Exploring the world of online education!

Online Education or learning over the Internet is going to be so big that it is going to make e-mail look like a rounding error. As more individuals become connected, the Internet will penetrate deeper into our daily activities, including the way we learn. The Internet has the ability to level the learning playing field. Online learning is indeed a revolution in the education field. Knitting through world, making it a smaller place, the gap between distance and classroom based learning is abridged via this mode. One can study the course of his/her choice offered by universities across the world from within the comforts of his/her home. Whether it is a school student seeking guidance on any question or a grownup aspiring to take up MBA program, online learning serves everyone irrespective of age, class etc.

What precisely is Online Education?

Online education chiefly deals with Web-based Learning. It constitutes just one part of technology-based learning and describes learning via

• Internet
• Intranet
• Extranet

Online learning incorporates assorted levels of sophistication.

A basic online learning program embraces:

• Text
• Graphics of the course
• Testing
• Exercises
• Record keeping such as test scores and bookmarks

A sophisticated online learning program includes:

• Animations
• Audio sequences
• Video sequences
• Online mentoring
• Peer and expert discussion groups
• Simulations
• Communications with corporate education records

Attributes of Online Education:
The students now don't have to soak themselves in the heavy text books and question banks. Online education has varied attributes such as:

• Self-learning material
• Dynamic web portal
• Learning management system
• Computer based tutorial
• Online admission facility
• Online on-demand examination

Online Education: A Boon!

Education online acts as a blessing for students who are not able to complete their studies on regular basis due to lack of time, finance or distant location from colleges or universities. It not only opens endless avenues for education seekers but also provides the opportunity to study at one's own will. Online programs offer flexibility and support to accommodate the diverse needs of students through provision of online studies and exams. Erasing the barriers of age and place, the system infuses within its pupils a spirit to achieve excellence. Not only can one study at his pace but can also interact with hundreds of students across the world.

With many online universities now being accredited, the degrees offered by these universities are recognized worldwide. So, if you are looking for better prospects, without quitting the job, this may be the way to go!

Negative Aspects of Online Learning:

Flexibility and convenience are the major attractions of online programs. But hang on! What about the program credibility? Despite the fact that there are ample of credible online programs available, one must chose a standard online program. If you enroll for a program which is not approved by some regulatory body then you might be endangering your future prospects. Moreover, this system entails the opportunity of direct interaction with teachers. Also, there is no scope of extra-curricular activities as in the case of regular programs.

Like a coin has got two sides, every scheme has got both positive and negative aspects. But the advantages of online learning outshine its drawbacks.

Online Learning is redefining the way people study.

Source: Latika Leekha (Shiksha Team)