A distance learning instructor instructs students from a distance. Rather than confronting them in a traditional classroom setting, he communicates with them via computer or phone on occasion. He could be in another classroom at the school, or hundreds or thousands of miles away from the students.
He teaches a variety of subjects at various educational levels, similar to the curriculums offered in traditional schools. A distance learning teacher typically teaches at all levels and on subjects ranging from elementary school to master’s degree college courses. This educational innovation allows people who live in rural or sparsely populated areas to receive instruction that was previously only available at colleges and universities. Students who are unable to attend school due to physical or geographical restrictions or illness can receive the same education as their peers through distance learning programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
A distance learning teacher employs a variety of methods. He frequently uses the computer to deliver lectures or classroom instruction, but he also uses video, voice, and print applications in his presentations. The feedback and interaction between the student and the teacher can happen in real time or through pre-planned question and answer sessions built into the lesson plans.
A synchronous and asynchronous method of instruction is commonly used by a distance learning teacher. Synchronous is a term used to describe the real-time scenario mentioned earlier. The student and teacher may communicate via video conferencing, which is similar to talking face-to-face, depending on the sophistication of the available computers and electronic transmission lines. Live two-way computer conversation, whether through web conferencing software or instant messaging programs, is another popular synchronous method of communication. Exchanging information over the phone is also considered synchronous, despite the fact that it is much less advanced.
Asynchronous instruction is typically thought to be inefficient. This method typically involves a distance learning teacher delivering information to students via computer in the form of video or audio. After the students have reviewed it, they must respond within a certain amount of time, usually by email.
The majority of distance learning instructors must have the same educational and work experience as traditional instructors. Prior to transitioning to distance learning positions, the majority of those in this field were traditional teachers. Traditional educational and job experience requirements may not apply to independent teachers of arts, crafts, or other non-traditional educational subjects. A distance learning teacher’s ability to operate audio and video computer peripherals is a common requirement.