There were many myths and misconceived notions about online education
until recent past. Some people believed that online learning is a good
option only for students who have a good track record. It was also
believed that only those students having access to computers and modern
means of communication would benefit from online education. However,
with time such notions are giving way to an open acceptance where people
have started accepting online education as a viable alterative for
conventional education.
Not all online education options have a
similar methodology and approach. There are various modes of online
education available and it would be better if you have an understanding
of different methodologies in use by online education providers so that
you can select the course with the methodology that suits you the best.
Here we are discussing the learning methodologies for online education:
Online Education Methodologies- Different Options
Live:
This methodology is also known as synchronous mode of learning. In this
mode of online education, there is instant communication between the
students and teachers and at times even among different students. Herein
all the participants get access to information simultaneously. Virtual
classroom using the facility of video or audio conferencing and
real-time chat are some examples of this mode of online education.
This
learning methodology has its advantages and disadvantages. This mode is
more akin to the conventional education except for the fact that the
students don't have to travel to the classrooms. The biggest advantage
of synchronous method of online education is that it allows instant
feedback for the student's performance and allows active interaction
among the students and teachers. Thus the students can get the training
and education that is tailored suit their needs. Moreover, live
education also facilitates the setting up of learning communities and
groups for a better interaction among the learners.
This method has the disadvantage that the students cannot plan their schedule and they are bound by the pre-set schedule.
Asynchronous:
Asynchronous mode of online education is popularly termed as store and
forward education. In this method, the communication between the student
and teacher is not instant. Self-paced courses are the examples of
asynchronous online education where the students communicate with the
teachers and amongst themselves by exchanging emails and posting
messages on online bulletin boards and discussing groups. This is the
more popular mode of online education because it offers more convenience
and flexibility to the students and they can decide the pace and
schedule for their education and training.
Despite of the
advantages, this mode of online education has its disadvantages too. The
students in this mode of learning, lack discipline and motivation and
generally tend to develop a lackluster attitude towards education.
The
mixed mode of learning in online education combines the advantages of
both the modes and it is a combination of personal lectures or
face-to-face interaction learning through online activities.
