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eLearning
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Is Online Learning For You? |
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If you are trying to decide on whether online learning is right for your life- and learning style, here are some questions you can ask yourself: Are you self-directed and motivated? Most online learning happens on your schedule. However, you need to be self-directed and motivated to complete the activities on schedule and to initiate any communication needed to be successful. The student is responsible for creating the structure to finish each course. Are your technical skills adequate? Do you have difficulty accessing a computer or logging on to the Internet. Students should be comfortable with Internet browsing and searching, email, sending and reading attachments, word processing, and often times, downloading and installing plug-ins or course-specific software. Are your reading skills strong? Reading will occupy a large portion of online learning. The ability to read and comprehend subject matter without it being a chore is critical. How are your written communication skills? Writing will be a primary method of interacting with your instructor and classmates. The student should be comfortable with writing to express their thoughts, share ideas and to ask questions. Are you willing to ask questions? If you are willing and typically seek help when you need it, you will probably be fine. In the online environment it is important that you let your instructor and classmates know when you need help. Remember, they cannot see you and cannot read your facial expressions or body language to determine when you might need help. Do you require social interaction? The person-to-person contact is missing in the online learning environment. Interaction with your instructor and classmates is key to a successful learning course and the student will need to be able to interact comfortably using different media. Are you disciplined? You will need to set aside adequate time for study and you may discover that you will need to be online frequently to complete your assignments and to communicate with instructors and classmates. You can plan to spend at least as much time with your online learning course as you would in a traditional classroom setting. You may be able to set your own pace, but do not underestimate the amount of time required to be successful. Review these questions and if you feel you have answered them to your satisfaction and needs, then you will probably do well in an online learning classroom. |
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Traits of Online Students |
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Online learning is different in many ways from traditional classroom, or face-to-face, learning. The primary difference is in the way students get their information and how they interact with instructors and classmates. Many adult learners report that they learn more online and that their retention is better as well. There are differences in learning styles used to compare traditional classroom and online learning environments. In a traditional classroom the student may not be as comfortable or skilled in an online learning environment. Some students who struggle with traditional classroom environments will do exceptionally well in the online environment. Learners that are visually oriented and self-directed will do well with online programs. Others will succeed because online instructional design and the use of multimedia learning tools is often more sophisticated and designed to reach a wider variety of students. The student's lifestyle will also play a big part in their success with online learning. Here are some of the traits that successful online sudents possess, to varying degrees: Self-Directed,Motivated,Comfortable with computers,Able to use email, Internet browsers and word processing programs,Likes to read and write,Inquisitive,Disciplined,Independent,Able to stay on task. You may want to look at some other articles in this section to read more about online learning benefits and how it can help you to enhance and further your skill sets and professional capabilities. |
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There are many advantages to the student who chooses online learning. Here are just a few: Convenience and Portability -Courses are accessible to the student and on their schedule-Online learning does not require your presence in a classroom-Learning is self-paced-Students are not bound by time, courses are generally available 24/7-Students are not bound by place, they can study at home, their workplace or on the road-Typically students can read their materials online or download them to read later Cost and Selection -Students choose from a wide range of courses to meet their own individual needs-Professional, degree, vocational and certificate programs are available-Continuing Education (CE) credits are available-Individual, or customized, courses may be offered-Students find a wide range of prices to fit any budget-Students can pursue a degree, learn a new skill or craft, or just have fun! Flexibility -Online learning accomodates the students preferences and needs-There are a variety of course types, including instructor-led or self-paced study-Students can skip over the material they already know and focus on the materials or topics they need or want to learn-A wide variety of learning tools are usually offered and the student can choose which best fit their learning style |
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Profile of Online Learning Users |
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Just in case you are wondering ... you are not atypical when you choose online learning or educational programs to enhance your skills and knowledge base. Online learning is, in fact, part of a fast growing trend among learners who are turning to the Internet for their learning needs. Online students come in all types, categories and locations. Older adults are the fastest growing group in this category. As people mature, they tend to use the Internet more as a source of education. In a recent study conducted at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia, people over 50 years of age participated more than any other group in online learning. One company, International Data Corporation has announced that student enrollment in online learning programs is growing at a rate of 33% each year and will continue to climb. So, the good news is that you are not alone! You are part of a growing family of online learners in the world of the Internet who see e-learning as a viable and attractive way to get the education they need and deserve. |
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e-Learning is an umbrella term that usually describes learning and study done from a computer connected to a network, providing opportunity to learn almost anytime, and from anywhere. e-Learning is not like any other form of education. It is commonly known that e-Learning can be as valuable and rich in content as the traditional classroom environment, and, perhaps, even more so. And, just like more traditional forms of learning, e-Learning can lead the student to comprehension and mastery of new skills and knowledge. The use of instructional design in e-Learning has been perfected and refined over the years incorporating established teaching principles that benefit the students. As a result, the use of e-learning platforms in colleges, universities, business and organizations now offer students e-learning programs from fully accredited, vocational, continuing education programs and professional organizations worldwide. Other terms commonly used with e-Learning include: technology-based learning computer-based training (generally referred to as learning from a CD-ROM).
In summary, e-Learning is a broad based term used to describe any learning that is done at a computer. |
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e-Learning 101
