What Is Online Education And How Does It Work?
by Author on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 | 3 Comments
the advantage and disadvantage of it?
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That is a very broad question, as there are various methods of online instruction. However, for the most part it involves the use of individual and group written assignments such as papers, discussions conducted in an online board. These methods are asynchronous, meaning you attend at various times that may be different from others. Other more advanced institutions are using webcasting, podcasting, PowerPoint voiced lectures, live chats, etc.
Having been in this industry for over 5 years as an instructor and before as a student, I have seen this method of facilitation of course grow significantly through the years taking advantage of the newest technology in most cases. I have been involved with nearly 10 different institutions at different capacities as a consultant, course developer, and instructor. The principal advantage is flexibility, but such advantage requires personal discipline (the main disadvantage). If the course is done properly, the instructor is involved and available to you daily. This may not be at the same time you are, but the response to your questions should come within 24 hours.
Online courses tend to be vary in price, so we could say they are more expensive, but that is relative. Of course they are more expensive that a community college, but less expensive than Harvard. The price range varies.
I have three recommendations for everyone looking into online/distance education. They all have to do with exploring; after all, you have to defend your assets.
1. Make certain that you have triple checked their accreditation. First, they tell you what it is, then you go to that accrediting body’s website (not through the link provided by the school), and thirdly you would visit the department of education to see what they have to say. Do your diligent research into the institutions once you have narrowed down to a couple. You can look at the Better Business Bureau for more information on the college.
2. You must have extreme self motivation and be able to teach yourself per say. This means that you will not have someone telling you verbally, so it is up to you to get the information from the course room, text, and other resources. The best way to look at it is like a guided independent study course.
3. Review your goals, personal and professional. Make sure that the school that you are going to offers the programs that match your goals. Do not settle. There are many programs that are similar, but you have to make the ultimate decision. Do not let be based on finances and length of program, but the fact that when you are finished or near finished you will be able to assume your proper place in the career field sought.
You should market yourself and not the degree or university. There are many traditional universities offering degrees that can be earned through online methods. Look at that if you are truly concerned with the name of the school. Good luck on your search!
Definitions of Online Education on the Web:
* Credit-granting courses or education training delivered primarily via the Internet to students at remote locations, including their homes. …
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/elearning/articles/glossary.htm
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Online Education Pros
More Convenient
By taking courses online, you’re able to decide when you study and for how long. You are also able to schedule your studying around your work or social schedule.
Since you’re not bound to a classroom, you may do your work wherever you have access to a computer and the internet. You’ll be able to set your own pace and decide exactly how fast you want to go over the material.
Cheaper
Online courses may be more affordable than those offered at colleges or trade schools. You may also save on transportation costs like gas, bus passes, and parking permits because you don’t need to commute to school.
Typically, you can also save on housing costs and meal plans since you do not need to live on or near a college campus. Housing expenses and other costs associated with living expenses are usually the most expensive aspects of a college education, so by taking an online course you could save quite a bit of money.
Online Education Cons
Lacking Social Interaction
Since you’re not on campus or in classes, you may lack opportunities to meet other students. You will not have many opportunities to interact face-to-face with your professors, so they may not have a real sense of who you are as a person.
If you enjoy meeting new people and learn better while you’re interacting with other people, you may want to reconsider online education.
Problematic for Instructors
Since the software is becoming more advanced, instructors are constantly trying to learn how to keep up. Some instructors who are more accustomed to traditional methods of teaching like lectures and handouts may have problems adapting to the new software, which can create problems for you.
A Final Thought on Online Education
For further information about online education, you could speak to someone who is actually enrolled in an online program or who has taken online courses.
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