The question often asked while conducting a comparative assessment of course design rendered by traditional and online learning is – How efficient are the courses offered by an online learning institute in relation to a traditional one?
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Delving deep into the matter will help if you are looking for a proper and satisfactory answer. Online learning, defined as a new form of education infused with technology, is initiated to cater learning opportunities to the students who are deprived of quality education due to various constraints, including economical, geographical and political.
A number of articles on online learning and its upshot on career growth could be found over the internet but less is discussed on the course design that actually is making the effort. So let's zero in on the systematic procedure of online learning in the first place.
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Unlike traditional mode, online learning provides
- a personalised approach to learning empowering the students to choose a favourable study-time.
- a high-end study material to keep them updated with the ever-changing socio-economic world.
- a cost-effective learning opportunity.
- a flexible yet effective course module that enhances student's involvement in studies.
Online learning imparts self-directed learning where students are the core engine of the learning system. And to increase their participation in studies the courses are needed to be crafted in an engaging way. Distance learning courses are made of modules, here are the aspects that make up each module.
Course Material
The course materials offered by online learning institutes are of high quality as those are evaluated by qualified scholars and professors worldwide. Students are also provided additional course materials for further learning and deeper understanding.
Format of Course material: Instead of relying on the hard copy of the material in this mode of learning students are offered
- PDF files of articles.
- E-books on related course.
- Website links.
- Video files.
Interactive Learning
The e-Learning module comprises a series of interactive screens embedded in the course page. It allows the learners to communicate with teachers, professors and other learners. Most of the time e-Learning is delivered 'live' and learners can virtually raise their hands to interact in real time while in the middle of a lecture.
Format of e-Learning: e-Learning is a form of learning which increases the engagement of learning among the students. An e-Learning course page consists of
- presentation,
- quizzes with true-false or multiple choice questions,
- infographics,
- videos,
- complex decision-making situations.
Discussion Board
Online discussion board plays an important role to increase students participation in learning. Apart from Online Discussion Forum instructors can deliver generic questions throughout the course/module for the students to start a conversation on Facebook or other social networking sites. Student's engagement can be monitored by following those discussion threads.
Case Study
Learners are challenged by providing a case study that contains a particular study material and a series of instructions. They are encouraged to evaluate each others work through online forum. This learning process develops their application skill and capability of learning collaboratively.
Multimedia
Whether an educator wants to show a 3D diagram of the atomic structure of a particle or a complex formation of a living cell video tutorials are the smartest choice available. Online learning course modules are comprised of such video files saved in the cloud database. Students can start, pause and save those videos for later viewing.
Live Video Sessions or Webinars
Students can join live lectures through their smart-phones via internet. The live video sessions render the students an opportunity to participate and get involved in studying in effective measure. They can even get a chance to ask questions in real-time regarding the topic.
Online learning modules are designed for the students to leverage ultimate learning experience. This new form of learning is expanding its reach at such a pace and it truly can be said that the courses offers by online learning institutes are far more appropriate than traditional academic system.
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