Table of contents
Online and distance learning: differences and characteristics
Is online learning the same as distance learning?
What does ‘virtual training’ mean?
How are online training and e-learning related?
What is blended or hybrid learning?
How do you choose between online learning and distance learning?
Online and distance learning: differences and characteristics
Online learning and distance learning are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. Distance learning is a broad concept that encompasses different forms of teaching in which students and teachers do not need to meet regularly in the same physical space. Online learning is a way of delivering distance learning via the internet and digital tools.
Therefore, online learning is generally a form of distance learning, but not all distance learning is necessarily delivered online. Traditional models might have relied on printed materials, correspondence, telephone calls or audiovisual resources. Nowadays, however, most universities and educational institutions use virtual campuses, video conferencing and digital platforms, which has brought the two concepts considerably closer together.
Is online learning the same as distance learning?
The main difference lies in the means used to facilitate learning.
In online learning, lessons, materials, communication and much of the assessment are managed via the internet. Students access a virtual campus from which they can view content, attend live sessions, submit assignments, communicate with their lecturers or collaborate with fellow students.
Distance learning, understood in a broader sense, simply requires that students and teaching staff do not usually meet in the same place. It may use digital tools, but also printed materials, the telephone, email or other channels that do not require a permanent connection to a platform.
However, this distinction does not constitute a universal classification. In everyday language, many universities and institutions use the terms ‘online’, ‘virtual’, ‘distance learning’ or ‘non-face-to-face’ interchangeably to describe programmes delivered primarily via the internet.
In fact, Spanish university regulations use the terms ‘face-to-face’, ‘hybrid’ or ‘blended’ and ‘virtual’ or ‘non-face-to-face’. Therefore, before choosing a course, it is advisable to check its specific methodology and not to be guided solely by the name used to describe the mode of delivery.
What is distance learning?
Distance learning is an educational system in which there is usually a physical separation between the student and the teaching staff. Learning is organised through teaching materials, activities, communication systems and the support of an educational institution.
Although it is often associated with the old-style correspondence courses, distance learning has evolved considerably. Its earliest models relied mainly on printed workbooks sent to the student’s home, with the student completing the exercises independently and subsequently returning them to the centre.
With the introduction of the telephone, email, multimedia content and educational platforms, interaction between students and teaching staff became faster and more frequent. Nowadays, much of what is termed ‘distance’ learning takes place via the internet and shares very similar characteristics to online learning.
Distance learning does not necessarily mean learning without teachers or without supervision either. A well-structured programme must include an academic plan, tailored resources, tutorials and assessment procedures. What changes is the location and the channel through which teaching takes place.
What is online learning?
Online learning is a form of distance education that uses the Internet as the primary medium for delivering teaching and facilitating communication between participants.
Normally, students access a virtual campus where they can find course materials, the academic calendar, activities, marks and communication tools. Depending on each university’s methodology, students may also attend live classes, watch recorded sessions, take part in forums, work on group projects or request tutorial sessions.
Online learning is not simply a matter of uploading documents to a platform. For a comprehensive learning experience, technology must be accompanied by appropriate teaching methods, academic organisation and a monitoring system.
Therefore, before enrolling, it is advisable to find out how an online university operates and to check aspects such as the format of the classes, the availability of content, the level of academic support and the assessment system.
Differences between online learning and distance learning
Although both concepts share the absence of the usual face-to-face contact, they can be distinguished by the methods used and the level of interaction they offer.
Aspect | Online learning | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | An educational approach delivered primarily via the internet | A broad concept of teaching in which students and teachers do not usually meet in the same physical space |
| Access to content | Virtual campus and digital resources | Digital, printed and audiovisual materials, or a combination of various formats |
| Communication | Video conferencing, forums, instant messaging, email and online tutorials | Platform, email, telephone, post or other channels |
| Lessons | May be delivered live or made available in recorded format | Virtual classes are not always available; it depends on the educational model |
| Interaction | This usually allows for more frequent communication with teachers and classmates | This may be more limited in traditional models |
| Activities | Projects, quizzes, discussions, presentations and collaborative work | Studying materials, exercises, tests and tutorials |
| Technical requirements | Compatible device and stable internet connection | These depend on the resources used by the school |
| Organisation | Combines flexibility with set deadlines, lessons and scheduled activities | May allow greater autonomy over the pace of learning in certain programmes |
These differences describe the most common models, but the boundaries between them have become increasingly blurred. A course advertised as ‘distance learning’ may feature a fully-fledged virtual campus, live classes and collaborative activities. Similarly, an online programme may include exams, practical work or face-to-face sessions.
For this reason, it is advisable to always check the specific details of the degree programme.
What does ‘virtual learning’ mean?
Virtual learning is another term used to describe educational processes carried out in digital environments. In practice, it is often used as a synonym for online learning.
The word ‘virtual’ refers to the space in which the educational activity takes place: a campus, classroom or platform accessed via the internet. From this environment, students can access materials, attend classes, submit assignments and communicate with lecturers and fellow students.
