Distance Education, also known as online education, is a form of study that enables students to receive a degree without being physically present at a physical school. Through distance and time differences, a student receives an education from an online school. Distance Education offers the flexibility of a traditional classroom, but with the added benefit of student interaction. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of distance education and the types of courses available.
Synchronous courses meet in a virtual classroom setting
A synchronous course meets in a virtual classroom setting, just like a traditional college class. Students and teachers are all present at the same time, but all learn at different paces. In fact, U.S. News & World Report refers to synchronous courses as “live” classes. While synchronous courses may be less formal, students are expected to attend class on time and to log into a virtual learning platform on time. In addition to lectures, synchronous courses may also have group discussions, polling, and presentations.
The best way to conduct synchronous meetings is to let students choose whether or not they wish to muffle their cameras, so that they don’t disturb others. Some teachers, however, may insist on students keeping their cameras on at all times, which can be disconcerting. Students may also not want to be interrupted by the instructor hearing background noise, so they should be allowed to muffle their cameras.
Open-schedule online courses add flexibility
Online courses are becoming more popular, but they still pose some challenges. One problem is that many courses require students to download plug-ins or sign up for third-party services in order to use them. Not only does this process complicate the learning process, it can also lead to frustration and wasted time. To avoid this problem, consider an online course that uses universally supported technologies. This method allows students to complete assignments and other course work when they have the time.
When choosing an online course, consider the benefits and drawbacks of each. Depending on your personal preferences, open-schedule courses offer the most flexibility. In addition, blended learning is another option, offering face-to-face instruction with the conveniences of DE. Open-schedule online courses provide a more convenient learning experience for many students. A blended learning program offers students the best of both worlds: the convenience of DE and the familiarity of face-to-face education.
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Hybrid courses allow student interaction
Hybrid courses combine the flexibility of a traditional classroom setting with the ease of doing coursework from home. However, there are some considerations to take into account before you start planning your hybrid course. The syllabus and course flow should clearly state how the two modes of instruction will work together. Make sure to specify the exact format for the assignments and set expectations for both types of learning. Establish long and short-term goals for each method.
In a hybrid course, a face-to-face meeting takes place before the online portion of the course. Faculty can decide how to best deliver lectures to a hybrid student body. This allows them to make use of previously recorded content, including discussion forums, discussions, and problem-solving activities. Students can also choose to combine face-to-face meetings with online lectures to provide richer interactions. Hybrid courses can be designed to work seamlessly with both methods of education, while leveraging the unique strengths of each. For instance, face-to-face learning is suited to problem-solving, while online courses are better suited for drill and discussions.
