Online Learning Technology
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Contents |
Definition
Online Learning Technology can be defined as an innovative processes used to deliver instruction to a remote audiences primarily via the World Wide Web. Online learning environments use technology to create a context where learning is supported and fostered.
Overview
Technology facilitating online learning enables students to pursue education in non-traditional settings. Today these technologies primarily use the internet. The internet has unique features for both students and educators. Just as the world wide web has flattened the business world and created a global economy, online educational opportunities have also flattened access to education. The educator and student no longer need to be in close proximity. Just as the WSU DDP program successfully demonstrates, students can receive a complete educational program using online technology.
Online Learning with today's technology has changed the way many students participate in their classes. Educators have changed the way they use and deliver curriculum. Even the youngest students are impacted by online learning technology.
History
Coorespondence courses were offered for students not in close proximity to universities. Course content would be provided to students in hardcopy format via postal mail. Students submitted coursework back to instructor through postal mail. This early form of distance learning was tedious but effective in limited cases.
The first media used to deliver course content was primarily radio broadcast or TV broadcast. Later cable channels were dedicated to telecourses broadcast to university students.
Teleconferencing was used to provide course content to students in locations other than where live lectures were presented. The instructor lesson was broadcast over closed media networks to remote locations. This method was effective because offsite students could participate in instructor lectures.
By 1987 Computer Aided Learning centers started by large universities could be found in key areas. These sites were primarily to support adult learners at satellite locations taking offsite classes.
In 1994, a Virtual Summer School pilot program allowed students to attend classes electronically from home dialing in with their computer with a modem and phone line. Some of the functionality we use today online were provided using the emerging internet like group discussion boards and file sharing.
Blackboard, software used until recently by WSU in distance degree programs was released in 1998. This system used internet functionality to bring students, classmates and instructors together in an online learning environment.
As web technology has become more stable, the dependability required to participate in and manage online learning successfully is a reality.
Attrributes
1. Cost effective for educational institutions from a business perspective.
2. Convienient and flexible for students.
3. Wealth of educational content available that otherwise would not be accessible via texts or lectures.
4. Accessibly only requires internet connection.
5. Collaborative tools available online facilitate group learning.
6. Curriculum can be dynamically managed and updated.
Resources
Students and Educators web base instruction survey http://www.jofde.ca/index.php/jde/article/viewArticle/134/411
ANGEL Learning http://lms.wsu.edu/