Online Education - Education In Vogue

Two people working with computer and book.

Dr. Purushothaman
November 29, 2013

Time management is the key to success in today's fast paced world. How one manages his or her time determines the success quotient and this is the reason why online education id gaining immense popularity. Since online education offers unmatched flexibility and the students and learners can manage time in line with their other priorities, it is becoming a very popular mode of education in almost all parts of the world. The growing popularity of online education has resulted in the establishment of several online institutions offering online degree courses and other learning opportunities.
Some people harbored the misconception that the advantages of online education are restricted only for those students and learners who had an established record of past accomplishments. This also led to the belief that online education helps only those who have access to modern means of communication as computer and Internet. However, as the awareness about various modes of online education is increasing the misconceptions related to online education are giving way to more acceptability to online education and training.
Changing perception
It is a talk of the past when people considered online mode of education as a quick way of obtaining a degree or getting good grades. In the past, the reputed educational institutions were not offering online education. However, with the increasing popularity of education, the majority of institutions offering online courses are well-established institutes and they have a rich experience to provide such education. It is worth mentioning, that a large number of world's leading educational institutions are offering education courses on a wide range of subjects.
Growth drivers
Today, most of the accredited education courses have talented teachers and professors of repute in their respective specialization. This ensures qualitative learning. The students signing up with education courses, can be assured of guaranteed results. Moreover, education is more interesting and more competitive when compared to the traditional teaching methodologies.
Employers' viewpoint
Undoubtedly, many employers were and some of them are still having doubts about the value of education. However, with change in perception and emerging popularity, a large number of employers have realized their worth. Now the employers consider the online degrees from accredited and well-established online institutes of repute. Moreover, the increasing number of people who enroll for education has changed the employers' perception and now they readily consider the benefits of education.
Some research reports point out that technology oriented industries such as, communication, computers, media and marketing have started to accept the candidates having online degree courses from accredited and reputed institutions.
There were many myths and misconceived notions about education until recent past. Some people believed that online learning is a good option only for students who have a good track record. It was also believed that only those students having access to computers and modern means of communication would benefit from education. However, with time such notions are giving way to an open acceptance where people have started accepting education as a viable alterative for conventional education.
Not all education options have a similar methodology and approach. There are various modes of education available and it would be better if you have an understanding of different methodologies in use by education providers so that you can select the course with the methodology that suits you the best. Here we are discussing the learning methodologies for education:
Education Methodologies- Different Options
Live: This methodology is also known as synchronous mode of learning. In this mode of education, there is instant communication between the students and teachers and at times even among different students. Herein all the participants get access to information simultaneously. Virtual classroom using the facility of video or audio conferencing and real-time chat are some examples of this mode of education.
This learning methodology has its advantages and disadvantages. This mode is more akin to the conventional education except for the fact that the students don't have to travel to the classrooms. The biggest advantage of synchronous method of education is that it allows instant feedback for the student's performance and allows active interaction among the students and teachers. Thus the students can get the training and education that is tailored suit their needs. Moreover, live education also facilitates the setting up of learning communities and groups for a better interaction among the learners.
This method has the disadvantage that the students cannot plan their schedule and they are bound by the pre-set schedule.
Asynchronous: Asynchronous mode of education is popularly termed as store and forward education. In this method, the communication between the student and teacher is not instant. Self-paced courses are the examples of asynchronous education where the students communicate with the teachers and amongst themselves by exchanging emails and posting messages on online bulletin boards and discussing groups. This is the more popular mode of education because it offers more convenience and flexibility to the students and they can decide the pace and schedule for their education and training.
Despite of the advantages, this mode of education has its disadvantages too. The students in this mode of learning, lack discipline and motivation and generally tend to develop a lackluster attitude towards education.
The mixed mode of learning in education combines the advantages of both the modes and it is a combination of personal lectures or face-to-face interaction learning through online activities.
Now that you have a better understanding of different methodologies of education, you can pick up the right one for you and enhance your skills.

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