Online Learning – An Introduction to the Future of Education

Education systems have drastically changed during 2020 as it was imperative to keep teachers and students safe. The meaning of this new-age education is getting broader by the day, and people are starting to understand its significance. It is engaging, flexible, and, most importantly, fun. Do you want to verse yourself with the intricacies and advantages of online learning? Read on to find out all about its meaning, the different methods, and platforms.

What is Online Learning

This type of learning is a form of education over the internet and in a remote setting. You get to indulge in an education method in an entirely virtual environment. Even though its adoption was rapid during the pandemic, this learning method predates the virus. 
It was first introduced when the internet came into existence. Online education was a distance learning method among higher education students. 
Today, it enables students to learn, irrespective of geography. You could engage with any institution or look for academic e-learning opportunities. Indeed, online learning allow students to learn at their own pace and flexibility. This internet-based learning environment connects diverse backgrounds and brings together different perspectives.

Why Online Learning

This type of learning has radically transformed how education works in various countries. Indeed, online education parallels the rise in technology and the internet. 

Ever since the pandemic hit, we have entered an era that revolutionized education. Here are some of the unique benefits of utilizing online learning platforms. These benefits work wonders for both the student and the teachers. 

• Self-paced learning opportunity with optimal flexibility 
• Better, enhanced, and structured time management 
• Demonstrated increase in self-motivation 
• Improvement in collaborative approaches and virtual communication 
• Wider accessibility that is global and broader than traditional learning 
• Refinement of critical-thinking skills and knowledge of new technical skills
• Cost-effective

Virtual learning is helping students and teachers worldwide.

Related Article:

Online vs Offline Degrees: Which one is better?

What are the Multiple Ways for Online Education 

Here are some of the main ways:

Asynchronous Online Courses 

These self-paced programs allow you to access downloadable and pre-recorded materials 24x7. It is time-independent, where student-teacher interactions transcend virtual hours. 

Besides, these online courses include online conversations that enhance the communication between students. You could even access them anywhere, making it an on-the-go and flexible learning environment. 

Usages: College, corporate, university, and K-12 learning or training programs. 

Synchronous Online Courses 

Usually, these courses have a real-time or live aspect involved. It means that you will need to enter a virtual classroom to access the learning materials. An educator will be present at this conference and teach you everything “live.” 

You need to enter the learning medium at a set date or time given by the teacher. Once every class student is present, you will get lectures, demonstrations, and other planned activities. 

Usages: College, university, and K-12 learning. 

Computer Managed Learning (CML)

Also known as Computer Managed Instruction (CMI), CML is a way to utilize computing power to manage the learning process. It is a technologically advanced learning system that can be accessed through an information database. 

Such a database will house information that you should learn parallel to the ranking parameters. Due to this numbering system, the computer categorizes you as an individual based on your preferences. In turn, it results in a “two-way communication” stream between the computer and you. 

Finally, it could help you reach your goals and achieve your determinations until satisfied. Not only does it aid in management, but it also enables access to curriculum, lecture, and enrolment data. 

Usages: Various educational institutions use this form of online learning. 

E-Learning 

Asynchronous and e-learning have many similarities. Yet, e-learning has a broader meaning to it due to the different types: 

• Fixed: The online content will not change during the learning process and remains original. 
• Adaptive: The learning material could adapt and be redesigned based on student parameters. 
• Linear: It involves human-computer interaction but has become irrelevant due to the lack of two-way communication. 

Blended Learning 

This learning module became famous due to the betterment of the pandemic situation. It is a course where synchronous and asynchronous systems build a hybrid approach. 

So, you could have live classes and pre-recorded lectures during the semester. It invokes a sense of self-study in the students while making the classroom interactive for the teachers.

Usages: Universities and colleges use this learning module during and after the pandemic

How is Online Learning Different from Traditional Learning?

Traditional learning occurs in brick-and-mortar classrooms while online education is imparted over the internet. Learning over the internet is a form of distance education. Here, you could either communicate with a teacher or indulge in e-learning courses through accessible content. On the other hand, traditional learning always involves a setting where the teacher regulates the information. 

Here are the fundamental differences between online and traditional learning. 

Which Education System is the Winner?

Indeed, online learning is different from traditional learning in various aspects, especially the mode of conduct. Anyone could indulge in e-learning, whereas only enrolled students could involve themselves in conventional learning. 

For example, the traditional workforce could never find the time to study in a conventional setting. However, working professionals could quickly start with learning over the internet. So, if you are a working-class individual, this is your only way to enhance your skills. 

Yet, choosing one involves a whole lot of analysis based on: 

• Your budget 
• Learning topic 
• Your goals 
• The time you contribute 
• Your motivation levels 

There is a combination of these two learning methods called blended learning. It is perhaps the best of both worlds for education. 

The Rise of Online Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic left the education industry in a frenzy. Schools, colleges, and universities shut down due to the lockdown initiatives. Indeed, it was a great way to prevent the virus from spreading, but it did dent learning. 

Imagine 1.2 billion children from all corners of the world not going to school anymore. It was something the world did not see before. 

Which are the Best Online Learning Platforms?

One of the best advantages of online learning is that you can learn anything you want for fun or enhance your skills. You can explore the various online learning platforms and find your course. Here are some of the best online and virtual learning platforms. 

upGrad 

The online learning and upskilling platform has collaborated with several industry leaders and universities to bring the most relent programmers for learners. From effective communication to data science, learners can seek all kinds of knowledge at this platform. With its foreign education arm, upGrad Abroad, it is helping students gain education from international institutions through blended pedagogy. The pandemic has impacted students’ educational plans, and this platform assists everyone with enrollment and confirmation.

Even then, online education has multiple benefits that transcend traditional learning. Learning on the Internet is a scalable and convenient way to offer education to all age groups. Teachers can personalize the classroom based on specific parameters using virtual learning platforms. Not only does it lower the cost of education, but it also boosts your career through a flexible system. 

The learning environment will evolve and eradicate traditional learning in due time. All of this happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Who knows what the future has in store for online learning? 

Disclaimer! All course fees and salaries are approximate amounts subject to change depending on various conditions.

This learning module became famous due to the betterment of the pandemic situation. It is a course where synchronous and asynchronous systems build a hybrid approach. 

So, you could have live classes and pre-recorded lectures during the semester. It invokes a sense of self-study in the students while making the classroom interactive for the teachers.

Usages: Universities and colleges use this learning module during and after the pandemic.