What is distance learning?
Distance learning is a form of teaching and learning that uses digital tools and online platforms to deliver educational activities, either to complement or as an alternative to face-to-face classroom sessions.
Depending on the degree programme and the course, distance learning may complement face-to-face lessons or constitute the main method of delivery, through live (synchronous) or recorded (asynchronous) sessions.
Key Features
Synchronous and Asynchronous Modes: synchronous modes (live lessons) and asynchronous modes (video lessons, materials, online activities).
Digital Tools: teaching activities delivered via e-learning platforms and video-conferencing systems.
Multimedia and Interactivity: integration of videos, quizzes and documents to enhance learning.
Flexibility: allows students to attend lessons without geographical constraints, managing their study time independently.
Blended and distance learning aim to:
- improve participation in the learning process;
- enhance the educational relationship;
- make the most of interactive classroom sessions;
- improve the effectiveness of teaching, taking into account students’ different needs;
- encourage students’ active participation in the learning process;
- enhance interactive sessions, both face-to-face and online;
- make teaching more effective, accessible and inclusive, taking into account students’ diverse needs.
Models for the delivery of teaching on degree programmes
Degree programmes may be delivered:
- primarily face-to-face;
- in a blended format;
- primarily or entirely online.
The delivery method for each programme is specified in the Degree Programme Factsheet and in the syllabus for each individual module, which serves as the main reference for how teaching activities will be conducted.
UniBS degree programmes delivered via blended learning
The University of Brescia has launched degree programmes delivered via a blended learning model, combining face-to-face lectures with distance learning activities:
Bachelor’s degree in Employment and Company Legal Advisor
Bachelor’s degree in Political and social sciences
Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology
Master’s degree in Governance of the Public Administration
Master’s Degree in Law, innovation and sustainability
Master’s Degree in Technologies for Ecological Transition in Agriculture (from the 2026/27 academic year)
Digital environments and tools
Moodle
The Moodle platform is used to manage online teaching activities, distribute materials and communicate with students (Learning Communities). It is used in degree programmes, PhD programmes, Master’s programmes and other University study programmes.
Microsoft Teams
Where applicable, synchronous distance learning is delivered via Microsoft Teams, which is available to all UniBS lecturers and students.