What is Tele-education?
Recent advances in video conferencing have brought about numerous new options for tele-education. Tele-education, or distance learning, delivers the course content remotely via several means. Usually the classes are taught on a self-paced basis, meaning that the students are responsible for learning the course on their own. For that reason, pupils who are unable to organize their time well are not good candidates for distance learning.
Educational and instructional television were the first forms of tele-education. Modern technology has expanded the parameters to include web conferencing and video conferencing. That paved the way for universities to offer classes to special needs students and the general public. Some accredited universities offer their entire course catalog online. Other virtual universities don’t even have a campus. Their courses are only offered via standard mail and video conferencing.
Some distance learning classes are synchronized. Classes are presented at a regular time and day every week, and all students are expected to participate together. Both synchronous and asynchronous tele-education might require you to purchase printed materials; watch pre-recorded video lessons; participate on message boards and forums; listen to audio recordings and communicate with the instructor by e-mail or instant messaging. Some hybrid courses permit tele-education but require their students to take the final exam in person.
Three Benefits of Tele-education
Here are three excellent benefits to studying via video conferencing or telepresence:
1. More Flexible Schedule
Distance learners study at their convenience. Classes can be taken whenever the time is right for you. If you have a day job, you can study in the evening. If you work the graveyard shift, you can study in the morning. If you’re a night owl, you have the option to study when the rest of the class is sleeping. Tele-education is great for full-time workers who can’t attend regular classes. Single mothers can take classes after their kids are in bed. If you have an upcoming vacation, you can double-up on your studies to pick up the slack. Should you become ill, you can always catch up when you’re feeling better.
2. Lower Costs
Because they don’t have to maintain classrooms or keep the grounds tidy, tuition at virtual universities is usually cheaper than brick and mortar schools. In some cases, you can use online texts and e-books to save money on course materials. Plus, you’ll save time and money by taking the courses in the privacy of your home. You won’t have to spend 30 minutes in traffic, you’ll avoid wasting gas on the trip and you can use that extra time to study harder or take care of chores and appointments.
3. More Options for the Student
Unless you live in a town that is home to a great university, you’ll probably find more course options offered on-line. If you live in Kentucky, you can take classes from a university that specializes in film production in Los Angeles. By taking classes from across the country, you’ll avoid having to relocate to another city. Moving and settling in can steal your income and eat away at your energy. By staying at home to study, you get extra time daily to devote to your classwork. You’ll also have more money to spend.
Some students in countries like India and Africa live so far from a university that tele-education is their only chance to get a degree. For those students, video conferencing is a major aid in their quest for an education.
With a high-speed Internet connection, you can study with the best of them. Nearly every major university offers online versions of their courses. The student experience is changing with every click of the mouse and every advance in video conferencing. Tele-education is an idea whose promise has been fulfilled with the arrival of the Internet.