Is online learning as effective as full time education?
Over the past 15 years, education and educating has evolved dramatically. In the past we were all tied to the classroom, or evening courses at colleges, but internet technology has broadened our horizons to the point where open university is no longer the only option of external tuition, more commonly known as distance learning or E-Learning.
An overview of E-learning.
E-Learning = the use of electronic means to be educated.
E-Learning itself has evolved since its conception. Many courses still focus on following step-by-step online written tuition guides, but many education organisations now implement online tuition course videos, which offer a more intuitive, user friendly education experience. In addition, many of the best online education services also offer the ability to engage with tutors in real time through web cams and instant messaging, in addition to email and message boards.
Learning at your own pace is also an advantage of E-Learning. This is idea for people like myself who lead busy lives and our time is at a premium. Self-paced learning however is not for everyone, not all of us have enough self-discipline to finish what we started, in addition, there are lots of distractions for many of us at home. If you are one of these people then I suggest you stick with an evening course at your local college!
What courses can I take?
The better question would be ‘what courses can I not take?’ Just about every course you can think of is available online, within reason. Obviously, you cannot take hands on courses for subjects such as pottery for example, but there isn’t much you cannot learn about.
Stating the obvious, the most popular courses are IT related computer courses such as Microsoft Certifications for Windows and office applications or for third party software applications such as Photoshop. What better way learn then watching the course on one monitor and then executing the practical on another?
Different types of learning.
Synchronous learning – Where students are participating in lessons at the same time, at the same pace. Synchronous learning isn’t always distance learning, and it can often involve online tuition being conducted in a classroom full of computers.
Asynchronous learning - where students learn individually or at their own pace – traditional distance learning. In the past, many courses were advertised in magazines and you would be sent a course on a CDROM with a hard copy of a manual, but these days have passed and most courses are accessed online via the web, with manuals available as a digital download.
See this online education article on the D Zone for more comprehensive information on the different types of elearning.
Virtual classrooms.
Virtual classrooms are a classroom environment replicated online using web technology. Often a webcam is required to participate in a virtual classroom. Typically, virtual classrooms are synchronous learning, with the most common example being a tutor who is conducting a lecture in real-time via a live web cast. Students can interact with the tutor and fellow students through technology such as web cams and messaging. This is also a fantastic way to conduct post lecture Q and A sessions.
The education sector is also utilising technology in the form of a new concept called the ‘flipped classroom’. The concept is simple - by conducting virtual lessons with primary and secondary school students in the evening, time in the classroom can be dedicated to practical teaching, promoting engagement and collaboration between pupils and generally making the classroom a more fun place to be.
Conclusions.
E-Learning is here to stay. I wasn’t sure about the flipped classroom initially, as it founded like a bit of a fad, but more and more schools are implementing the idea and it appears to be having a positive effect on student grades.
E-Learning is perfect for adults who are in full-time employment. It allows them the opportunity to continue their education without sacrificing their career. It is also perfect for mums who do not wish to miss out on their education whilst brining up their children.
There are many courses available on the internet and not all of them are expensive. Be sure to check that the qualifications you are study for are approved and recognized, and if you are unsure then don’t be afraid to ask for references.