Update on 2024-04-15

Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence - Distance Learning Vs Correspondence Learning

Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence:

The term Distance Learning and Correspondence are often used in exchange and considered the same, however, they have some differences. Which is better Distance Learning or Correspondence? What is Distance Learning and What is Correspondence Learning? We have provided a detailed description of distance education methods and what is the impact of COVID-19 on the education sector.

Both of these methods have a remote approach to learning and the main Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence lies between the delivery, pacing, and interaction. In the past, in order to continue learning the students were supposed to physically attend the classes in schools and colleges, which often posed challenges for the individuals who either can’t afford to go to school or are not comfortable with the regular mode of learning. Students often have to pay a high amount of fees in order to enroll in regular classes. But now the time has changed and all thanks to technological advancements.

Since the last decade, the IT industry has developed so much, now anyone can get quality educational content on their smartphones. Especially in the present COVID-19 situation, all the school has shifted their regular classes to Distance Learning. Attending classes via Distance Learning And Correspondence is more convenient and cheaper. This also allows the student to absorb the study material at their own pace. What is Distance Learning? The education is provided via various delivery models such as using the Internet or TV. Whereas in Correspondence learning the study material is given to the learner via mail, or any electronic means so the student can master the materials at his/her own pace.

Read the whole article below to know more about the Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence and provided a brief introduction on What is Distance Learning or is Correspondence Learning. Furthermore, we have provided a table on Distance Learning vs Correspondence and listed some bulleted points comparing each other. Read the whole article to find more about Which is better Distance Learning or Correspondence.

What is Distance Learning?

Distance learning is the mode of education that uses technology to deliver the classes and instructions to the students who are at a distance from the instructor thus providing regular interaction between students and instructor. The interaction between both instructors and students can be either synchronous or asynchronous.

If You are someone who is planning to pursue higher education through distance learning in India then you must know a few things which we have mentioned below:

In India, there are more than 140 dual-mode universities that offer courses through distance learning. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the most popular open universities which is famous for distance learning. Apart from this, there are 13 more state universities that offer the program through distance learning.
All the distance learning programs must be approved by the DEB (Distance Education Bureau) of the UGC (University Grant Commission). If you want to check the list of all the universities currently approved by the DEB. Check their official websites and navigate the list of “Online and Distance Learning Institutes”.
The distance learning mode of education has evolved in the last decade due to the advancement in technology. This mode of learning is known as E-learning or Online learning. A traditional open university that hosts distance learning provides:
- Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainability Science.
- Appreciation Programme on Sustainability Science.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Food Science & Technology.
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management.
Now there are many universities that offer everything through distance learning or online medium. An example of this university is University18. This mode of learning has been developed in a partnership with public sectors with national universities like Uttarakhand Open University (UOU), Karnataka State Open University (KSOU). In such universities, one can submit assignments and projects online, and access the study material 24-7, and even take the examination online.
Through distance learning, a student can opt for two programs simultaneously by the distance learning or the combination of the regular mode of learning and distance learning from the same or different universities. Check the various combination mentioned below:

One Degree and one Diploma/PG Diploma/Certificate
One PG Diploma and one Diploma/Certificate
One Diploma and one Certificate
Two PG Diplomas
Two Diplomas
Two Certificates

What is Corresponding Learning?

Correspondence learning is the formal education under which an institution provides instructions and study materials, by mail electronic transmission. In Corresponding Learning Interaction between the instructor and the student is limited as the interaction is not regular as may be seen in the case of distance learning and the study of the course by the student is typically self-paced.

Instructions in Corresponding Learning can be done by a combination of home study or wholly by correspondence or laboratory work. This may include record tapes, computers, use of the phone. In correspondence learning the courses often include kits of tools and study material to be processed in the form of texts and videos and study guides. There are many records or cassettes available for visually handicapped individuals too.

I hope the above definitions clear the idea of What is Distance Learning and What is Correspondence Learning. These both remote education methods are in demand these days due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and it has been said that this could change the future education system.

Distance Learning vs Correspondence Learning | Which is better Distance Learning or Correspondence?