In Spain, the regulations governing the organisation of university education specifically use the term “virtual or distance learning”. However, in communications aimed at students, it is more common to find terms such as online university, online bachelor’s degree or online master’s degree.
Regardless of the terminology used, the important thing is to check what services and resources the programme offers:
- Whether classes are delivered live or are pre-recorded.
- How long they remain available.
- How tutorials are conducted.
- What channels are available for resolving queries.
- How group work is organised.
- Which activities have a specific timetable or date.
- How exams and practical sessions are conducted.
What is the relationship between online training and e-learning?
The term ‘e-learning’ refers to learning that is delivered or supported by digital technologies. It can apply to university studies, specialisation courses, in-house training for companies or shorter learning programmes.
In a university context, e-learning forms the technological and methodological basis of online learning. It may include videos, interactive resources, virtual classes, collaborative activities, assessment systems and tools for communicating with teaching staff.
The terms ‘e-learning’ and ‘online learning’ are also frequently used interchangeably, although the former may encompass digital learning experiences that are not part of a full academic programme. The article on what e-learning is explains its characteristics, how it works and its various applications in greater detail.
What is blended or hybrid learning?
Blended learning combines distance learning with face-to-face activities. Students complete part of the programme via a virtual campus, but must attend the campus for certain classes, workshops, practical sessions, laboratory work or assessments.
Spanish university regulations use the terms ‘hybrid’ and ‘blended’ to describe this mode of study. The proportion of face-to-face versus online teaching can vary considerably between degree programmes, so it is necessary to consult the syllabus for each programme.
This model may be suitable for courses that require the use of specific facilities or the development of practical skills, but which allow a significant proportion of the theoretical content to be delivered online.
When the combination of face-to-face and online learning forms part of an integrated educational strategy, the term ‘b-learning’ or ‘blended learning’ is also used.
How do you choose between online learning and distance learning?
The choice should not depend solely on the name of the mode. Before enrolling, consider how the programme will actually be delivered and whether its structure suits your circumstances.
Check how the classes are delivered
Some courses offer live sessions at set times, whilst others allow you to access all the content on demand. There are also hybrid models where classes are held live and are subsequently recorded.
If you need to balance your studies with work or other commitments, check how many activities require you to be online at a specific time.
Check the academic support available
Flexibility shouldn’t mean isolation. It’s important to know who will answer your questions, how to book tutorials and how the teaching staff will monitor your progress.
You may also want to consider whether there is a designated tutor to help you plan your course, navigate the online platform and maintain a suitable study routine.
Check the assessment system
Assignments, projects, class participation and exams may carry different weightings on each degree programme. Furthermore, just because a programme is taught online does not necessarily mean that all its assessments have to be taken from home.
Before making your choice, find out what the online exams are like and check the specific conditions of the degree programme you’re interested in.
Check whether there are any face-to-face activities
Some courses include work placements, laboratory sessions, workshops or assessments that require travel. This information is particularly important if you live far from the campus or even outside Spain.
The presence of a face-to-face component does not necessarily mean the whole programme is blended learning. It may simply be a one-off requirement linked to specific skills or modules.
Check the status of the degree
The delivery method alone does not determine whether a degree is officially recognised. There are officially recognised programmes and institution-specific degrees available in both face-to-face and online formats.
In the case of university courses, it is advisable to check the university responsible, the nature of the degree and whether it is registered in the relevant registers. You can also consult our guide to find out if an online university is accredited.
Assess the technological resources
To undertake an online course, you’ll need a compatible computer or device, a stable internet connection and basic digital skills. Some degree programmes may also require specific software, a webcam, a microphone or certain technical specifications.
You don’t need to be a tech expert, but it’s worth ensuring that the platform is user-friendly and that the university offers support in the event of any issues.
What is online learning like at UAX?
Online learning at UAX combines the flexibility of studying from anywhere with support from lecturers and tutors throughout the learning process.
Students can access the virtual campus to view materials, activities, timetables and other academic resources. Live online classes encourage interaction with lecturers and fellow students, whilst access to content via different devices makes it easier to organise one’s study.
The teaching methodology incorporates practical activities, case studies, projects and continuous assessment systems tailored to the specific features of each degree programme. Furthermore, tutorial support helps students resolve any queries and maintain a study plan that fits in with their personal and professional circumstances.
Specific conditions may vary between programmes. Therefore, before enrolling, it is advisable to check the syllabus, timetables, assessment system and whether there are any work placements or face-to-face activities.
Ultimately, online learning and distance learning are not mutually exclusive. Online learning is one of the current ways of delivering distance education via the internet. Rather than focusing solely on terminology, the key lies in analysing the methodology, resources, interaction and support offered by each programme.
Sources used:
- Royal Decree 822/2021 of 28 September, establishing the organisation of university education and the procedure for ensuring its quality: https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2021-15781
- García Aretio, L. (2020). “Semantic forest: distance, virtual, online, digital education/teaching/learning, e-learning…?”. RIED, Ibero-American Journal of Distance Education: https://revistas.uned.es/index.php/ried/article/download/25495/21377?inline=1
- Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport. Information on distance vocational training: https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/fpadistancia/comunes/faq.html
