‘Learn to be an expert in your pyjamas!’ ‘Learn to code from the convenience of your own home!’ ‘Study on your own schedule!’
Such taglines for online learning programs have all been heard and read. During the coronavirus epidemic, the online learning routine took on a whole new meaning, and it has since become a much more familiar way of learning.
Traditional onsite learning is less flexible and convenient than online courses and degree programs. Udemy, edx, Coursera, and other online learning platforms have introduced so many additional learning dimensions into the field that it has become overwhelming. In addition, institutions have started offering online degree programmes and certificates to help students all around the world.
This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive grasp of the mechanics of online learning.
Online Learning
Online learning is a type of education in which students get online lessons via video conferencing, video recordings, online classes, or other technological means. It enables students to learn without having to physically attend a class.
During online learning, you can anticipate hearing the following types of lectures:
Students can watch pre-recorded classes at their leisure and at their own pace. Asynchronous learning is the term for this form of learning.
Students must be online at specific times to participate in live classes. Synchronous learning is the term for this form of learning.
Asynchronous and synchronous learning are combined in combination classes.
Students in online learning have access to the following learning resources:
- Journals \sQuizzes
- Interviews
- Audio/video classes that have been recorded
- Forums for discussion
- Slides for Presentations
- Q&A with the expert in real-time
Some online courses or programs may require you to purchase hard copies of textbooks; nevertheless, this practice is quickly becoming obsolete. When you enroll in an online course, you gain access to all of the course materials and learning resources.
Who should be the recipient of online learning?
People are increasingly making use of online learning programs. These learning opportunities are not limited to students enrolled in programs who are required to learn; in most cases, anyone interested in a subject area can begin learning without prior knowledge of the subject.
The following persons will benefit most from online learning:
People who live in rural areas or who are physically unable to attend classes.
Anyone from anywhere in the globe can enroll in any college or university’s online program.
Employee training sessions could be conducted using online learning courses.
What technology is required for online learning?
During online learning, a variety of technologies can be utilized. The fundamentals, however, remain the same:
A computer system that allows you to watch video lectures and study from learning resources.
A high-speed internet connection to ensure that your learning is never disrupted. Many internet service providers provide discounts all year; for example, Time Warner Internet offers high internet speeds, free antivirus protection, and other amenities at a reasonable price.
A webcam and a working microphone may be required for synchronous learning.
If you don’t have access to a computer, you may always learn online using your smartphone or another internet-connected display device such as a tablet.
How does online learning work?
There are several types of online learning, and this section of the tutorial will go over all of them:
In a chat room, students communicate with one another and with the instructor. Students can offer feedback and ask questions in these chat rooms without needing to be physically present in a classroom. Video conferencing systems allow instructors and students to communicate with one another.
These chat rooms can also be used to work on group projects. Students are encouraged to communicate project ideas through instant messaging apps, emails, and other web technologies.
Course projects and assignments are performed and submitted on the course website or as email attachments to the instructor. There are often rigorous deadlines for certain projects and assignments.
Students have access to learning resources and other reference materials via the internet.
Emails and chat rooms are available for students to resolve any misunderstandings. Teachers and students are increasingly using instant messaging technologies to communicate quickly.
Benefits of online learning
Here are a few of the most significant benefits of online learning:
- It allows you to learn at your own pace, which means you don’t have to fit your courses around your hectic schedule. Many people don’t enroll in courses because they don’t have the time, but online learning eliminates this problem.
- Because online learning is less expensive than in-class learning, students who had given up on the concept of higher education due to the expense can now resume their studies.
- Students can become much more mature as a result of online study. For online learners, time management, efficient and responsible routines, and critical thinking become second nature, allowing them to become more proficient.
- Because everything is on the internet and computers, it boosts pupils’ technological understanding. E-learning platforms such as Skype, Slack, Dropbox, and others are also used in the learning process.
Famous Online Learning Portals
While most educational institutions have begun to include online learning into their systems, there are several online learning portals that can assist you in learning any new topic. Some of the most well-known ones are listed here for your convenience:
- Udemy
- Treehouse
- Khan Academy
- Coursera
- Skillshare
- LinkedIn Learning
- edX
- Shaw Academy
The Final Thoughts
The emergence of online learning platforms is the way education will go in the future. They offer students convenient and cost-effective alternatives to traditional higher education while also offering high-quality courses delivered by highly skilled instructors. A growing number of students are opting for online education. It’s no wonder that online learning has become so popular because it’s more convenient for working adults. Online learning has numerous advantages over traditional classroom learning for high school and college students, including expanded access to educational resources and the freedom to learn at your own speed.
