10.3 Online Education:notes

10.3 Online Education:

          Online education is a type of educational instruction that is delivered via the internet to students using their home computers. ... Most of the time, online degree programs and courses are offered via the host school's online learning platform, although some are delivered using alternative technologies.

Types of Online Learning Programs

                   Students should become acquainted with these classifications early so that they can decipher which programs align with their learning preferences, career goals, and current levels of education. Here are some of the most common online options offered today.

Blended or Hybrid Programs and Courses

There is no standard definition for blended and hybrid programs. Many schools use the terms interchangeably; others use them each in very specific ways. Nonetheless, most blended or hybrid programs and courses combine varying degrees of online and classroom-based instruction. These can include:

*       Classes in which students complete coursework online and in the classroom.

*       Degree programs in which students complete some of their courses on-campus and others online.

*       Online degree programs that allow students to complete the majority of instruction online, but require them to come to campus periodically for face-to-face instruction.

Unless otherwise noted, OnlineEducation.com defines any program that requires three or more campus visits each year as a hybrid program.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

          MOOCs are online courses available in an open format, which means students need not apply to an institution to enroll. This makes MOOCs accessible to learners from a wide spectrum of age groups and circumstances, including international students. Although a limited number of MOOCs allow students to earn some type of verified certificate at a cost, most are free and award no college credit. Course content is usually delivered through provider organizations like Coursera, edX, and Udacity.

          The MOOC movement was launched by prestigious universities like Stanford and MIT. Other colleges were quick to follow suit, but the BSRG suggests interest is waning: only a small number of schools now have MOOCs and few intend to add them. The same is not necessarily true for professional training programs using this format. Udacity now emphasizes corporate MOOCs over academically-aligned courses as other career-focused providers enter the market.

Online Courses

          The NCES and BSRG report that the majority of colleges and universities now offer online courses. Some, but not all of these classes are linked to full online degrees and certificates. Universities, community colleges, and college extension programs design standalone online classes specifically for students seeking personal enrichment, focused workplace skills, and professional certifications. According to Dr. Pedersen, many colleges also offer programs that combine online and traditional coursework to provide campus-based students with a richer, more interactive learning experience.

Online Degree Programs

          Not all colleges and universities define online degree programs the same way: some let students complete their studies 100 percent online while others require some face-to-face work as well. The nature, number, and location of these visits can vary. Colleges might require online students to report to campus or approved partner institutions for practical labs, on-campus intensives, orientations, and/or exams. They might also require fieldwork or internships, depending on the subject. For example, Masters of Science in Nursing programs typically require clinical placements while Master of Social Work programs require field education. Unless otherwise noted, OnlineEducation.com uses the term “online degree program” to define programs that require no more than two campus visits per year.

Instruction Methods in Online Degree Programs

Online colleges, programs, and courses tend to use a number of different instructional methods to teach students.

Synchronous Instruction:

           Online courses taught in a synchronous format require all students to log in at scheduled times to live-stream lectures, participate in real-time discussions, and/or engage in other types of collaborative group work. Some students prefer these types of programs because they provide an immediacy and interactivity similar to classroom-based courses.

Asynchronous Instruction:

          Asynchronous courses typically allow online students to access recorded lectures and other materials on their own time so long as they meet all course deadlines. Students may also be required to participate in forum discussions and other collaborative work. This format requires more independence and self-direction than synchronous programs, but offers much more flexibility.

Self-Directed Programs:

          “Self-directed” and “self-paced” programs give online students even more learning independence by coupling asynchronous instruction with lenient course deadlines. Students can often start and complete their studies at their own pace with minimal collaboration, though they may be asked to participate in discussion boards and mentoring activities.

           These students must be organized and disciplined enough to complete their work without a traditional campus structure, but that does not necessarily mean they do not have access to support. Faculty advising, peer partnerships, and student services are just some of the ways online colleges help self-directed learners stay engaged and on track.

Cohort Programs:

          Online cohort programs place students in a defined group that advances through the curriculum together. Courses are sequential and may not be offered every semester—an important consideration for students unable to complete the program straight through.

           For programs that only have one cohort start per year, students who miss a quarter/semester may have to wait an entire year before continuing their program. When programs are completed without interruption, this structure lets students learn and collaborate with the same peers throughout their studies.

           A student’s cohort often becomes their professional network post-graduation. Cohort programs are more common at the graduate level and in disciplines that are interpersonal in nature, like teaching, counseling, and social work.

Flipped Courses:

          The term “flipped” is applied to hybrid and blended courses that deliver most content and materials online and use classroom time to address questions, complete assignments, and engage class-wide discussions. This means flipped classes are generally designed to complement campus-based studies rather than online degree programs.

On-Campus Intensives:

           Some online degree programs require students to attend a limited number of on-campus sessions, which are sometimes called on-campus intensives. These sessions may include hands-on practical experiences, orientations, seminars, capstone projects and exams, and other activities that require campus attendance.

          They may also be used to fulfill residency requirements. The duration and frequency of intensives vary by program and by school. They could be as little as one day to several days long.

Advantages of Online Learning

·        Although many people still consider traditional universities as the best way to achieve knowledge and get a diploma, online learning proves to be a great alternative.

·        Students have the chance to study in their own time and especially for free. It represents a great way to study many fields and to boost the level of self-motivation.

·        Online learning is so effective because students can finish their homework quickly, and there is more time left for hobbies or for finding a job.

·        An access to all resources of a traditional course helps participants learn wherever they are, leaving them the freedom to choose the time for study. With basically an Internet connection, a person can attend different courses. Among the advantages of online learning there are the responsibility and self-discipline of students.

Disadvantages of Online Learning

·        Only in a small group a person can develop properly. At school, students learn how to make friends, be patient, get rid of disappointment, and especially to compete.

·        Competition between colleagues can be very stimulating and students will only benefit from it. Online learning cannot offer human interaction.

·        Another disadvantage refers to the fact that online courses cannot cope with thousands of students that try to join discussions. Also, online learning can be difficult, if it is meant for disciplines that involve practice.

In conclusion, online learning should be seen as a complement and extension of classical forms of learning. Not even the best online course can fully replace the personal contact with a teacher, or the human relationships that develop in a group. So, traditional classes shouldn’t be replaced with online learning.