Online education is a "branch" of a broader
term; DISTANCE EDUCATION. Distance education is learning when the
learner and teacher are separated by time and/or space. This can occur
using a variety of instructional methods: Print-based, Media-based,
Computer-based (or online), and blended.
Computer-based (online) instruction uses computer technology to deliver
the content of the course, facilitate student interactions and
assignments. This type of instruction is different from the print-based
or media-based course. This allows for interactions between all of the
students in the class and the instructor. The instructor will guide or
facilitate the course and the students will be active participants. The
teaching-learning relationship here is shared between the instructor and
the students. For those who are new to online instruction; there are
many components that need to be defined to have an understanding of how Online education works.
First, there are many types of course management systems (online
delivery systems) that educational providers utilize. Some of the more
common ones include WebCT, BlackBoard, eCollege, and WebMentor; but
there are still many others that are available and some that are
currently being developed. Although they have their individual
differences, some of the general featurs need to be explained.
You would enter the applicable course management system
utilizing a UserID and a password provided to yo when you enroll or
register for the course. Once you enter your ID and password - you will
have entered the course management system and now you will have access
to your course. The entire course would be found here (with the
exception of books which are usually purchased and sent to you using the
educational facilities protocol). You will find the course syllabus,
reading assignments, written assignments and due dates, grading
requirements, and anything else that you would need to meet the course
expectations.
Always look for the "Course Syllabus" first and print it out
immediately. The course syllabus is essentially a "contract" between the
instructor and student. In the course syllabus, you will find what the
course will explore, contact information for the instructor and what you
as the learner will need to do. Grading requirements, explanations of
assignments and their due dates, policy of accepting late assignments,
and specific policies of the college on such topics as plagiarism,
academic honesty, confidentiality, and ADA (American Diasabilities Act)
Accommodations are other informational areas contained in the course
syllabus. Keep this detailed document somewhere close at hand so that
you can refer to it from time to time. You will not remember everything
on the course syllabus so will need to refer back to it to obtain the
information you need throughout the course.
There is usually some type of "Announcement" area. Always check this
area daily. Here your instructor or educational institution may post
very important topics or changes that might very well affect your course
of study. Your instructor may "announce" reminders about assignments,
changes in reading assignments, or clarifications or essentials about a
particular assignment or project. Your educational institution may also
"announce" important information regarding policies on course
registrations, withdrawals, and events. The course management system may
also post important information here. Periodically, the system may not
be available during certain days and times for technical system reviews.
They will usually give you advance notice so that you can plan
accordingly. Like with every computer system, sometimes the big systems
have technical difficulties as well. Rarely, the system will go down and
you will not have to the course - but remember, during this time, no
one can access the course including your instructor.
Online education is more chosen by people who are working and have other commitments such as family. MGU Shillong provides online education for various UGC recognized degrees and diplomas.
Author bio:
Keerti Singh is an educator and teaches english and computer science to
school students. She also helps students in taking up courses of their
choice at various levels of their education.For more info logon to http://www.mgu.edu.in