Distance Learning And Correspondence learning both are the terms used to relate to a kind of education taken place by the student with the help of instructions and study materials provided by the post, email, internet, or any other transmission medium without being physically present in a classroom or institution. However there are some differences between these two and in this section of the article, below we have mentioned the Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence. Read the whole article to find more about Which is better Distance Learning or Correspondence. After reading the points mentioned below you will gain more sight on What is Distance Learning and what is the Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence.

History:

Correspondence education is considered to be one of the earliest forms of distance education, wherein the study material is supplied through the post. This mode of learning was developed back in the 1800s in European countries like the United Kingdom, France & Germany. In the mid-1840s, founders Sir Isaac Pitman’s and Sir Issac Pitman founded the Correspondence colleges in England. In the United States correspondence education began in 1873 in order to provide education for women. And later on, this mode of education was spread all over the world and everyone came to know about What is Correspondence Learning. In India, distance learning was initiated in the form of Correspondence in 1962 due to the demand for higher education which could not be met by the traditional education system.

This mode of learning was formed due to the need to study from home and these days a more technical form of education is known as Distance Learning that is the main Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence.

Delivery Methods:

In correspondence education, the delivery method for study material is quite old (such as via post, emails) when compared to today’s distance learning. Hence the communication flow in correspondence is slow, one-way, and more student-centric. The student will be provided all the study material and they can learn at their own pace and time.

On the other hand, today’s distance learning uses the latest technology and software to deliver the information in the form of audios, videos, podcasts, webinars, and this information is delivered in no time through audio, video recordings, and virtual classrooms. In the case of Distance Learning, the mode of communication is faster and student-centric too.

Flexibility:

In the case of flexibility, both distance learning and correspondence are good and convenient for the students as they don’t need to attend the classes physically. However, comparing these two, the correspondence provides more flexibility due to the fact that a student can learn at their own pace. But a student must be self-disciplined and motivated as there are hard deadlines for assignments, attending real-time classes, and participating in the discussion. While in the case of distance learning, it also includes deadlines for assignments and real-time chats and board discussion but the mode of education is directed by the instructor. Overall correspondence education is more flexible than distance learning.

Interaction:

Today's distance learning mode is way more interactive than correspondence education. A student can have a face-to-face direct interaction with the instructor with the use of new technologies such as live chats and virtual classrooms. Today we have lots of highly interactive technology that involves smartphone applications, instant chat, video chat, webinars, live video streaming, and various content management systems to help students submit their assignments. These technologies will help to provide student-student and instructor-student interactions. While on the other hand, the interaction level in correspondence is quite slow.

Usage:

Correspondence education is also known as Extended Studies, Home Study, Extension Courses, Independent Studies, and Distance Learning, Self-Paced Studies, Continuing Education, External Studies. And similarly, Distance Learning is known as Cyber Education, Online Education, Virtual Education, Technology-Supported Education, Hybrid Education, and Distributed Learning.

Some of the distance learning models include classroom interactions as well thus mixing both online and on the class interaction also known as hybrid learning.

Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence

Distance Learning vs Correspondence

What is Distance Learning

What is Correspondence Learning

Distance learning is the mode of education that uses technologies to deliver study material to the students who are separated from the instructor thus supporting regular interaction between the students and the instructor, the interaction can be done either synchronously or asynchronously? The technologies may include--

Internet
One-way and two-way interaction through broadcast, broadband lines, wireless communications devices, fiber optics, satellite, etc.
Podcasts or audios
Video files, CD-ROMs and DVDs, cassettes, lessons recording.

Correspondence education means:

The institution provides instructions and study materials, by mail electronic transmission.
In Corresponding Learning Interaction between the instructor and the student is limited as the interaction is not regular as may be seen in the case of distance learning and the study of the course by the student is typically self-paced.
Correspondence education is not distance education.

An effective instructor is initiated for effective communication via:

Learning Management System or Course website.
A welcome message is given to the students.
Provides the syllabus and course outline before starting the course.

Students interact with the instructor and initiate the communication for the course details:

Email instructor with no response
For assistance student approach to Distance education center and Departments.

The instructor sends out notifications and announcements about New material every week or the prescribed time duration.

Classes are progressing with new trends.

Minimum generic messages/announcements about:

Assignment’s open and due dates
General problems and solutions
No messages at all

Instructor – student communication by any of the following:

E.g. Course chat-room; Skype; CCC Confer
Designated discussion forum
Private message/email

For Instructors:

There are no office hours,
No obvious interaction with students
Students troubleshoot their own problems

Instructors build classroom community by:

Creating a learning space in chat rooms and discussion forums for students.
Discussions are monitored.

