Online Learning
The effectiveness of any educational system is achieved only when its education process results in true learning in the individuals and as a result leads to human resource development in its true sense. In the 21st Century, a teacher is not the only source of knowledge or information because of globalization. The advances in technology are changing the whole nature and philosophy of education and by this it is forcing us to get reformed thoroughly.
With the emergence of World Wide Web (WWW), the world of teaching and learning has adopted it as one of its main innovations. However, in spite of extensive use of the web in education, a variety of terminologies are used to depict this new field of knowledge. Most of the advanced countries have already adapted these kinds of learning methods. Some of the terms mostly used interchangeably are as follows:
Web - based instruction
It is a “hypermedia based instructional program which utilizes the attributes and resources of the World Wide Web to create a meaningful learning environment where learning is fostered and supported”.
Virtual learning
The educational process of learning over the Internet without having face - to - face contact is known as virtual learning.
E-learning
“The term e-learning covers a wide set of applications and processes including computer - based learning, web - based learning, virtual classroom and digital collaboration”.
Online learning
It is synonymous with web - based learning where learning is fostered via the WWW only, in an Internet or intranet. Mishra (2001) calls it as the new generation in the evolutionary growth of open, flexible and distance learning.
Components of Online Learning
1. Content delivery methods
Contents of traditional learning system are mostly based on text. But as in the case of online learning content, audio or video materials may accompany texts. There are three methods of online learning process.
a) Live broadcasting:
It is like live television broadcasting. Unlike television broadcasting, online learning can be a two - way system that allows participants to take tests, ask questions, or respond to questionnaires.
b) Video on demand (VOD) :
This technology is being introduced via cable television (CATV) systems. A large number of learners can access video content whenever they like. As with live broadcasting, it can function as a two - way system.
c) Interactive communications:
Interactive online learning system takes advantage of two - way capabilities of the technology. (Instructor and learner in separate locations interact by using shared files like a blackboard)
2. Authoring tools
Authoring tools are software products to create content.
Ø Software to convert documents, image and charts created on word processors, spreadsheets and presentation software into online learning content.
Ø Software designed to synchronize audio and video materials worth presentation content; authoring tools also are used to incorporate learning management function that allows the process and performance of learner to be monitored.
3. Learning management systems
Ever since the CAI era, the most important component of online line learning system has been the Learning Management System (LMS). This system allows learners, managers and operators to check and assess individual progress and performance.
Resources of Online Learning
The electronic journals are through CMC (computer mediated communication) networks. They are increasingly important resources for information and learning. Additional online resources for educational use include international networks, database, library catalogues, computer conferencing and electronic mail.
Learning methods
(a) Online teaching:
The instruction happens between the teacher who is the domain expert and the students. The methods of choice are instructor-centered, such as online lectures, online symposium, or teacher-oriented dialogue. The teacher has an active role and learners are guided and receive precise instruction as to what they are to learn. During this learning process, prepared knowledge and thinking schema are imparted.
(b) Online tutorials:
The interaction takes place between students and a learning system. Feedback is given by the system implemented in the program. Guided tutorials and drill and practice systems are more teachers/system-oriented enabling a low degree of flexibility for the learners. Hypermedia and simulation systems provide a higher degree of flexibility and are more learner-centered.
(c) Online assignments:
The instruction happens between students and tutors communicating via an Internet-based learning platform.
(d) Online discussion:
The focus is upon group learning and interaction among learners; work in group leads to critical reflection and can thus contribute to the building and maintenance of values.
(e) Online seminars:
Papers may be presented online followed by discussions.
(f) Project work:
May easily be conducted and guidance be provided through online supervision.
Preparation of Online Learning Program:
We can now use the widely available global Internet to design and implement online learning.
Ø Floor control to allow classroom coordination and content synchronization for both instructor-led and student-centered learning.
Ø Compatibility with industry standard authoring tools for multimedia courseware including audio and video clips, animation and simulation exercises.
Ø Question and answer tools to verity content retention.
Ø Shared white boards to add spontaneous material to courseware.
Ø Text chats for group communication.
Ø Course administration tools for scheduling, registration, and resource management.
Ø Flexible delivery modes to accommodate a variety of infrastructure, such as local and wide area networks, and Internet.
(The most important characteristics of the contemporary online learning environments are the availability of virtual places; auditoriums, workshop rooms, cafes, libraries, etc. where students from different locations can meet, interact and work together, as if they were face to face.)
Advantages of Online Learning:
§ Meets the needs of the individual learners.
§ There could be round the clock access to learning.
§ From an educational standpoint, learners have wider choice what, when, and how to learn.
§ Access to educational resources from outside the institution on a global and instant basis.
§ Increased and flexible interaction with student through e-mail and discussion forums.
§ Opportunities for international cross-cultural and collaborative learning.
§ Ability to serve a large number of students at a potentially reduced cost.
§ Spreads education to remote places, maximum reach to remote learners.
§ Location and time independent delivery of course materials such as course notes, diagrams, reading list, etc.
§ Enabling to combine text. Graphics and a limited amounted of multimedia, enabling instructional designers to prepare quality-learning material.
§ Interactive and dynamic learning experience through online assessment tools, simulations and animated learning objects.
§ Makes learning highly individualized and self-dependent.
Conclusion
The online learning method will definitely help teachers in harnessing technology to make teaching-learning program more effective. Every learner should not only be a computer literate but also develop competencies in the effective usage of computers and all the technologies that are related to learning. Age-old method of chalk and talk in classroom should be dead and gone. The younger generation should be able to face all newer life situations on earth or any other planet so as to be proudly called men of universe. This should be our life’s vision.
“Education builds a man;
In turn man builds a nation.”
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