Advantages of studying Online or E-Learning course

 

If you're considering education options, you'll have heard terms like online learning, e-Learning and distance learning and wondered if they're the identical. They're similar therein all of them allow students to be told in an exceedingly very distant location from a tutor. While some might use these terms interchangeably, these kinds of learning are each unique. The particular features that tend to distinguish these education approaches are:

·         Kind of access: Includes text, electronic formats and online

·         Sort of media: Includes print, audio and video

·         Kind of interaction: Includes in-person, virtual and independent

Within each learning mode, you'll have options for pacing instructional material.

Distance learning

The oldest of these three learning paradigms, distance learning (or distance education) has a long history dating back two hundred years. Of course, this education begins with teaching through the print media, before the Internet. Educational access to students far from a particular university is possible, simply through correspondence by mail. For this reason, the term comprehensive distance learning can include correspondence education. If applicable, instructions may rarely be provided in person for some programs.

Online learning / E-Learning

Online learning is considered a form of distance learning. This method allows a variety of learners to experience communication, comfort and interaction. Distance learning is perhaps a more feedback focused version, as online learning uses the Internet to connect students with educational materials, as well as teachers and sometimes other students. This personal interaction may not be readily available as it is in other learning modes. A few different types of speed may be available in online learning: instructor led, self-directed, or on his own. In keeping with the traditional classroom model, many of these types of courses are instructor-led. Self-learning is the most flexible type of speed. Students work independently, directing their education and managing their progress. Self-learning allows students to be flexible in time and space to learn.

While e-learning (electronic learning) is its unique learning style, it is also a type of distance learning. Although it has become a term around the same time as online learning, it can also be defined as sometimes including multiple learning formats and methods - CD, intranet, Internet, and audio and video formats. This learning methodology may differ the most, as the platforms and media differ from one program to another. As technology continues to evolve, so does e-learning.

The various advantages of studying online course

a.    Work from anywhere, anytime: This is the most attractive benefit of an online education for students who have many homework to balance. Since everything is available online, accessing class materials and submitting work is very convenient. It is up to the student to determine when and where this occurs, as long as the due dates for the assignment are met.

b.    Review lectures on the spot: It's easy for minds to wander during a lecture. University of California psychologist Jonathan Scholler found that students lose their focus about 5 times in a 45-minute study session. However, in many online programs, students can review the professors' speeches instantly, either by returning the audio or video or by reading the accompanying lecture text.

c.    Less intimidating: Many students in classroom environments do not feel comfortable speaking in public. In an online environment, it can be much easier to share ideas with others. With 74 percent of people with speech anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, online education tends to promote better class participation.

d.    More time to think before sharing: Online education still has a discussion element in it, often on a forum for discussion board. On campus students have to quickly pick a position or formulate an idea in class, and sometimes even speak up before they have fully examined everything. In an online environment, students can spend a lot of time wanting to think about and hone their own ideas. This can lead to more confidence and more elegant discussions. 

e.    Focus on the ideas: Since 93 percent of communications are nonverbal, you don't need to worry about body language interfering with their message. While body language can be effective at times, academics care more about ideas, and online education eliminates material judgments that can obscure rational discussion.

f.     Group communication: Many degree programs today involve some type of group project or teamwork. Working with others on campus or locally means coordinating specific days and times so everyone can attend. However, distance learning programs enhance virtual communication and allow students to work with team members via email, chat rooms, and other easy-to-use methods.

g. Flexible learning schedule: On campus students may have to endure hours-long personal lectures. While not all online programs are created the same way, many use PowerPoint presentations and other media that students can take in bits. In other words, students can experience the first half of the lesson one day, and the second half the next day. This can be especially helpful for those who don't enjoy sitting in one place for long.

h.   Cost: Although the cost of an online course can be greater or more than a traditional course, students can save money by avoiding many of the typical fees for a campus-based education, including lab fees, transportation costs, parking, hostels, etc.

i.      Diversity: Traditional students are often restricted to courses and teachers close to home. An online student can take a French language course from a teacher in France and a travel writing course from a writer who is already traveling, without having to leave home.

j.  Teacher availability: In traditional colleges and universities, talking to a professor after class can be difficult. Yes, teachers do have office hours, but they are often only an hour or two per week, with too many students waiting for attention. While professors who teach online have also set hours of student interaction, web-based technologies make speaking with multiple students simultaneously much easier. Professors can also hop online at night or during breaks to answer questions, leave comments, and more.

Online form of education has developed in recent years and is widely accepted. You monitor your study environment through an online class, allowing you to gain a more in-depth understanding of your course. New learning paradigms are constantly appearing on the market and giving students various ways to tailor their education into something that works for them and not the rest. This also gives individuals an opportunity to complete a degree they may have started at and have not been able to continue for any reason. The future of online learning is exciting and opens up education to a large number of people.

While traditional education will never disappear so also distance learning. With online enrollment increasing every year, it appears that online education is making its mark.