online mode of learning

 

Online learning is the method of education through the computer connected network.  It is the newest and most popular form of learning in today's world. Online learning is attainable for learners who are balancing life and work too. Online learning is accessible, flexible, affordable and lifelong learning (Dhawan, 2020). It is said that online mode of learning is more accessible as the learner can access to online classes and reading materials from any part of the world, be it the rural area with internet connectivity.  Online learning is also flexible as the learner according to his/her time schedule can learn and complete the course. It is also affordable in comparison to physical classes. Learners can choose his/her comfort zone to study; don’t have to spend for traveling, accommodation and other expenses. Using different modes of online learning, a learner can learn throughout his life.

There are different modes of online learning. They as discussed below:

                    I.            Asynchronous learning

Asynchronous learning is the way of learning online but not live.  The classes do not take place in real time. It does not have a fix time schedule for meeting.  The learners are given assignments and tasks via emails and within a time frame provided by the facilitator, a learner can learn and complete his tasks in his own pace.

                               

image source: https://catlintucker.com/2020/08/asynchronous-vs-synchronous/

A learner can engage himself in reading texts and taking notes, watching  videos, listening to podcasts, exploring through teacher curated research courses. on the other hand the teacher can also make his students engage in group discussion which will help them in analyzing others thought and critically thinking. Other asynchronous learning activities can include practicing and reviewing the assigned work and reflecting the learning outcome by the students. 

                  II.            Synchronous learning

Synchronous learning is the learning online in real time. Both the teacher and students meet in a virtual class at the same time. Interaction between teacher and students can be done through video conferencing, audio calls, chat rooms and discussion forums.

image source: https://catlintucker.com/2020/08/asynchronous-vs-synchronous/

To create an effective synchronous class, a teacher must apply many strategies such as he can impose asynchronous learning as the pre work prior to the actual class. He must focus on building a community of the learners with in the class and maintaining a coordinating, helpful relationship among the learners.  The teacher must lead interactive modelling sessions, differentiate instruction for small group, personalize instructions by providing coaching, give real time feedback on work in progress, foster collaboration among learners, facilitate real time conversations and also guide practice and application of the knowledge learned.

                III.            Hybrid or blended learning

Hybrid or blended learning is the combination of both physical and online learning. Students are scheduled for in-site meeting for interaction, practical works or seminar, while the assignments are completed by the students asynchronously.

               IV.            Massive open online course (MOOC)

Massive open online courses (MOOC) are the free online courses available for everyone. MOOC is helpful for anyone who is interested to learn new skills, develop career, do college preparation, and want to learn throughout the life.

                 V.            Flipped or inverted learning

In flipped or inverted learning, a facilitator or instructor assigns the lecture as homework to the students and then the assignment is evaluated by the facilitator. Assigning lecture as homework saves the lecture time in next online sessions, any misconception regarding the topic can be solved in teams. This mode of learning focuses on active students centered.  learning

 

References:

                                I.            https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0047239520934018

                              II.            https://www.accredited-online-college.org/different-online-learning-modes-online-degree-programs/

                            III.            http://learnkit.com/2015/08/11/5-reasons-why-asynchronous-learning-is-awesome/

                            IV.            https://www.mooc.org/

                              V.            https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/02/flipped-classrooms-in-college-lectures-online-and-problem-sets-in-the-classroom.html