Online Education

Online Education
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The term online education can be used interchangeably with e-learning to refer to the kind of learning which is distant. The learners can receive learning modules and instructions via computers linked to the internet service. The implication is that there is always a physical separation between the student and the teacher. Online education, however, enables one to access education despite the commitments that one may have. Relevant information is relayed via the computer and learning becomes not only easy but also convenient. Education is now revolutionized, more dynamic and readily available to those who might not have afforded to learn owing to the commitment levels. This paper attempts to look into the issue of online learning and underscores the qualities of successful classroom learning which enhance it. Subsequently, the paper also sheds light on the history of this field culminating in the great strides made in online education.
The terminology online learning came into being in the late 1990’s as a result of CBT systems workshop. This does not imply, however, that online learning is a new idea. The fundamental principles underlying the field are well documented throughout history. History divulges deep into this venture and by probing into the past, provides possibilities of online learning existing as far back as the 19th century. Even before the dawn of the internet, simple forms of distance learning existed in human societies. Distance courses were offered to provide students with learning on some given skills. This kind of writing was meant to improve speed typical of secretaries, journalists and people who were fundamentally interested in writing. The first online education systems could be traced back to the 70’s. At this point, the venture became interactive especially in Britain. The primary concern was distance learning. With time, universities started offering a broad spectrum of more interactive educational stuff and correspondence with learners via the email. Today, great strides have been made in the field of online learning. With the invention of computers and the internet, e-learning tools and delivery methods have expanded drastically. The virtual learning grew and thrived in the late 90’s with people being able to access a broad range of information. In the 2000’s big organizations and businesses also embraced the idea of e-learning in training of their workers. This vast knowledge base culminated in the success of the businesses as well as shaping up the lives of the employees. Individuals were given access to relevant information through programs that helped them to earn online degrees in the expanded pool of knowledge. Ina nutshell, the development of electronic technology is the vital factor which has facilitated the expansion and growth of online education (Anderson, 2008).
An effective learning environment should have qualities which make it suitable for learners to grasp the skills, attitudes and knowledge being taught. Such features, in other words, are the pinnacles upon which success and efficiency in learning are based on. One such feature is the use of a broad range of learning models and resou...