What is online education?
Computer-based training, Web-based training, Internet based training, online training, e-learning (electronic learning), m-learning (mobile learning), computer-aided distance education - online education goes by many names and comes in a variety of styles, but at its core:
“Online education is electronically supported learning that relies on the Internet for teacher/student interaction and the distribution of class materials.”
From this simple definition comes an almost infinite number of ways to teach and learn outside of traditional classrooms and away from college campuses. With online education, students can turn anywhere with Internet access and electricity into a classroom. It can include audio, video, text, animations, virtual training environments and live chats with professors. It’s a rich learning environment with much more flexibility than a traditional classroom.
When used to its full potential, online education has been shown to be more effective than pure face-to-face instruction. It can be engaging, fun and tailored to fit almost anyone’s schedule.
The resources offered to you for learning online will depend on the institution where you take your online program. Some online learning programs may require you to order physical textbooks in advance by in the mail, but these are generally being phased out in favor of eBooks and online-only methods of delivery.
For those institutions that have made the transition to using 100% online resources, students can expect to study using a combination of cutting-edge technological resources with no need to travel to attend lectures, exams or in-person discussion sessions!
Taking an online learning program, you'll be an officially registered student at your institution and have access to the same resources as an on-campus student, like your institution's digital library, learning management system (like Blackboard), student union membership and more! An online degree is similar to taking a degree program on campus, but you have the freedom to direct your own study schedule.
Your school and your course instructor will determine the format for each individual course and will select delivery methods that are best suited to your course or program. What a Biology major needs to learn successfully online will differ from what an Art History major needs!
Online learning may be a completely new experience for you. If you're coming from a more traditional learning background, read on to discover how to make the most of the resources you may encounter in your online learning journey!
Online Education Programs
- 100% Online Education - Fully-online degrees are earned from the comfort of your own home with no required visits to your college or university campus.
- Hybrid Education - Hybrid education allows students to pursue a combination of online and on-campus courses.
- Online Courses - While online courses may be part of a degree program, they can also be taken on their own in order to master a certain subject or learn a specific skill.
- MOOCs - MOOCs, or massive open online courses, are usually delivered in lecture form to online "classrooms" with as many as 10,000 people.
What is online learning?
The online learning is a shared online space where the learners and the tutor join simultaneously and share knowledge or information. The platform also allows them to share screens, documents, whiteboards, and other related resources.
What are the benefits of online learning?
Originally Answered: What are the most common uses of online education?
Online education has been gaining increased popularity around the world because of its many benefits and advantages it has over the traditional brick and mortar education. Its popularity is down to its low fees, a gold mine of lessons, flexibility and control, accessibility to world-class instructors, and interrupted learning.
What is online learning through internet called?
Learning online is incredibly efficient. In fact, working online, learning online, teaching online, etc. is currently the most efficient method to compartmentalize aspects of your life IF you are willing to stay motivated and be honest with yourself (and your teacher!). You cannot get lazy if you’re shifting your life online: be responsible and self-motivated and enjoy the rewards and convenience.
Online learning is not for those who are completing a course because it is mandatory. It is for those who are truly inspired and motivated.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of E-learning?
Advantages of E-learning
1. Saves time and money
One of the most obvious advantages of e-learning is that you can save time and money. You can manage your schedule and take online courses at your most convenient time, whether early in the morning, late afternoon, or evening. You save money, too, because you don’t have to pay for transportation or worry about eating on the go.
2. Better retention
E-learning makes use of different platforms like Pedagogue, which provides interactive content. Also, you can share your thoughts and opinions with others. The more engaging the lessons, the more students can remember the information.
3. Personalized learning
You can choose your learning path and study at your own pace. You become more motivated and invested in the course.
4. Cost-effective
Students aren’t the only ones that can save money in e-learning. Many educational institutions save money through this set-up because there’s no need to use a physical classroom, which translates to reduced monetary spending.
5. Environment-friendly
E-learning is also more environmentally friendly because it doesn’t contribute to the pollution brought about by paper production.
Disadvantages of E-learning
1. Lacks social interaction
E-learning is one of the causes of social isolation because you don’t see your teachers and classmates face-to-face anymore. Interaction is very limited to none.
2. Inaccessible to others
Consider yourself lucky if you’re located in an area where the internet connection is fast and stable. Unfortunately, some have very limited access to the internet. They have to go to internet cafes or use public Wi-Fis which is very inconvenient.
3. Cheating is unavoidable
E-learning includes assessment, just like in a regular classroom setting. However, there are no teachers or proctors to watch over you during exams. It’s easy for online students to share answers knowing there’s nobody watching.
4. Requires self-motivation and proper time management skills
You’re basically on your own in e-learning. You have to motivate yourself to study hard, take down notes, and gather more information. You should also manage your time well by learning how to juggle studying while doing other things like household chores or earning money part-time.
5. Focuses more on theory
You’ll spend most of your time listening to podcasts, watching videos, and looking at slide presentations. There’s no hand-on experience like conducting experiments.