Introduction
Distance learning refers to the creation of education environment in which students may not be physically available for lessons. It is a current trend in most of the education institutions. Some media and technologies have facilitated the success of distance learning aspects. For example, the online platforms have also been developed through institutional portals to assist in the access to materials and information that are relevant to students.
Task
The most popular technology used in distance learning is teleconferencing. It includes the type of technology which applies the telecommunication methods in achieving its core purposes. The communication between the students and their instructors takes place through the telecommunication platforms which are relevant in creating a connection. The use of microwave, satellites, and instructional television fixed services are some of the enablers of the teleconferencing technology (Negash, Whitman, Woszczynski, Hoganson, & Mattors, 2008). Moreover, teleconferencing also has various forms which may be applied in accomplishing learning. Audio conferencing is the main category which uses audio supported formats in reaching the broad population. Video conferencing is another type which uses both audio and video supported content in enhancing interaction between the instructors and the students. Audio graphic technology also involves the use of computers and facsimile that are essential in transferring visuals that may be necessary for supporting different audio contents.
Furthermore, computer-based technologies have been used in achieving successful long distance education. There are computer installed devices that may be applied in providing specific packages to the users. The pre-installed software may serve as learning tools for the long distance students. For example, there is an accounting software that can be installed on the computers to aid learning as a source of attaining flexibility. Moreover, web conferencing is a new form of technology that is developing among the long distance learners (Veletsianos, 2010). This technique entails the development of web browsers and software that may be used in providing learning materials to a particular group of people from their computers.
The media technology has also facilitated the enhancement of long distance learning among students. For instance, the print media technologies have been significantly applied in providing lessons to the students. The print media is the common type of technology that may be used in providing learning materials. For example, the online student portal has been powered by the Internet technologies in the distribution of learning information to the students (Veletsianos, 2010). The e-learning portal may be significant in establishing the World Wide Web database for easy access by students who may require flexible schedules. Print media, such as brochures and letters, may also be sources of learning technologies in distance education. Moreover, video cassettes are some types of technologies that may be available for the long distance learning.
Conclusion
Long distance learning as an emerging trend involving non-physical presence in the learning environments. The main advantage of long distance education is that it provides flexible schedules for the students. Different technologies may be available to the long-distance learners. The most common category of Internet technology is the multimedia portal which is accessible to all students based on their registration details. The online web-based platforms have been assigned to students as a way of interacting with instructors for maximum benefits. The telecommunication technologies have been used through teleconferencing in connecting instructors and students. The recorded video cassettes have also been uploaded to YouTube and other Internet-based channels in achieving efficient long distance education.