaging programs. Although much less advanced, exchanging information over the telephone is also considered synchronous.
The asynchronous statement is typically considered much less efficient. The distance learning teacher using this method often provides information to students on the computer in video or audio format. Once reviewed by students, they respond within a set time frame, typically via email.
Most distance learning teachers should have the same educational background and work experience required of traditional teachers. The majority in this profession were traditional teachers before the transition to distance learning positions. Independent teachers of arts, crafts or other non-traditional educational subjects may not be subject to educational and professional experience requirements. Experience operating audio and video peripherals is a common requirement for a distance learning teacher.
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