Features of Online Learning
"Good teaching is good teaching, no matter how it's done."
The old adage still rings true, and online learning
brings with it new dimensions in education. Some of the unique features
of online learning are listed below.
Features
- Learning is self-paced and gives students a chance
to speed up or slow down as necessary
- Learning is self-directed, allowing students to choose
content and tools appropriate to their differing interests, needs, and
skill levels
- Accommodates multiple learning styles using a variety
of delivery methods geared to different learners; more effective for
certain learners
- Designed around the learner
- Geographical barriers are eliminated, opening up broader
education options
- 24/7 accessibility makes scheduling easy and allows
a greater number of people to attend classes
- On-demand access means learning can happen precisely
when needed
- Travel time and associated costs (parking, fuel, vehicle
maintenance) are reduced or eliminated
- Overall student costs are frequently less (tuition,
residence, food, child care)
- Potentially lower costs for companies needing training,
and for the providers
- Fosters greater student interaction and collaboration
- Fosters greater student/instructor contact
- Enhances computer and Internet skills
- Draws upon hundreds of years of established pedagogical
principles
- Has the attention of every major university in the
world, most with their own online degrees, certificates, and individual
courses
Benefits of e-Courses
There are many significant advantages for the student who
learns online. Here are just a few to consider:
Convenience and Portability
- Courses are accessible on your schedule
- Online learning does not require physical attendance
- Learning is self-paced (not too slow, not too fast)
- You're unbound by time—courses are available
24/7
- You're unbound by place—study at home, work,
or on the road
- Read materials online or download them for reading
later
Cost and Selection
- Choose from a wide range of courses to meet your needs
- Degree, Vocational, and Certificate programs
- Continuing Education
- Individual courses
- Wide range of prices to fit your budget
Flexibility
- Online learning accommodates your preferences and
needs—it's student-centered
- Choose instructor-led or self-study courses
- Skip over material you already know and focus on topics
you'd like to learn
- Use the tools best suited to your learning styles
Higher Retention
- Online learning will draw you to topics you like and
enjoy. Studies show that because of this and the variety of delivery
methods used to reach different types of learners, retention is frequently
better than in a traditional classroom.
Greater Collaboration
- Technology tools make collaboration among students
much easier. Since many projects involve collaborative learning, the
online environment is far easier (and often more comfortable) to work
in since learners don't have to be face-to-face.
Global Opportunities
- The global learning community is at your fingertips
with online learning. The technologies used give online instructional
designers the ability to build in tools that take you to resources you
may never see in a traditional classroom.
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