Online education in Puerto Rico is a trend that surrounds us every day more, for this reason is useful and necessary, as teachers have an open university clarify some concepts that guide the work of teachers. This paper presents some ideas which aim to place the teacher in the context of a distance education model and understand what their role and responsibility in student learning and success of an educational program.

Elements of the process of distance education
 
Distance education models are based on three elements:
a. educational materials
b. advice or guidance of a teacher or specialist in the field
c. evaluation as a means of accreditation.

These elements are complemented by administrative infrastructure, management systems, university centers, information sources, among others, which are integrated into a teaching model as a complete and complex system of relationships designed to fulfill one goal: to educate. The actors in this process are the teachers, students and the institution sponsoring the program, we have an educational process comprising the universe of relationships that may arise between the actors and model components.

The teacher is responsible for conducting the process, tracing the lines of learning that must follow the student and provide necessary educational resources, their work is reflected through the development of materials and advice, their participation is vital because of its correct performance depends on the success of the program, either in terms of assimilation of content, as attrition rates, student satisfaction and approval.

The student is the center of the educational model, it is routed to all actions and efforts of teachers and the institution. At a distance model is necessary to be clear that the student is the protagonist of his own background, is he who, through effort and perseverance in reaching goals that will mean their whole degree. The formative nature of self-care educational materials, implicitly, the work of the student learning is largely autonomous and self-regulating. It is autonomous because it is he who develops the various activities, assignments and readings for each section which includes the subject, is self-regulated, because it is he who marks his own pace according to their possibilities of time, distributing the workload over time in order to complete the total of activities within the prescribed deadlines.

The institution, for its part, is responsible for the academic support, legal and infrastructure of educational programs that are offered. The institutional obligations can be grouped into two. The first group refers to all those logistical, organizational, technological, together constitute the necessary platform for the educational process to develop properly, the second group consists of academic and legal aspects, which give the rigor, quality and validity to the program.

The harmonization of the elements and actors of the educational model is a complex task. On each of these elements and actors is affected by numerous factors that can cause imbalances when operating together. The operational details, academics and methodology are of great importance and significance to the success of a program. Hence, the need for clearly defined roles and responsibilities of the actors and especially that they know the model and the role that he met others involved in the process. Integrating the work of actors, facilities and resources that present model elements achieve an integrated and interrelated whole affected by a set of interdependent variables whose impact is crucial to the performance of other system components.

Educational models and distance
They are a complex set of processes aimed at achieving a more meaningful learning in students. It consists of a set of subsystems with specific functions that involve interrelated and interdependent variables. From an overall perspective, the educational model can focus their attention on the teacher or the student, in the first case, the educational models focusing on the teacher are used by educational institutions, training providers face in the second case, the educational model focusing on the student, are used by institutions offering distance learning.

The traditional educational models are characterized by face focus development in the teaching process, relegating the student to be an observer and listener in most cases. Such models weigh a lot more learning and teaching that its applicability is limited to face environment. The teacher plays a leading role in combining the use of some resources, mainly the board and his voice through these, achieves what is commonly known as “transfer of knowledge” rather than actual learning, the result being a low level assimilation and resulting in “a temporary knowledge which tends to forget easily. The student, meanwhile, is a recipient of the transmission performed by the teacher, their learning is limited in many cases, what is memorable as a result of “listening and observing.”

Distance education models, by their nature, lack of a teacher to guide the process in person, so they are forced to separate the leading role of the teacher and the student pass, he does through an appropriate methodology and means to a dialogue didactic, strengthens their own learning and development. Learning is based on the work, whether through reading, learning activities, group work, formative assessment, and so on. This work has the advantage of learning activities raise the level of assimilation of the content, as it learns and assimilates what we do better than those who simply hear and see. A student-centered model is conducive to self-learning and the transmission of values, their different components orient their efforts to facilitate student learning, providing it with resources, complemented with previously scheduled activities, adequate monitoring and support of the teacher can achieve a more effective and meaningful learning.

Educational models and new technologies
It is important to understand that there is a difference between distance and attendance system supported by technology, areas in which each applies are different, and therefore the effects on the educational community are also different. Additionally it is necessary to be clear that the technological aspect is an element that is subject to the requirements and institutional needs and in no case has a defining character lines on policy or institutional action. In this sense we can say that technology is only half the work easier and opens up possibilities in many cases, but is not a straitjacket that determines the educational work.

The technologies have evolved educational models regardless of their approach, have affected both models to-face training as a model for distance learning. In regard to the latter, the change has occurred in its three basic elements.

Teaching Evolution
The way of teaching is the one that has been affected, the teacher’s role has changed, now having to contemplate additional functions that require primarily skills and motivation, the teacher’s activities have diversified and new general conception of the role has acquired can be summarized with the word “manager” of learning. This new task must be tempered with qualities and skills that together allow for adequate performance and help guide the learning of a group of people. Mentoring made by the teacher to address those concerns that may arise in the student learning during development, has become more flexible. The use of tools such as email, discussion forums and virtual discussion spaces have fostered a new concept of “group learning” which uses the knowledge distributed in each of the students and faculty to create new knowledge based on reading, reflecting, through exchange of views argued.

The main advantage of the use of these tools (discussion forums and virtual) is on the asynchrony, the participants of a forum or debate can log their views at any time within a given period, but generally large (one or two weeks) and the recipients have access to each share and may respond as they saw. In the case of email, the application eliminates the problems of saturation of the teacher with phone calls and gives you more freedom and time to prepare more elaborate responses and aid, while able to respond within a reasonable time to all students of queries.

The student role has also been affected, consider that the distance student is an entity with assets and facilities of communication technologies that have the potential isolation of the victim was, and no longer can assert virtual spaces to interact and build their own knowledge as a product of discussion and exchange with peers and teachers in managing group learning.

