What is online learning?

What is online learning?

The basic difference between online education and traditional education is the method of delivery. In traditional education, the main interaction between student and instructor is in a physical classroom, while in online education, the internet is the method of delivery for information and the locus of interaction between student and professor. The applications of online learning range in scope from basic downloaded resources like PDFs and MP3 lectures, all the way up to programs that include real-time group interaction and learner assessment.

In online learning, the student has the opportunity to choose a school or academic program that may be physically located in another city, or even another state. Learners will find themselves in classes with students from many different geographical locations, much more than they would if they were to drive to the local university for a night class. For example, an international bible school such as International Christian College and Seminary (www.iccsonlinebiblecollege.com) provides learning with students around the world. One thing that some students and instructors value the most is the diversity of perspective and background found among their classmates; a true richness is brought together in the interaction of those across the continent or around the globe.

Online learning has had its struggle to gain acceptance among both instructors and students, those who question the breadth and depth of support offered to students as well as the viability of take-away value of such education. However, it has truly settled as a viable option for learning within the last 10 years, as more and more people are seeking opportunities to change their career paths while maintaining income and schedules they are already committed to. The truth is that online education offers a way of achieving a degree without sacrifice of lifestyle that campus-based options might.

How is studying for an online course different?

Studying for an online course isn’t all that different from studying for a course that attended on a physical campus. Online students still take in lectures, get printed resources and materials and assignments, take part in discussions with their teachers and peers, and submit completed work and exams. There are many internet-based interfaces that online programs use, most of which include live, real-time video and instant messaging for real-time group discussions, as well a private chats with teachers. A student asking What is online learning? would have to learn to navigate the interface in order to be a successful online learner, but there is always help available from fellow students or the instructor. Exams and quizzes are administered and submitted online, and test scores and course grades are reported online as well. Other than this, students are responsible for keeping up with reading and assignments and studying for exams just as they would with a campus-based course. The only thing missing is being able to sit around over cappuccinos with your fellow students, chatting about what’s going on.

The popularity of online learning

What is online learning? Online learning is a $56 billion industry and growing. Nearly half of all college students are taking at least one online course. It is not just for higher education: online learning is catching on in business as one of the most efficient training methods available. Taking advantage of internet learning for employees has proved to be an invaluable investment with significant savings in cost and time as well as boosting productivity and revenue.

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