Development and Advantages of Online Teaching and Learning
Online learning is the newest and most popular form of
distance education today. Within the past decade, it has
had a major impact on the education system and it is only increasing day by day.
In this blog, we will explore what the experience of
online learning is like for students and how it has
changed the role of the teacher in online teaching. The current challenges facing traditional colleges and universities like providing higher tuition classes, cuts in the budget, and shortage of courses it cause many students to search for alternatives mode of learning.
The development of online courses in higher education doesn’t happen overnight. With the development of online education over time, its definition has been evolved.
Lets us first understand what is an online learning
Online learning is a type of education that takes place over the Internet which often referred to as “e-learning”. However, as per my understanding of the education system, we can also say online learning is just one type of “distance learning”. Distance learning is the umbrella term for any learning that takes place across distance and not in a traditional classroom. In India, distance learning has a long history and there are several types available today, including:
- Various type of Correspondence Courses: Conducted through regular mail (Post) with little interaction.
- Telecourses: Where the content is delivered via radio or television broadcast.
- CD-ROM Courses: Where the student interacts with static computer content.
- Mobile Learning: It is also one of the type of distance education which is conducted by means of devices such as cellular phones, PDAs and digital audio players (iPods, MP3 players).
- Online Learning: Internet-based courses.
Benefits of online teaching and learning
Online distance learning meets the needs of students who cannot or you can say not prefer to participate in the traditional classroom environment. These students include those who are unable to attend traditional classes and who cannot find a particular class at their chosen universities, those students who live in remote locations, those who work full-time and can only study after work, and those who simply prefer to learn independently.
The minimum requirement for any students who want to take an online course should have access to a computer, the Internet, and the motivation to succeed in a non-traditional classroom.
Online courses provide an excellent method of course delivery unbound by time or location allowing for accessibility to instruction at any time from anywhere. students find the online environment a convenient way to fit education into their busy lives. The ability to access a course from any computer with Internet access, 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a tremendous incentive for many of today’s students.
Some of the main advantages of online learning
Convenience and reduced cost
24/7 access from any online computer, accommodates busy schedules and there is no cost for commuting
Enhanced Learning
Research shows an increased depth of understanding and retention of
subject content; more meaningful discussions; emphasis on writing skills, technology skills,
and life skills like time management, independence, and self-discipline.
Networking Opportunities
Online education also provides students with the chance to network with same age group student across nations or even different continents. At the same time, it makes them culturally sensitive and able to fit into other environments easily given their exposure to other cultures.
Time management
Students can take more time to think and reflect before
communicating; shy students tend to thrive online
Interaction
Increased student-to-teacher and student-to-student interaction and discussion;
a more student-centred learning environment; less passive listening and more active
learning; a greater sense of connectedness, synergy.
Flexibility
Students have the freedom to choose courses because they aren't tied down to a fixed schedule. Most students who choose online learning tend to have other commitments and prefer this mode of learning as it gives them power over how they will delegate their time towards their different works.
Outreach
Give students options; reach new student; appeal to current students
thus increasing enrollments.
Savings
Accommodate more students; increased student satisfaction results in higher retention
and fewer repeats.
Maximize Physical Resources
Lessen demand on limited campus infrastructure;
decrease congestion on campus and parking lots.
Improved Administration
Time to examine student work more thoroughly; ability to
document and record online interactions; ability to manage to grade online.
Innovative Teaching
Student-centred approaches; increased variety and creativity of
learning activities; address different learning styles; changes and improvements can
translate to on-ground courses as well.
The teacher should be able to accept the value of online learning method as equal to the traditional model of teaching. If a teacher feels the only way that true learning can take place is through the traditional means of educating in a classroom, then the person is generally not a good fit for the online paradigm.
A lot of teachers mistakenly assume that they'll feel isolated from their online
students. To their surprise, most teachers find that online learning and teaching actually provide a high degree of personal contact.
Hope you all like this article.
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About Me
Rashidul Haque
Rashidul Haque is heading his own organisation -Free Bird Guidance. It specialises in counselling, career guidance, coaching, mentoring, training for students & individuals. He is a successful Behavioral & Personality Transformational Coach, Career & Educational Counselor, Personality Development Trainer, Writer - Blogger & Motivating thousand of students.
He is aiding students in building future educational or career paths & help students to evaluate their abilities and interests, overcome challenges and obstacles, and develop necessary skills. He helps students to craft a long-term plan for reaching their career objectives. Conduct group workshops on a variety of topics, including writing resumes and cover letters, successful job interviewing and various career development programs.
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