Distance learning used to mean education that was received at an off-site location. At one time, those students who participated in a distance learning program received their education through correspondence courses. However, new technology has brought about a lot of other options, particularly eLearning options, and created online education learning.
These days, distance education is also known as:
- Online education
- Virtual education
- Online learning
- Web-based training
- eLearning
- Virtual learning
It all essentially means the same thing, however: that students are receiving their education by means of the internet and doing the majority, if not all, of their coursework, through the computer.
Internet-based coursework
The online coursework in eLearning require an Internet connection. Although some courses also require a textbook, they normally don’t require anything else. The students usually receive their instruction via email, electronic bulletin boards, and messaging systems. They correspond with their instructors online without ever meeting them face-to-face. In fact, their instructors probably live on the other side of country, although in some cases they might be in the same city, especially if the student is taking an online course through their own brick and mortar institution.
The courses themselves normally offer the same curriculum as the traditional classroom courses do. The students still participate in discussions with their fellow students, they just do so on forums and discussion boards rather than in classrooms. The instructors still administer tests.
Kinds of program formats
There are different kinds of eLearning programs. These include synchronous learning programs and asynchronous learning programs. When it comes to synchronous learning, the eLearning students have to log on to the school’s website at a certain time. They usually interact with their fellow students and professors via group chats, seminars, and even video conferencing. However, with asynchronous learning, the eLearning students complete all their coursework on their own time. This offers a more flexible alternative as they usually learn their material via assignment sheets, website forums, email, video lectures, and mp3s.
There are pros and cons to both formats. When determining which program is best for you, it’s important to ask questions and consider which one you might work best under. Online education offers a lot of flexibility but you have to take personal responsibility for your actions since it requires you to be self-motivated at all times since there isn’t a teacher standing over you, ensuring that you meet your deadlines.
Benefits and drawbacks of online education
There are many benefits of online education. Of course, there are also a couple of drawbacks. The majority of students find that eLearning gives them the freedom to complete a degree while meeting their personal and professional commitments. Those students who are motivated are often able to complete their degrees in a lot less time than they would have been otherwise. The online education courses also allow them to network with participants from all over the country-something they might not have had the opportunity to do under other circumstances.
On the other hand, it can be challenging for some people since eLearning doesn’t offer the person to person interaction that the traditional classroom setting does. Some students find this challenging. They also find it challenging to stay dedicated and motivated.
Still, many students thrive in this kind of setting and excel when they take their education in their own hands. They enjoy the flexibility that e-Learning offers them and the variety of programs and courses that they might not have otherwise been exposed to.
David Miller is an educational researcher who has vast experience in the field of teaching, Learning management Systems and online training. He is associated with prestigious universities and many leading educational research organizations. He’s also an ed-tech veteran, currently pursuing research in new eLearning developments, and is a contributing author with ProProfs.
0 comments:
Post a Comment