Review: Online Learning

Definitions of Online Learning

• Online learning is distance education that is made available through an internet connection. Due to this mode of delivery, online learning can be made accessible worldwide [1].
• Online learning is any form of learning conducted partly or wholly over the Internet [2].
• Online learning means that your educational tool is based on (and accessible from) the Internet. Online learning programs are anytime / anywhere tools, which also means learning from home [3].

Categories and types of Online Learning

• Three categories or type of online learning according to [4] are;
  • Asynchronous Online Courses
    • These types of course offerings do not take place in “real–time. Students are provided with content and assignments and are given a time frame to complete course work and exams. Interaction usually takes place through discussion boards, blogs and wikis. As a result, there is no class meeting time.
    • Asynchronous online learning environments are effective for students with time constraints or busy schedules.
  • Synchronous Online Courses
    • These types of course offerings require the instructor and all enrolled students to interact online simultaneously. Similar in some ways to a webinar, participants interact through text, video or audio chat. Synchronous learning environments enable students to participate in a course from a distance in real time.
  • Hybrid Courses
    • Hybrid courses, also known as blended courses, are learning environments that allow for both in–person and online interaction. Typically, hybrid courses meet in person several times during a semester and provide for computer–based communication in between those face to face sessions.

Common Characteristic of Online Learning

10 common characteristics of successfully online learning;

1. Tailors Content To The Target Audience
2. Leverages A Microlearning Approach
3. Offers Easy Access
4. Delivers Content In A Sleek And Modern User Interface (UI)
5. Offers Content That Is Practical And Actionable
6. Integrates Multimedia
7. Assesses Learners In A Meaningful Way
8. Promotes A Sense Of Community
9. Collects Learner Feedback
10. Prioritizes Flexibility

Online Learning consideration

• According to studies conducted [6] and [7], three main variables affect the effectiveness of online delivery:
  • 1.Technology;
  • 2.Instructor characteristics; and
  • 3.Student characteristics

• Factors findings:
  • Ease of access and navigation. Which the students can access the site and the usability of the software in general
  • Interface. Visual structure and design of the Internet course
  • Interaction. Interactive abilities of the course, between all students and the instructor
  • Attitudes towards students. Relate to the instructor’s personal approach and teaching manner, and their ability to motivate the students
  • Instructor technical competence. The instructor’s ability to use and promote the Internet technology effectively.
  • Classroom interaction. The instructor’s ability to encourage students to interact and participate in class and through the Internet.

Conclusion

• Online learning key component is the internet connectivity.
• ID for an online learning content, must consider the capabilities features provided by the online learning platforms as well as the technicality readiness and availability.
• Nature of online learning which enable content been accessed almost at any places, open the potential and trend for Massively Open Online Course (MOOC).

Reference:

[1] Defining online learning. University of Liverpool. https://www.online.liverpool.ac.uk/resource/defining-online-learning
[2] Online learning for beginners: 1. What is online learning? https://www.tonybates.ca/2016/07/15/online-learning-for-beginners-1-what-is-online-learning/
[3] What’s the Difference between Online Learning and Distance Learning? Sarah Layton on August 24th, 2017. https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/2013/09/difference-between-online-learning-and-distance-learning
[4] Types of Online Learning. Fordham University, US. https://www.fordham.edu/info/24884/online_learning/7897/types_of_online_learning/1
[5] How To Identify A Top Online Training Center. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/top-online-training-center-10-characteristics
[6] Dillon, C.L. and Gunawardena, C.N. (1995), “A framework for the evaluation of telecommunications-based distance education”, in Stewart, D. (Ed.), Selected Papers from the 17th Congress of the International Council for Distance Education, Vol. 2, Open University, Milton Keynes, pp. 348-51.
[7] Leidner, D.E. and Jarvenpaa, S.L. (1993), “The information age confronts education: case studies on electronic classroom”, Information Systems Research, No. 4, pp. 24-54.
[8] Critical success factors in online education. Thierry Volery, Deborah Lord. International Journal of Educational Management. https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/09513540010344731

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