BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

Abstract

Distance Education is the form of education that separates between teacher and learner. This system of education began since 1728 when Caleb Phillips wanted to have students that will learn shorthand writing. It continued to develop through the effort of Sir Isaac Pitman around 1840s. The approach has continued to expand and develop transversely in three generations. The first generation was using postal service and letters to send teaching and learning materials to students remotely. The second generation was connected to the development of technology; which led to the use of television, radios, satellites and anther audio video materials to facilitate learning. Moreover. Advancement in technology has provided ample opportunity for rapid expansion of the program. Technology has simplified the process of accessing materials, interaction with tutor and automated marking activities. At this stage, several options are available to access learning materials which include the use of World Wide Web, emails, YouTube. Computer conferencing and other to access audio and visual resources. Some of the key characteristics of distance learning include separation between the tutor and the learners as well as separation of learners themselves in the course of teaching and learning activities, Various approaches were identified for planning Distance education, however, system approach was found one of the most effective models which has connectivity of activities that must not necessarily follow sequential larder. Generally, there are two models of distance education, the single and quall model, moreover, consultation model was also found essential  Using Synchronous and Asynchronous. Learning resources, instructional process of Distance education will be very effective. This paper highlighted the historical development of Distance learning; considering its classes of transformation .It also explain the characteristics and models of distance education.