Online E Learning

Extensive research comparing online learning to traditional learning has been done.  The results show that online learning is as effective as traditional, classroom based learning. As an example, a recent study in India compared students who learned on their own with a computer. The course that was used for the research was a middle school introduction to microbiology. At the end of the course, the test scores of students who worked online, using a public access computer, were compared with the test scores of students who took the same course in a public school. The test scores were essentially the same. However, the students who worked online tested somewhat lower when compared with students in a private school. So a second group of online students were assisted by an adult with no training in the field. With a little help from the adult, these students tests compared favorably with the students in a private school. This is one of many examples of how online learning can be as effective as traditional classroom based learning.

Online learning generally refers to learning that uses one or more means of Internet based communication for delivery of course material and interactions between students and instructors and with other students. The Internet provides a wide variety of communication possibilities so course material can be delivered in text, graphics, audio, video and various combinations of media.  The media that is used in a course should be appropriate for the course material. It is important to choose well designed courses that use a variety of media. Research shows that students learn better when combinations of media are used. Also, consider the flexibility of media. As an example, audio material may allow the learner to listen to parts of the course using an MP3 player or similar device. Similarly, presentations and short videos can also be downloaded onto mobile devices. This allows the learner to review course material when they are away from their computer.

Online learning may involve an instructor and interaction with other students or it may be done solely through computer delivered course material. Usually, computer delivered course material with instructor interaction is known as elearning. Elearning is usually used in training situations whereas in higher level courses, instructor interaction is desirable. Interactions with an instructor may occur by email, through discussion boards or chat rooms. These forms of interactions are referred to as asynchronous communication, meaning that the instructor and student do not communicate with each other at the same time. Asynchronous communication is desirable because of the flexibility it allows both instructors and students. Synchronous communications may also be used, such as live chats or telephone calls. These have the advantage of immediate feedback, but can be more time consuming because they require agreement on a schedule.

Interactions with students can also be important. When taking a course with other students, usually referred to as a cohort, you can relinquish the flexibility of working at your own pace, but gain the opportunity to discuss course material with people in a variety of situations with a variety of backgrounds. Often in online courses, people from many different countries may be in the same course providing students with some broad perspectives they might not get if they were in a classroom. Interactions with students are usually done with discussion boards, but sometimes live chat is used.  Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Probably the first step in a good online learning experience is to choose the right course. If you are taking the course to advance your career or to gain a professional qualification, make sure you choose a program from an accredited school. Often traditional schools with good reputations now offer online options for many of their programs. If you are taking the course because of personal interest, such as learning a language, you may consider a commercial vendor. Elearning options should also be considered and you may want to review reviews from past participants before making your selection.

Decide whether you want a self-paced program where you can work at your own speed or a program that is delivered in regular sections. You may wish to work on your own or with a group online depending on your circumstances. Usually people enjoy working with others, but this will take additional demands on your time. Decide what is best for you.

Check to see how the course will be delivered. Courses that involve only reading will be more boring than course that use text, audio and visual material. But beware of gimmicks. Too much multimedia can become distracting and counterproductive. Also, check to see if material can be downloaded into different formats or if all the course material must be viewed while sitting at your computer.

When you are learning, don't restrict yourself to the course material. The Internet provides a broad access to a wide variety of information about any subject. Do some exploring on your own, watch related videos, seek other opinions and try to connect with other people studying the same program. Often informal discussion groups or using Twitter to follow people with similar interests will help you to reinforce what you are learning or to introduce you to new subjects.

If you are learning for your own interest, it is possible to put together your own program, allowing you to learn online for free. Access public libraries online, find lectures on YouTube and similar sites, review material found on Google scholar and so on. These are all potential sources of credible academic material.

For more information, you may want to check How to Learn Online.