by LR Swartz

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

On-line learning is not a new concept as many may think. On-line learning has been around, depending on the University, for more than 20 years. The wave of the future is on-line learning. The reasons are many but two are the most common: those who work full time and have families are able to take courses at their convenience in their home; those who never thought they would be able to afford college now have that opportunity. It is a win -win situation all around.

On-line education is quite different than the traditional brick and mortar setting. Courses are already designed. Tasks and assignments are set. The most important component of on-line learning is the discussion areas. The instructor is the integral part of the discussion. The instructor probes students to beyond their comfort zone.

Many universities have utilized Discussions as part of their agenda. Discussions are done in forums and in most universities they are done asynchronous. This allows the student to come into the classroom at their own time and post their response to the discussion question for that day/week. They are then required to respond to their classmates' posts. Once done, they leave. Discussions are questions that are open ended and require thought and opinion based on the material read. If you are not prepared, you will not pass.

Instructors are not only an integral part of the discussion but also have other duties as well. (S)He keeps the ball rolling, answers questions, grading discussions, tests, quizzes, papers and stimulates discussions. One of the few drawbacks is that there is no face to face interaction. Students do not see the professor. The compensation for this is communication via web mail. Professors are required to answer questions within a 24 hour period.

Part of on-line learning is time management. Students have to set time aside for their work. If you get behind there is no way you will be able to make the work. Professors are on strict guidelines set forth by each university, there is no give or take and that includes grading.

Not only is the course designed and ready to go, so are the assessments. Points are already established, all the professors need to do is grade each assignment. Many of the Universities provide an answer sheet for all questions, from M/C to Essay. The Professors are to provide each student with a graded rubric for each assessment completed. Grades are automatically entered into the system and at the end of each semester; all the professor has to do is submit the grades. Some universities do require, with the final grade, a written evaluation for each student. Although most of the leg work is done for the professors, they need to be willing to work on-line and work within the on-line structure within the university. There is no flexibility.

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