Video recordings transmitted over the Internet, or distributed to students on media such as DVDs and CDs, can re-create, at least in part, the experience of attending a lecture. The wide availability of high speed Internet connections at the student end, combined with low-cost video recording and encoding solutions at the teaching end, make this an accessible solution. An advantage to watching a lecture or instruction on digital video is that the student can pause or replay sections as required.
Real time video links substitute for traditional physical interaction on a one-to-one basis. These are useful in the distance learning context, because they create a synchronous mode of communication, as opposed to asychronous, where there is a gap in time between teacher and student. The communication can have a dialogue format, with exchanges happening in real time, students receiving instant feedback and having the opportunity to ask questions and receive instruction as the lesson progresses. Video links are largely made possible through Internet connections and are therefore accessible to many students.
Many software and web technologies developed in recent years, such as Flash and JavaScript, facilitate an interactive learning format for online education. These types of communication are deployed on digital media or over the Internet. Interactive lessons typically combine information with tasks and activities, with the learner being given feedback throughout the process, thereby increasing the educational value.
Both recorded and real time audio links, such as Internet telephone channels, are available in several forms. Recorded audio can be distributed to students on digital media or deployed over the Internet. Real time audio links have the natural advantage of synchronous communication, with a conversational format possible. Although recorded audio is asynchronous and therefore does not provide for real time student interaction, it can be more effective than written language.
There are many textual forms of communication over the Internet that can be used in the distance learning context, including email, instant messaging, chat rooms, forums and message boards. These technologies combined can create a virtual environment, in which students can interact with one another as well as with their instructors. Although slower than spoken interaction, many of these Internet technologies are actually synchronous, and therefore allow for a dialogue between participants.