The technological advances that have helped distance learning evolve over the years are a major reason for its success. The Internet and videoconferencing changed the way that distance learning works. These technologies enabled students to receive courses remotely and provided a flexible, affordable option. Apart from teleconferencing and self-paced programmes, other types of distance learning are also possible.
The Internet revolutionized distance-learning
The internet and personal computers changed the landscape for distance education. For example, University of Phoenix was first college to offer all of its courses online. This institution offered both graduate as well undergraduate degrees. Other institutions, such as CALcampus began to offer online-only degrees. Open University's first online summer school was established in 1990. Regent University introduced an online Ph.D. programme in communication in 1995. Since then, distance learning has evolved into many forms.
The U.S. started to offer long-distance communication in the mid-1990s. Postal Service began introducing reliable long-distance correspondence, which led to the establishment of commercial correspondence colleges. It was also used to send out instructional material. Distance education has become a more sophisticated program with the advent of the Internet. Today, elite institutions offer classes and degrees online.
Distance learning is possible through video conferencing
Video conferencing was first developed in the late 1800s. People wanted to be connected to each other immediately after the inventions of the telephone. It was not a mature technology at the time. Bell Labs and AT&T were the pioneers in the development of the technology.
There are many benefits to video conferencing. However, they are especially useful for education. It is possible to host teacher conferences via the Internet. This eliminates the need for teachers traveling and wasting valuable teaching time.
Continuous enrollment is possible with self-paced programs
Self-paced programmes allow students to complete courses at their own pace, which makes them a great option for people who want to take classes on the go. They offer a variety of benefits, such as flexible scheduling, flexible deadlines, and greater individualization. These programs are highly effective in helping those who already have a good knowledge of a topic to finish their studies faster.
Online courses that are self-paced can be flexible. They allow students to set their own schedules and not be restricted by a schedule. This is particularly helpful for students who are currently serving in the armed forces, but want to fulfill their active duty obligations while pursuing a college degree. Students with children, unpredictable work schedules, or other personal responsibilities can also benefit from self-paced courses. They can log in whenever they'd like and enroll at any time.
Cost-effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness analysis for distance education is difficult in many ways. Comparative data is an issue that many institutions face. Because these institutions don't have access to their own data it can be difficult to compare the costs of different systems. Distance education programs often have different structures and media use than traditional education. Moreover, the age and educational background of the students can also vary significantly. Therefore, simple comparisons of unit costs can lead to misguided policy decisions.
There are many ways to improve cost effectiveness analysis. First, it is important to define the goals. Once the goals have been established, it is possible to compare the cost of alternative options. The next step in the process is to determine the cost-effectiveness of each alternative by taking into consideration costs of implementation and organizational transformation.
Problems with assessment
The ideal assessment should measure student learning and not only test contents. It would also be more authentic, more motivating, and more useful than conventional tests. It was designed to assess students' ability to manage complex tasks and refine products, not just their knowledge of a subject.
The research team conducted two phases: a cross-sectional survey involving academic staff and students, and a focus group discussion with academic staff. Both phases examined student and academic staff perspectives regarding current challenges and areas of improvement. Students and academic staff from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman university, a female-only university, participated in the study.
FAQ
Why do many prefer taking eLearning courses?
They do this because they are easy. Firstly, they offer flexibility. You don't need to attend classes at the same time and place. Furthermore, it is possible to learn online. These courses allow you to learn with no distractions. They are also economical.
What does eLearning require?
E-learning requires a lot of time and effort. E-learning also requires an understanding about how people learn. The learning experience should focus on what learners are looking to accomplish.
It must be relevant and interesting. Visual aids should include images, videos and animations.
Engaging and enjoyable e-learning should be possible. It should be focused on student motivation. This includes giving feedback and encouraging learners who work hard to achieve their goals.
How much multimedia can an eLearning course include?
It all depends on your goals. If you are looking for a quick way to deliver information, then less is probably better. If you're looking to deliver training that helps people do something, however, more might be better.
The most important thing is to know what your goals are for your eLearning courses. It is also important to know what learners want from your course. This will help you ensure you have sufficient content to meet your goals.
Here's an example:
You should include many examples of text documents to help people learn how to use Microsoft Word. On the other hand, if you want to teach people how to use Excel, then you would need to show them many different types of spreadsheets.
You also need to consider whether you want to use video or images to illustrate concepts.
Video is great to show people how it works, but not so much for explaining complex topics. It can also be expensive to produce. Images are cheaper to produce, but they don't convey the same level of emotion as a video.
So, the bottom line is this - you need to think carefully about what you want to achieve before designing your eLearning course.
Statistics
- However, e-learning courses that are engaging, well-designed, and interesting are likely to be perceived as useful by e-learners (Roca & Gagné, 2008). (sciencedirect.com)
- Hedonism incorporates intrinsic motivation, including novelty, challenge, excitement, and pleasure (Schwartz et al., 2012), which is likely to predict user perception of e-learning enjoyment. (sciencedirect.com)
- India's PC market clocks 9.2% growth to 3.4 million units in the September quarter (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
- E-learning is intended to enhance individual-level performance, and therefore intend to use of e-learning should be predicted by a learner's preference for self-enhancement (Veiga, Floyd, & Dechant, 2001). (sciencedirect.com)
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How To
What has happened to e-learning since its initial introduction?
In the 1980s, the first e-learning courses appeared. They were made to aid adults with computer skills. E-learning has advanced significantly over the years. Today, there is a wide variety of eLearning options. These include:
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Computer-Based Training - Computer-based Training (CBT), is usually short. It involves the use of computers to transmit information.
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On-Demand training (ODT): ODT is similar and only offered when required.
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Self Study – Self-study can be described as an e-learning option that allows individuals to learn on their own and without any guidance.
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Web-Based Training - WBT (Web-Based Training) is an eLearning option that allows students to do their learning online. Although the tutor can't see what students do, they can track their progress through this system.
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Video Lecture - Video lectures are recorded presentations viewed on a screen or TV.
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Online Tutorials - Online tutorials are web pages that provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform certain tasks.
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Interactive Whiteboard - An interactive whiteboard is like a normal whiteboard except that it has touch-sensitive areas which allow users to interact directly with the image displayed on the board.
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Simulations – Simulations are computer-based games where role-playing is encouraged. Students can play out scenarios that could occur during their workday.
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Games - Games can be computer-based activities that are designed to help with problem-solving.
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Collaborative Education - This type of elearning encourages students and groups to work together.
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Problem Solving - This type of elearning aims to improve critical thinking skills.
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Virtual Environments – A virtual environment is a 3D representation or real-world object. This would be a 3-D model of a building.
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Social Networking: This is the process of connecting with others over the internet.
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Mobile Learning - This type of eLearning is done while on the move.