Distance Learning

Distance Learning is a way of studying an accredited course that doesn't require physical attendance at a school, college, university, etc. This might feel like a relatively new way of delivering education, but it has actually been around for a few hundred years.

Distance Learning allows learning to take place in situations where attending a school or university might not be feasible.       

In recent years, distance learning has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding educational opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. Its significance has been particularly felt in the wake of the global pandemic, as it allowed institutions to continue providing education and engagement remotely. For museum educators seeking to enhance their digital skills, understanding the fundamentals of distance learning is crucial. 

With particular relevance to digital skills, distance learning refers to a mode of education that enables students and educators to connect remotely, overcoming geographical constraints. It leverages various technologies, such as video conferencing, online learning platforms, and digital resources, to facilitate interactive and engaging learning experiences. Through distance learning, educators can create and deliver educational content, engage with learners, and foster meaningful interactions, regardless of physical distance.

A brief history of Distance Learning

The earliest University "correspondence course" was offered by the University of London (now University College London) in 1858. Arguably the most famous establishment that focuses almost entirely on distance learning courses, the Open University (OU) was established in 1969.

Early distance learning courses relied upon postal communication with learning materials sent out in letter form, sometimes on postcards. Accredited courses required materials to be sent back to the awarding organisation for grading. As technology has progressed so have the materials been sent out, including books, then CD ROMS and other course-dependent equipment. Today, there are an enormous number of distance learning opportunities ranging from short-term, informal and ungraded activities to full online degree courses from universities.

Relevance to museums, galleries and heritage sites

On-site learning opportunities are ubiquitous across organisations throughout the heritage sector, and many also offer outreach activities that take a part of their story out to other venues. Some sites have begun to offer online learning activities which may be either synchronous or asynchronous. Such offers have increased in popularity in recent years, not least during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic which saw many museums closing their doors to visitors for extended periods.

Distance learning offers museum educators the opportunity to engage with a diverse and global audience. By utilizing digital tools, educators can create virtual exhibitions, curate online galleries, and offer interactive experiences that reach beyond the confines of physical space.

Many of these distance learning opportunities from museums and other heritage sites are informal in nature, although there are examples of sector organisations collaborating with universities and other education providers in more formal learning contexts.

With distance learning, museum educators can leverage multimedia resources, including videos, images, and interactive activities, to enhance content delivery. They can develop innovative educational materials tailored to different learning styles and utilise digital platforms to share them with learners worldwide. Digital tools enable museum educators to create interactive learning experiences, such as virtual tours, online workshops, and live Q&A sessions. They can leverage chat features, discussion boards, and social media platforms to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among learners.

In terms of professional development, distance learning empowers museum educators to stay abreast of emerging trends, research, and best practices in the field. Through online courses, webinars, and virtual conferences, educators can expand their knowledge, exchange ideas with peers, and strengthen their professional networks.

Next Steps

1. Join an online community or forum that has a focus on museum education. If you're a member of GEM, a good place to start would be the GEM JISCMail mailing list. This is a community of museum educators who communicate by sending emails to a service that sends them out to the rest of the community. Other people on the list can then respond to the messages, either in private or to the entire community. You might like to start a conversation about other online communities dedicated to more specific interests or professional development needs!
2. Attend appropriate webinars and virtual conferences to help stay updated on the latest developments in museum education and associated skills. These events provide valuable insights and case studies, not to mention networking opportunities. GEM offers a regular programme of online activities, many of which are free or low-cost to members: GEM Training & Events.
3. Take advantage of open educational resources (OERs) available online. Many institutions and organizations provide free access to educational materials, courses, and toolkits designed for educators.
4. Such resources may include Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that focus on distance learning, digital skills, and museum education. Platforms like Coursera, Alison, FutureLearn and OpenLearn offer a wide range of relevant courses.

---

Further Reading

• In the Glossary: | Asynchronous Learning | Digital Platform | Virtual Learning Environment
• Elsewhere online: | Distance Education (Wikipedia) | The Open University (OU) | Building Your First OpenLearn Create Course (OpenLearn Create)