Online educatoin refers to computer-based training. Online educatoin is usually delivered via a personal computer. This includes online lectures, tutorials, performance support systems, simulations, job aids, games, and more. Effective online educatoin often involves several methods.
Online educatoin, therefore, is an approach to facilitate learning through both computer and communications technology. Communications technology enables the use of the Internet, email, discussion forums, collaborative software, classroom management software and team learning systems.
Online educatoin may also be used to suit distance learning. Courses can be tailored to specific needs. Where learning occurs exclusively online, this is called online educatoin. When learning is distributed to mobile devices such as cell phones or PDAs, it is called M-learning.
Online educatoin is effective and efficient learning, due to its ease of access and the pace being determined by the learner. Other people point out that e-learning software developers tend to limit their focus on delivery and content, while online educatoin institutions require a much wider range of educatoinal services.
Some individuals are critical of e-learning, because the face-to-face human interaction with a teacher has been removed. They argue the process is no longer "educational." However, these human interactions can be encouraged through web-conferencing programs.
Hybrid solutions, know as "blended learning" are sometimes available. These solutions combine distance learning and human interaction.
The number of students taking advantage of online education continues to grow. Some estimates indicate that nearly 3 million students are taking online classes this year. This rate continues to grow at approximately 25 percent per year. This growth is due in part to the fact that online education is more convenient, particularly for people who work full time or have families. The costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes.
An ever increasing number of universities, as well as online-only colleges, have begun to offer a select set of academic degree and certificate programs via the Internet. These online educatoin programs range from Associate's degrees to Doctoral programs. While some programs require students to attend campus classes, many are delivered completely online. In addition, several universities offer educatoinal online student support services.
While not required, it is highly recommended that students interested in online educatoin have access to a high speed internet connection.