Instructors interact with the students using discussion forums and live chats.

Instructors:

Close off chat room to students
Lockdown forums to students
In correspondence, the instructor does not interact with the students

Instructor’s feedback to the student on assignments:

Provide feedback in a timely manner,
Which elicit critical thinking skills,
Which are not outsourced to the publisher, but if they are, individual student feedback is provided on the course site.

Instructors only create assignments which:

Are automatically graded,
Are objective-based assignments,
Instructors give no additional feedback on the course site beyond the automated score regardless of the assessment tool.

Impact Of Covid-19 On Distance Learning:

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns all across the globe. It has been estimated that over 1 billion students are out of classrooms. As a result, this has changed the education system drastically.

There is a significant rise in distance learning, where teachers are providing classes remotely via digital platforms. Research has shown that there is an increase in the retention of information, and it saves time too. Meaning COVID-19 has a good impact on the Digital Industry. Now more and more students are enrolling in digital classes and courses. With a sudden shift from classes to distance learning in many parts of the globe, people are wondering that this adoption of online learning could be continued after the pandemic will end and could shift the education market drastically.

Even before COVID-19, the E-learning industry was already in high demand in education technology with a global investment reaching $18.66 US billion in 2019 and it has been estimated that the overall market for Online learning will grow up to $350 billion by 2025. In response to this crisis, the Distance Learning platforms are offering free access to their courses and services which has increased their traffic by 200%.

Which is better Distance Learning or Correspondence?

Education is the most important aspect of life. When it comes to education a student must choose the right model of the medium which is essential for learning. Considering both distance learning and correspondence, students won’t have to physically attend the class. There are people who opt for distance learning and some opt for correspondence. As we have already discussed the Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence. Let us find Which is better Distance Learning or Correspondence.

In distance learning the virtual classroom is similar to the physical classroom, even the interaction is more interactive which cannot be seen in the case of correspondence.
Correspondence courses are not good for students who cannot follow a disciplined approach as there are deadlines for assignments and projects.
In a distance learning environment, a student can interact with friends, teachers, and mentors who are a great source of motivation and they will help in solving the problems via discussion forms.
Correspondence courses are not accepted everywhere whereas distance learning has its own recognition. Various distance learning courses also include certification of completion.
Correspondence courses are generally cheaper and it is good for the students who cannot afford the fees of regular or distance learning education.
Correspondence education is also good for those students who belong to unorthodox families and are not allowed to enroll in regular colleges.
There are many courses that are not available through correspondence and which is not in the case of distance learning.
The best benefit of opting for a corresponding course is flexibility. This course provides more comfort from home and all you need is study material or either your computer and internet connection. It can be done without having physical books.
Correspondence courses are the best option for the girls who belong to orthodox families and are not allowed to enroll in regular or distance courses.
For working professionals or the students opting for a correspondence course is beneficial. It gives them the degree and helps to gain working experience and income.

Policy Statements While Opting For Distance Learning Or Correspondence:

It has been reviewed by the commission that a student who registers in a distance learning or correspondence education course or program is the same who participates in. He or she should be the same who completes the course or program and receives the credit by verifying the identity as a student who participated.

A student must access the coursework by using, at the option or the methods provided by the institution by:

secure login and password,
proctored examinations, and
New technologies and practices are effective in verifying student identification.

Reviewed by the commission, the institution must provide the written procedure for protecting the privacy of students who are enrolled in correspondence or distance learning courses or programs.
The institution also confirms that it has a written procedure administered at the time of registration which notifies students of any additional charges associated with the verification of student identity.
An institution that offers distance or correspondence education must provide a report for accurate headcount enrollment on its annual Institutional Profile submitted to the Commission.

Above in this article, we have provided a piece of detailed information on the Difference Between Distance Learning And Correspondence and provided a brief introduction on What is Distance Learning or What is Correspondence Learning. Furthermore, we have provided a table on Distance Learning vs Correspondence and listed some bulleted points comparing each other and finally came to a conclusion Which is better Distance Learning or Correspondence.

If you have any queries regarding this topic feel free to comment down below.