Distributed learning: Difference between revisions

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{{about|the instructional model known as 'distributed learning'|learning that is spaced only over time|spacing effect}}

{{Dablink|"Distributed learning" may refer to "[[distance education]]".}}

{{Short description|Non-centralised form of instruction}}

'''Distributed learning''' is an instructional model that allows instructor, students, and content to be located in different, noncentralized locations so that instruction and learning can occur independent of time and place. The distributed learning model can be used in combination with traditional classroom-based courses and traditional distance education courses (in which it is also deferred to as [[blended learning]], or it can be used to create entirely virtual classrooms.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/resources/connection/archive/may-2010/curriculum/dlearn.aspx|title = Distributed Learning|date = February 23, 2015|accessdate = February 23, 2015|website = Distributed Learning|publisher = Government of Alberta|last = |first = |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150224013618/http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/resources/connection/archive/may-2010/curriculum/dlearn.aspx|archive-date = February 24, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dist_learning/|title = Distributed Learning|date = February 23, 2015|accessdate = February 23, 2015|website = Distributed Learning|publisher = Province of British Columbia|last = |first = |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150222012236/http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dist_learning/|archive-date = February 22, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref>)

There is much confusion globally over distinctions between and definitions of distributed learning, [[distance education]], [[open learning]], [[e-learning]], [[blended learning]] and other related terms. Many terms are used more commonly in particular geographies. Distinctions can arise when the chosen model focuses on either or both time and geographic distances. Distributed learning may be dependent on time if it includes synchronous sessions, and further time dependent if the course is paced. The oldest and most commonly used of these terms, [[distance education]], can be used to describe distributed learning as defined above. "Distributed education" lacks a correspondence school tone and history and thus is perceived as making more use of communications and especially synchronous communications technologies. Further research using both terms "distance" and "distributed education" returns better results, with considerable overlap.

{{Merge|Spacing effect|date=September 2009}}

Distributed learning is a viable option for many individuals of all ages who desire to get an education. It holds a number of advantages and a traditional learning environment.

'''Distributed learning''' is defined as opposed to massed learning.<ref name=L&D>{{cite pmid|18772260}}</ref> Reviews of material separated by a long period of time ("spaced") yield more [[learning]] than reviews separated by a shorter period of time ("massed"); this is called the [[spacing effect]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aft.org/newspubs/periodicals/ae/summer2002/willingham.cfm |title=Allocating Student Study Time: "Massed" versus "Distributed" Practice |author=Daniel T. Willingham |publisher=[[American Federation of Teachers]] |work=American Educator |date=2002 |accessdate=2010-09-08 }}</ref> Review of material increases [[long-term memory]] best when there is more time between introduction and review of material. It has been suggested that it would be better for exams to be taken after a break than before, assuming there was a review before the exams, because of the spacing effect.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.window.state.tx.us/schoolstart2004/taskforce/mtg041215/winterbreak.doc |title=Why Taking Exams after Winter Break is best for Students: What the Experts Say |author=Dr. Bill Cunningham |format=.doc |accessdate=2010-09-08}}</ref>

==Advantages==

According to a behavioral study, distributed learning across a 24 hour interval does not enhance immediate memory performance but instead slows the rate of [[forgetting]] relative to massed learning. The savings in forgetting were specific to relational memory, but not item memory.<ref name=L&D/>

# Opportunities to study

# Networking

# Pace

# Schedules

# Money

# Travelling

# Selection of Professors

# Numerous choices for schools

# No classroom setting

# Effective

# Learning while working

# Flexibility

# Cost-effectiveness

# Advanced technology

# In-person connections

# International Networking

== See also Disadvantages==

# Format is not always ideal for all learners

# Some employers do not accept online degrees

# Requires adaptability to new technologies

# Not all courses required to complete the degree may be offered online

# Lack of motivation

# Can not generate as an alternate learning method

# Distributed learning may not offer immediate feedback

# Distributed learning does not always offer all the necessary courses online

# Internet availability and affordability.

# Distributed learning delivered as programmed instruction:

## Lack of social interaction

## No interaction with teachers and professors

## Lack of seriousness, competition and learning environment

## Programmed instruction may be isolated & separated from daily practice

## Programmed instruction does not give opportunity to work on oral communication skills

## Absence of a teacher or an instructor

==Collaboration==

*[[Episodic memory]]

Distributed learning relies on collaboration to share knowledge.

*[[Learning theories]]

*[[Memory consolidation]]

*[[Spaced learning]]

== Notes Technology==

Distributed learning relies on technology to share, store, retrieve, and extend knowledge.<ref>{{cite news |last1=John |first1=Pitty |title=Art of VLSI |url=https://mosartlabs.com/7-reasons-why-final-year-students-should-start-learning-vlsi-now/ |access-date=28 July 2024}}</ref>

{{reflist}}

==Distributed cognition==

== References ==

Distributed cognition is an outcome of distributed learning (Mindmaps, 2015).<ref>MindMaps (2015). Distributed Cognition and Learning. From https://mindmaps.wikispaces.com/Distributed+Cognition+and+Learning#distlvc. Retrieved October 31, 2015.

</ref>

== References ==

* Dempster, F. (1991). Synthesis of Research on Reviews and Tests. Journal of Educational Leadership. 48(7). pp.&nbsp;71–76.

{{Reflist}}

* Terry, W. (1983). [http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/ftinterface~db=all~content=a923980046~fulltext=713240930 Recognition of sentences from text after massed vs spaced readings] (requires payment). The Journal of General Psychology. 109 pp.&nbsp;67–71.

{{DEFAULTSORT[[Category:Distributed Learning}} methods]]

[[Category:Education theory]]

{{Edu-stub}}