In recent years, the use of distance learning (DL) for course delivery has seen a significant rise, fueled by the ongoing digitization of schools, universities and training organizations. Additionally, DL has allowed many digital entrepreneurs to grow their businesses by offering courses online.
In this article we explore what distance learning is, its delivery methods and its benefits over traditional training. Read on!
Table of contents
Distance learning: meaning
Distance learning is a mode of course delivery that allows learners to access learning paths from any location, without the need for physical presence. Furthermore, modern DL platforms give training providers with a high level of course customization, including gamification, quizzes, and interactive live sessions.
With the growing adoption of distance learning, the future of education appears increasingly directed towards digital communities, where learning evolves into a shared experience fostered by teacher and learner collaboration.
Distance learning type lessons
There are several ways to deliver an online lesson. Depending on the course’s needs and characteristics, these can be:
- synchronous lessons: live sessions with real-time interaction between trainers and students;
- asynchronous lessons: pre-recorded courses uploaded onto the platform, allowing students to access them anytime.
A single course can include both synchronous and asynchronous lessons. There is also another delivery method: the blended mode.
What are blended courses?
Some trainers prefer to conduct part of their courses in person while delivering specific modules via distance learning; this practice is known as blended learning.
In several regulated sectors, this mode is mandatory, following institutional guidelines that establish competence and safety standards.
Online learning platform: certifications and requirements
When selecting the ideal distance learning platform for your online courses, it’s essential to consider multiple factors. The choice should be based not only on price but, most importantly, on the reliability of the service provider. Remember, the platform will host the data of our trainees—and therefore our clients—requiring careful consideration.
For this reason, there are certifications and regulations that ensure platform reliability, such as:
- ISO 9001: certifies that the company follows a quality management system, ensuring documented, improvement-oriented processes;
- ISO/IEC 27001: certifies that the company protects sensitive user data by implementing rigorous IT security protocols;
- the GDPR (for EU): a regulation for platforms handling user data in the EU, ensuring confidentiality and ethical management of personal data.
Distance learning platforms, LMS and 4 key functionalities
To begin delivering courses via distance learning, it’s essential to use platforms known as LMS (learning management systems). These SaaS solutions enable course management, monitoring of trainee activities and streamlined communication between trainers and learners. Below are some key functionalities integrated into innovative distance learning platforms:
1. Advanced tracking of trainees
A common belief in the e-learning world is that tracking a trainee’s activities is only possible through SCORM files. However, innovative distance learning platforms, like e-Logos, enable all uploaded files to record detailed information, such as time spent on each page, course progress, quiz responses and even interactions with files like PDFs and videos.
2. Modules for managing blended courses
As mentioned earlier, many training organizations prefer to deliver courses in blended mode. An invaluable tool within e-learning platforms is the creation of a residential module, allowing classroom sessions to be scheduled, integrated with digital content and monitored for trainee progress in both settings.
3. Quizzes and interactive modules
Creating quizzes and interactive modules is crucial for assessing learning and maintaining learners’ engagement. Leading distance learning platforms enable the direct creation of these modules, offering a high level of interactivity with various types such as open-ended quizzes, multiple-choice quizzes, satisfaction surveys and video quizzes.
4. Integrated e-commerce to sell courses
An integrated e-commerce feature is essential for selling courses online. Key functionalities for this tool include:
- course package creation, to sell bundled products;
- discount code creation for promotions
- integration with Stripe and PayPal as payment methods;
- electronic invoicing for administrative processes.
3 benefits of using distance learning
Compared to traditional methods, distance learning makes education more accessible and flexible. Additionally, with the right mix of creativity and a state-of-the-art DL platform, it’s possible to design dynamic and interactive courses that would be impossible to replicate in-person.
1. Flexibility for teachers and students
Students can access learning content anytime, from any device, at their own pace and around their commitments. Additionally, teachers can upload updated materials, and live lecture recordings allow students to rewatch sessions.
2. Monitoring and reporting
With detailed tracking of each trainee’s activities, modern DL platforms like e-Logos offer insights into time spent on modules, quiz completions, responses, and interactions with multimedia content (such as videos and PDFs). Exportable, detailed reports are available to teachers and platform administrators to identify which courses are most engaging and which may need improvement.
3. Scalability in sales
Unlike in-person courses, distance learning platforms enable immediate and effortless scalability. Once a course is registered and uploaded, it can be purchased by 10 or even 1,000 users with the same initial effort.
This approach allows easy customer base expansion, yielding higher returns without increasing costs.
Deliver your distance learning courses with e-Logos
Now that you understand what distance learning is and the main features to look for in an LMS platform, we introduce you to e-Logos!
e-Logos is more than a simple distance learning platform for hosting online courses. It enables you to:
- monitor trainees’ actions and progress;
- create quizzes to make courses interactive;
- create synchronous and asynchronous lessons;
- add blended modules to courses;
- sell courses through integrated e-commerce;
- track any file type (not only SCORM);
- automatically generate a certificate of participation in the course.
e-Logos is adaptable to any need—corporate, educational, university, or general training. For specific requirements, VITECO’s developers can customize the platform to fit your needs.
Contact us via the form below, on WhatsApp, or call us at +390955865339 for more information and a free demo!