E-learning or online education connotes three things: it is a form of distance education, a computer-based training, and an online method of learning. These are all overlapping terms connected to each other. E-learning certainly exemplifies the evolving use of technology in education. Distance learning information is disseminated accordingly to prospective online students. The idea of taking a degree online is favoured by a lot of students nowadays.
Categories of online degrees are available based on subjects, level of education and also depending on the college one prefers.
The online education interaction can take place on many levels. It is carried out with the use of computer-aided instructions similar to what is used inside traditional schools and learning institutions. Synchronous and asynchronous classes are also conducted for online students.
The Different Technologies and Materials of E-learning
There are many sources available for e-learning such as follows:
Textbooks
Just like the conventional education methods, a variety of materials can also be used. Textbooks and study guides are given out in an electronic format. These learning materials usually come in PDF forms and are sent out to online students for their future reference.
Audio and Video Files
Audio files are also widely used. These files can come streamed or can be downloaded over the Internet. It can also be distributed in CD forms or mp3 files that are supposed to be played several times until students fully understand the lesson. The same is also true for resume format and for videos. Video files can also be streamed or downloaded so it can be viewed multiple times or whenever needed. DVD’s are the most usual formats that the video files use.
Asynchronous online classes
Asynchronous online classes mean classes are conducted through email correspondence, forums, and newsgroups. These tools are all important aspects of long distance learning. All these are widely utilized by all online universities.
Synchronous online learning classes
Synchronous online learning, on the other hand, is conducted with the use of chat rooms, whiteboards, French course France and teleconferencing. These online methods give students the chance to interact with their virtual classmates as well as their mentors.
The use of these tools shows the big impact of technology on education. Online education surely won’t be successful as it is now if it wasn’t for the technological explosion that is being experienced today.
But long distance learning has its own advantages and disadvantages. To understand it better, read on: