Online Learning

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Online learning – The new age mantra!
Online learning is not the next big thing; it is the now big thing. Donna J. Abernathy, past editor of Training + Development Magazine

The last two decades have witnessed the evolution and sophistication in online learning or electronic learning or e-learning, as it is popularly

known. According to a study “Are the functions of teachers in e-learning and face-to-face learning environments really different”, by Alonso Díaz and BlázquezEntonado of department of Education Sciences, University of Extremadura, developments in Information Communication Technology (ICT) has enabled learners to complete their education without attending the classes personally. E-learning is a kind of interactive learning with the usage of computers, iPads, iPhones, smartphones and internet allow e-learning. In most online courses, students receive automatic feedback for their course-related activities.Students can extensively use multimedia activities, internet videos, CD-ROMs to read and understand. The main goal of this learning is to create a learning environment where people can learn from the comfort of their homes and with minimal cost. Several educational institutes are incorporating web based learning as part of their curriculum. The future of education lies in online learning as more and more people are opting for it. Online education is widely used in the college and University levels. A study, „Strategies for elearning in Universities‟, conducted by Chris Curran of Dublin City University goes on to prove this. According to a survey of US based Texas A&M University, more growth is taking place in education through „online learning‟ methodology. Incidentally, this number is growing steeply because of the increased usage of internet. E-learners have unlimited access to the course material, lectures, forums and so on. In most online courses, due care is taken in providing ample and relevant study material. This is

supported by various discussions, explanations by SME and comments by knowledgeable participants. As opposed to the traditional learning methodology where student has to sit through the lectures whether or not he is willing to listen, online learning gives him freedom to attend the lecture at his will. Often, these online classes are based on real time scenarios apart from theoretical concepts. Extensive knowledge of instructors helps the people to clarify their doubts easily. Most online learning sites have a live chat facility where users can interact with instructors and fellow trainees. Almost all online courses are designed keeping in mind the requirements of students of different levels. As companies have understood the efficiency of people who have completed online degrees, they are evincing keen interest in hiring them. According to a study of Vault financial group, 46% of technology based industries, 44% of high tech industries, 29% of marketing / media industries are accepting online certifications for employment. Online educational programs curricula are updated regularly and e-learners get a chance to learn what‟s latest in their respective fields. Professional courses such as in IT, hardware and networking can be learnt in the best possible way as there are regular developments in these fields. People staying in remote areas and those who can‟t afford regular studies can make best use of these online training courses. There are both advantages and disadvantages of traditional and online learning. Pros of ‘learn online’ The first and foremost advantage of online learning is the flexibility of learning from anywhere and in anytime. People can get a foreign degree, without traveling to anywhere. Online learning programs cost less when compared to the traditional programs. Thereby, you can save lot of extra amount. People of any age group can enroll for any kind of courses, based on their interest. Learning online facilitates the sharing of resources through social media network such as face book, twitter etc. You will get a chance to interact with people across the globe and share your ideas. Cons of ‘learn online’ Online education has limited faculty instruction. Therefore, people who lack selfmotivation may find it difficult to understand the concepts. Knowledge of basic computers and also search engines, emailing newsgroups and FTP procedures is mandatory.

User friendly and reliable technology is needed for online learning. But, due to technical issues, problems may erupt while in the learning process. Given the fact that both conventional and electronic learning have their share of demerits, a new way of learning called „blended learning‟ is evolving. This learning has both the features of traditional and online learning, thus getting the best of both the worlds. Let‟s keep ourselves open to this brand new method of learning and embrace it. Because learning is what will keep us going. More about blended learning and myths and facts of online learning in our next post. Till then, click your way away to knowledge. Photo courtesy: Google Images

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