Learning that takes place where student and instructor are separated, whether by time or place, is called:

Distance education refers to a method of learning where the student and instructor are not physically present in the same location and may also be separated by time. This approach utilizes various forms of technology and communication to facilitate learning, allowing students to access educational content and interact with instructors and peers remotely.

This type of education has gained significant popularity, especially with advancements in technology that allow for online courses, virtual classrooms, and digital resources. Distance education provides flexibility for students who may have other commitments or who are located far from a traditional educational setting, making it an essential aspect of modern learning environments.

By contrast, collaborative learning emphasizes group work and interaction among students and instructors, role-playing focuses on simulating real-life scenarios for practice or learning, and traditional lecture is characterized by face-to-face instruction in a specific classroom setting. These other methods involve more direct interaction between students and instructors, which is not the case in distance education.