Diverse Modes Of Online Education

By Author: samantha desouza
Total Articles: 86
Comment this article

Till recently, online learning was thought to be ideal only for the professionals. They are snowed under heavy workloads and therefore hardly get time to pursue regular courses. So online education is the only way to embellish their resumes. But with the passage of time, such misconceived notion has been replaced with more open acceptance and warm welcome. Nowadays the students are also flocking to the online universities for advanced studies. This changed perception has established online education as an amazing alternative to conventional education.

Online learning involves several methodologies and approaches. Those who are intent on joining an online education program, should have a good hang of all the available modes of online studies. Having familiarity with all the methods helps a learner choose the best mode that suits his/her needs.

The widely known and most popular mode of online education is synchronous method of learning. This option provides the students with the facility of instant communication. The innovative method of interaction helps the students keep in touch with ...
... the professors as well as other fellow students too. This online learning methodology sets up a virtual classroom with help of chatting, audio and video conferencing etc. The synchronous online education mode benefits the students as they have simultaneous access to information.

The main objective of this online education methodology is creating a learning ambiance that is more like the traditional classroom-based teaching, the only difference is the students do not have to attend a brick and mortar institute. The most advantageous feature of such method is active communication among the learners and teachers. Moreover, this unique mode of live education has also formed a learning community that is expanding by leaps and bounds with the surge in the number of the online students. The only disadvantage of this online education mode is that the students have no option but to follow the pre-set schedule.

The other alternative mode of online learning is commonly known as store and forward education. It is also referred to as asynchronous mode of learning. The feature of instant communication is missing in this online education method. Mail exchange is the only mode of communication. A student can also interact with his teachers or other students by posting messages on the online bulletin boards. This mode offers more flexibility to the students as schedule and timing can be tailor-made in tune with an individual's convenience. Now this mode of learning is not without flaws. This method offers a self-study type of program. Therefore, the students require discipline, diligence and dedication to complete their studies. But in reality, the students often lack this quality and develop a lackadaisical approach to education. The working adults, ambitious to earn an online MBA degree, often choose the asynchronous mode of learning due to greater convenience.

There is another mode of online education that combines the features of both the synchronous and asynchronous mode of learning. Now, you have gained idea about all the online learning modes, it will be easy for you to select the right methodology in accordance with your needs.