What is a method of distance learning where students order and complete course materials individually before returning them to the instructor?

The method of distance learning described involves students engaging with course materials on their own before submitting their work to an instructor. This approach allows students to set their pace and schedule for studying, making it a hallmark of independent study. This type of learning emphasizes the self-directed nature of education, where students take responsibility for their own learning journey, completing assignments and materials without the need for immediate instructor presence or interaction.

While blended learning combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online methods, and online study typically refers to courses conducted primarily over the internet, these options do not emphasize the individual completion and submission of materials in the same way. Asynchronous learning refers to learning activities that do not occur in real-time, allowing students to access materials at their convenience, but it does not specifically focus on the ordering or returning of completed work. Independent study best captures the essence of students working through materials individually before submitting them for assessment.