But what is online learning?
The definition given by the U.S. Department of Education is,
"The acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction. [It] encompasses all technologies and supports the pursuit of lifelong learning for all".
How do you study online?
Online degrees use a number of tools that are available through the Internet. These include:
| Web-based instruction: | Basically, lectures on the Internet. These may be written or, more often, in the form of video and audio using some form of video player such as Real Player. |
| Document sharing: | The practice of making documents available to all by downloading and uploading, as appropriate, on the Internet. |
| E-mail Classes and Chatrooms: | Forums where students can talk to other students and professors, over a period of time, but in semi-conversational mode. |
| Message Centers & Threaded Discussions: | Bulletin board based, allowing students and professors to make points and notices for the whole class to read. |
| Web links Libraries: | Libraries of pertinent websites and directories, available for students to gain further information about subject study areas. |
| Journals and Notebooks: | For students to make notes about their studies and allow students and instructors to have private one-to-one instruction that becomes part of the study material. |
| Examinations: | Tests in a variety of online formats. For example, essays, multi-choice questions, discussions, question and answer. |
| Help Desks: | To provide assistance as and when required. Usually in two formats; telephone or e-mail. E-mail is often on a 'frequently asked question' basis, but also a one-to-one with tutor basis. |
Programs have differing degrees of flexibility. A course with synchronous elements will demand a certain timetable from the student as some events are scheduled at given times; for example TV lectures, or lectures live over the Internet. For some students this may be difficult to accommodate and they may prefer a course with entirely asynchronous elements; where all materials can be visited selectively, depending on the personal learning process and schedule. There are advantages and disadvantages to both these methods.
What do you need to study online?
In order to be able to study online it is necessary to have a certain amount of computing equipment and software. Usually the required specification will involve a PC with at least Windows 98, some easily downloadable software (usually free) including RealPlayer or similar, Microsoft Explorer 5.0 or above, and a link to the Internet (telephone or broadband). Requirements vary by institution and course, so you would need to check prior to enrolling.
Your future with an online degree
Studying online can open up a new world of education for thousands of individuals who would otherwise be unable to consider furthering their education. It is possible to choose when and where to study, and for what period of time. Students can fit their study program into their day-to-day lives, while continuing to work, and spending time with their family. Using a computer as a window into the world of education allows you not only to gain a degree, but to access people, information, tools and techniques that will be useful for the whole of your life. In reading this you have taken the first step, take the next step and check out the online degree possibilities available.
References:
Volker Hilt, Christoph Kuhmunch et al, "New Tools for Synchronous and Asynchronous Teaching and Learning in the Internet" Sept 2000 University of Mannheim, Germany
