• 1. WHAT IS DISTANCE LEARNING?

Distance learning could be defined as a type of study offered to students physically distant from their teacher or assistant. Distance learning is implemented by the means of web technology and the Internet.

Distance learning is usually connected with the concept of E-learning. E-learning is one of many terms with the prefix "E-", frequently mentioned in recent years. More and more users use E-banking services and E-commerce, as well as often heard terms like E-government, E-health service, and E-judiciary. Thus, the program aims is to transform society in the information society. Generally, in these terms the prefix "E-" (E, eng. Electronic) indicates the performance of certain activities with the help of information and communication technology (ICT).

Thus, E-learning can be defined as the performance of education process with the help of information and communication technologies like computers and the Internet.

There are several different definitions of E-learning, usually depending on the profession and experiences of people who use them. These definitions are often classified into one of two groups:

a)    Group of technical definitions with emphasis on technology (the "E" part of the name), for example:


b)    Group of pedagogical definitions with emphasis on education, that is,  teaching and learning ( "learning" part of the name), for example:


When we talk abut distance learning, it is important to mention that the development of computer networks, particularly the development of Internet hypermedia services WWW, is starting to prevail in last few years. Now days, the term distance learning is being replaced with the term On-line learning, emphasizing a special form of E-learning and E-education.

• 2. ELEMENTS OF DISTANCE LEARNING

Model of distance learning performed at Open University "APEIRON" Travnik consists of three main elements:

• Learning Management System - LMS

This system contains components for the learning advancement by means of connection of all learning forms with existing IT system. Software forming the basis of LMS manages all elements of teaching and records all parameters necessary for monitoring the process. Based on these parameters, it is possible to monitor the progress of each student or group at any time and precisely measure and analyze their success at the end of the process.

• Content

Content is the key part of the learning process. Open University "APEIRON" provides students with On-line texts and presentations accompanied by audio or video content.

• Collaboration Modules

Distance Learning at Open University is realized through the distance learning system. Students may access this system via the Internet by means of user data assigned to them during admissions to this study type. Also, students may use e-mail, forum (questions / answers / comments) and chat (direct discussion). During the admission to distance learning, students will get their own e-mail on the domain of Open University "APEIRON" Travnik (out.edu.ba), e.g. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , which they will use to communicate with teaching personnel and professional services.

• 3. ADVANTAGES OF DISTANCE LEARNING

One of the greatest advantages of distance learning is that it allows the continuous learning and professional development. Students learn independently at their own pace, in the place and time they choose. Students have at their disposal a large number of subjects and different study programs.

Thus, it may be said that the advantages of distance learning are:

3.1. Own pace

Students are able to overcome the learning material at the speed they want. They are able to go through the learning material as many times as they wish. They can go faster through simple lessons and, on the other hand, take more time for more complex and demanding lessons.

3.2. Learning place

Depending on the medium used for distribution of learning materials in distance learning system, students can learn in different places that best suit them. Thus, students can be at home or at work and access information on the Internet, send and receive e-mail messages, etc.

3.3. Way of learning

Everyone has their own way of learning. Some students prefer active, while others prefer passive learning. Lectures in distance learning system allow different degrees of interaction between teachers and students, and between students. Some students study independently by reading materials, making notes and performing tasks that are required. Some students learn better if they participate in discussions with other students by using e-mail, teleconferencing or videoconferencing. Some students prefer multimedia elements such as graphics, animation, and sound while learning. The most appropriate courses for them are the one through the WWW service and the Internet.

3.4. Practical work with various technologies

Distance learning system uses various technologies, such as computers, CD player, VCR, etc. Therefore, students acquire knowledge and skills about using these technologies.

3.5. Independent learning

Distance learning students, in addition to the materials prepared for learning, are enabled to independently seek new sources of information. They seek more information so they could adopt the content, or cope with a particular skill successfully. Students are usually very motivated and want to solve the tasks.

3.6. Learning time

The advantage of distance learning system is studying or learning. Students can study 24 hours a day, because they have access to teaching materials in distance learning system seven days a week.

3.7. Communication with professors and assistants

New technologies enable high quality and fast communication with professors and assistants, especially by means of watching and listening to lectures, e-mail, telephone, etc.
The biggest challenge or problem with E-learning lays in assuring students to enroll at on-line studies, and to actively participate in study performance and completion. This type of study greatly depends on technology (besides the fact that making of e-learning contents takes too long).

Some e-learning programs fail, that is, students gave up and did not finish the program. In the beginning of the e-learning development, degree of students’ withdrawals was even more than 60 percent. Today, that number is much smaller. 

There are many reasons for this failure. One of the biggest problems is the very nature of e-learning or on-line learning. Unlike traditional learning, it is easy to give up because students are not expected to join the teaching “in the classroom”, where they meet their colleagues and teachers. Instead, they make the most from their working place or home. Taking into account that students are usually too busy and burdened with numerous other responsibilities, it takes a very high level of self-discipline and motivation to conscientiously carry out their e-learning tasks. In doing so, the lack of live contact may produce the sense of loneliness and isolation in students.

Because of these disadvantages in e-learning system, it is necessary to pay special attention to the motivation of students, and to engage teachers in monitoring of their progress. Teachers ought to support and help students in learning, and encourage them to complete their tasks.

Disadvantages of distance learning are linked to technology used in teaching. All students must have access to appropriate technology, such as computers with the latest version of a Web browser, Internet connection, etc.

Problems may be caused by the usage of technology unknown to students and teachers. Very often it is necessary to invest additional time in order to overcome technology used for teaching and learning in distance learning system. However, distance learning technology becomes simpler and can be used by students who have basic knowledge in using computers.
 

• 4. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR USERS (STUDENTS)

Students must have the following technical features in order to study by distance learning system:

1. Computer
2. Internet access (ADSL or other fast connection)
3. Internet browser
4. Program for word processing and presentation (Microsoft Office or Open Office)
5. Program for reading PDF files (Adobe Reader or Foxit Reader)
6. Program for viewing on-line audio / video content and flash animation (Flash player/Java plugins)

  All technical elements can be easily obtained and are not expensive (except computers).