About E-Learning
E-Learning is a new phenomenon incorporating technological advancement into methods of teaching. These methods vary greatly, which makes navigating the different options a necessity. Read on for more information.
Style of Delivery
The first step in the decision making process ought to include an understanding of your learning style and how it matches with a course’s style of teach.
As a basic measurement, people can be broken up into 5 learning styles:
- Reading
- Seeing
- Listening
- Doing
- Communicating/Speaking
Online Course description will give an explanation of the method for teaching. Keep in mind that the best education incorporates a mix of the 5 learning styles.
Online tools for each of the learning styles include:
- Reading-Textbooks, required readings, lecture outlines, e-books, lesson plans
- Seeing-Multimedia with graphical depictions of course material.
- Listening-Streaming recorded lectures, audio books, etc.
- Doing-Practical application, exams, quizzes, homework, research
- Communicating/Speaking-Online forums, discussion groups, messenger, video conferencing, email.
What are your goals for online learning?
Do you want to learn something for fun, or is it a necessity for your work? Are you beginning your career and can’t find a job because you don’t have a degree? Are you underemployed and want to reach your potential.
Regardless of why you are interested in online learning you must decide how much time and effort you are going to dedicate to the endeavor. Based on this, you can choose a course that meets yours needs. Whether it is a tutorial or a degree program, there is an online learning program that fits your needs. You just have to be ready to do the work.
How do you want the class to be taught?
Depending on you, there are different structures to online learning that will give you the power to choose the right style for you. If you need to be guided by a professor who gives deadlines and with a more structured class situation make sure your course has a teacher. Other classes may have final deadlines, but give a lot more freedom to the individuals when it comes to learning the curriculum. Whether you prefer structured or unstructured classes it is your responsibility to take not of this and use it to make your final decision. You will also want to ensure that there is someone you can contact for questions and comments.
Course Schedule-Open Enrollment vs. Traditional scheduling
Course are offered in a variety ways. If you are in an open-enrolled program, you can learn whenever you want, whereas a traditional scheduling online course will follow a regular class schedule in a quarter or semester format as traditional institutions.
What are the Course Outcomes?
Deciding whether you want accredited academic credit or continuing education units (CEUs) is another important consideration. Look into the program’s Accreditation status to help decide see what the course provides and then decide if you are using the credits or CEUs for further education or personal enrichment. With an understanding of the course outcomes you will be able to decide what you want to achieve.
How much support will I need?
Depending on your needs, some online courses give you the ability to access libraries, online references, technical support, and other learning resources. Some courses do not provide these services, this must be taken into account in the decision making process.
How much will it cost?
As a rule the more involved and complex the course, the more expensive. Courses can cost $10, $300, or more, depending on your interests and budget. Comprehensive courses or degree programs can cost over $1,000. All of these options are good value for someone with those needs. You need to think about your individual needs and how much you are willing to pay to make the right decision. Perhaps a free tutorial will give you the best value, or maybe it’s a fully recognized degree, regardless, you will tuition proportional to what you are expected to get out of it. With all of the other considerations in mind, cost must be the bottom line.
It might be a good idea to demo the online learning methods before paying for them to ensure that you will get the best value.
Choosing an Online Learning Program
Choosing the right Online Learning Program for you is the most important step in the process. Consulting our “Choosing the Right Online Learning Program” guidebook and using the Online Learning Powerseach will help you through the process. Online learning requires time management and discipline, finding the right program fitting your time and dedication needs is the first step.
Accreditation Matters
If a program is not accredited by an accrediting institution, whatever degree or certification you receive from the school or program could not be recognized and would be wasted effort.
