Distance learning or Social Learning?
We have come across different possible modes of learning in the present times. Nothing seems to be new or difficult unlike it was a couple of years prior. Education has taken and is still taking place in various styles along with the traditional method of formal schooling in a formal setup. Out of them are distance learning and social learning.
Distance learning can be explained as the mode of learning that is done in an online manner where the teacher assigns work and teaches the topics meanwhile the student learns and submits the assignments at the comfort of their home. The main element here is the physical distance between the teacher and the student which is fulfilled by using many technologies to communicate. This form of education is usually used for those who are not a part of formal school system but are employed, lives in a different city or state, is a military personal, and such. Distance education was the main source of education during the pandemic when the schools were shut. The community that is built on the internet regarding these classes includes the teacher, students, the study materials and resources. Distance learning is all about making use of the available technology and learning time management skills. Mostly used by those who are in working class but are interested in learning further opt for this mode of education as they can do it in the time they are off from work.
Whereas, the social learning system involves individuals learning with a group of people, through examples and direct first-hand experiences. Comparatively, social learning favours real-life approach unlike the distance learning. It is also observed that this kind of learning is helpful in retaining the information learnt better. This learning system works on the concepts of observation, assessment, imitation, and identification. The individual initially observes the actions or behaviours of another individual and then assesses that whether the observed behaviour fit in their personality. If it does then they start imitating which then leads to the identification of or to a particular social group, for instance, volunteering. The 70-20-10 framework is the success rate of social learning wherein 70% of learning happens in on-the-job experience, 20% in the interactions with peers, and the 10% in the formal class.
