This is the original format of distance education from which all other systems evolved. Correspondence courses involve the course provider sending printed material such as textbooks, workbooks and study guides by post. Material is sent at regular, paced intervals and students study from this material to cover the prescribed syllabus. Students too send completed assignments by postal mail. Exams are held at pre-decided intervals and students who perform satisfactorily in these are granted their degree.
Online courses are a means of computer-mediated education (CME), where course providers deliver instruction and study material through the use of email and other Internet resources. Students are required to have access to a computer that is configured to support all the applications the course provider uses. This type of course involves students' participation in online instruction sessions, online group discussions and posting on message boards. Students complete the prescribed course assignments and submit these via email for grading by course instructors. Students can also join a virtual study group and interact with other people taking the same course.
This involves the use of instructional audio and video tools to deliver courses. Students are provided a syllabus along with textbooks and study guides to complement the audio and video tapes. Some course providers require students to visit their campus for initial orientation classes, after which they study on their own, using the study material. Students are required to submit assignments for grading at regular intervals. The course provider grants the final degree on successful completion of the prescribed exams which are held on campus.
This is a new mode of distance learning that combines elements of face-to-face instruction with distance learning methodology. Most of the learning is done independently by students, as per their convenience. They are however also required to attend a few classroom sessions and interact with faculty members and other students. This approach is especially useful in case of MBA programs where the personal interaction is important to develop the ability to work in teams and network with others in the profession.