Institutions should consider the possibilities that technology opens up the teaching and preparing teachers to meet the challenge of combining technology and learning opportunities aimed at enhancing student learning which the target of ongoing efforts is.

Evolution of materials
There is a misconception that the use of technology for learning, means less burden from the student activities. The reality is that this distance is hard work and is based on activities and reading content. Printed materials, though it seems hard to believe, not out of fashion, even the most important universities in the world have this medium as a basic element of their educational models. It is very common that students receive textbooks, teaching guides including printed and virtual universities using the same scientific articles that are not physically sent when they are downloaded from the Internet by students, who are responsible for printing. Digital educational materials such as electronic books, multimedia applications, among others, are considered elements of support, very useful but not essential in a distance learning process supported by technology. Such materials have a scope within the context of a course or subject, should be framed to cover those aspects in which the benefits of the implementation is practical and effective.

The technologies have enabled educational materials are acquiring new shapes and presentations, interactivity can be achieved with multimedia applications, the portability of eBooks, audio and video are elements that have great advantages for a more meaningful learning . The use of these advantages lies in its strength within the content, but mostly right mix experience ensures a better outcome in the satisfaction and level of assimilation of the student.

Evolution of the evaluation
The evaluation of distance education is taken in two ways:
a. the first one as a learning strategy
b. the second a means of accreditation of knowledge.

In any case, the technology applied to personalize the site evaluation process and meet the student’s skills. Are used interactive self-assessments, which argued, immediate feedback is very important and useful for the student to know the level reached the correct time and know the areas in which content must focus more. The online evaluations are common for certain types of programs, they will have a period of time to answer a questionnaire with questions selected randomly and be objective, but not the referent of the knowledge gained by the student. Despite the technological development achieved can not be certain that the person doing the online assessment is who should be, for that reason the online assessment is applied as a learning strategy that leads the student to apply what learned and yet to know what their weaknesses.

Conclusion
It must be clear to teachers as an educational institution at university level should be open-minded considering that the model applies is student-centered and therefore the task of teaching to be a comprehensive guide, motivator and facilitator, and is limited in his starring role in the process and must consider the student as a receiver of knowledge. Being one of the elements of a distance education model involves a willingness to coordinate teacher training and resources and consider the student not as an isolated issue but as a central part of the proactive education community.

The distance learning student is based on what they can develop and build through learning activities, lectures, development of self-assessments, group work and with the help of the teacher and distributed through its teaching materials, advice and feedback. The combination of these efforts is reflected in the acquisition of skills, abilities and knowledge development.

Although some college or university personnel think online degree programs have not done too well. It is presumed that some institutions will have to learn from universities that have done well in online courses. Florida is one of the universities that offer admission to about 6,000 students in online degree programs yearly. The University is recognized as one the online colleges providing quality online education to people all over the world.

Florida University does not put a limit on registrations in Online Education degree programs. Full-time Florida professors produce the course content, while part-time faculty members read and mark assignments from students. University of Florida has discovered how to scale, and they do that through additional faculty. Westwood College is another college that is viewed as successful in online education; this college has campuses all over the country, along with its online degree programs that is accessible worldwide.

The question is; how will the idea of online education for beginners be brought to bear on a teaching industry that is deep in tradition? The answer is to learn how online education is delivered. In this perspective the truth is that nonprofit colleges could learn a lot from profit-making ones as far as education on the Internet is concerned. Profit-making institutions are quicker to take action and are able to adapt to any changes based on students needs and market demand, because the technology used in these online universities are updated promptly.

Finally, there is a strong demand for online education and many institutions or colleges are finding success with online courses. The truth is that success does not always come speedily; sometimes it takes many years to yield good results. Make sure you do research on an Online Education Degree program to know if the courses are accredited or the institution is approved by the relevant authority or agency to run the program.

Following are some of the benefits that will make you understand the value of distance learning.

Self paced Study

Do you want to learn at your choice of time? This is now possible with distance education. One can study at its own convenient time; the online education lets you study wherever you are in a mood or motivated enough to easily get hold on your course/subject.

Economical education

Are you looking for economical education with accreditation? Online education is far more economical then campus based education because the online universities don’t have to pay for electricity usage in class rooms, per lecture fee for professors, staff salaries, and at last the online universities don’t have to maintain and manage complete university which is real expensive; in short the online university expenses got reduced while providing the same quality standards and accreditation. Because of less expenditure, they offer courses and degrees at lowers fees as compared to campus schools.

Accredited Degree

Degrees offered by online universities are always accredited with higher authorities, those which are not could be scams (be aware of them) or will bring you no benefit. Some of the accreditation authorities are International Accreditation Agency for Online Universities (IAAOU) for United States, United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Before opting for any online degree or course, one have to make sure that the online institute in accredited with USDE and CHEA.

24/7 Availability of Lectures

Online education facilitates self scheduled study plan because online lectures are available 24/7, one is not required to be in class at specific time to attend the lecture. This has also increased study to time ratio, means to increase grasping power because study plan is not dependent on strict university schedule where students have to be in class whether they can grasp or not, on the other hand, online learning facilitates learning at time when the student wants to learn. However there are certain level of constrains e.g. to submit assignment on time, achieve certain marks to pass the course etc

World Wide University/Course Selection

Distance learning is another sign of global village; the growing trends of online education can be assessed by the stats that 96% of the colleges and universities within U.S are offering distance learning courses and degree programs. Among them are the world’s best universities including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Yale University.

Student Interactivity and Discussion

Online education also facilitates student’s group discussions through forums, chat rooms, and discussion boards where students around the worlds can contribute to and participate in and start group discussions. There platforms are managed by the online universities to keep discipline. These platforms also support teacher and student discussion where students can ask their teacher about problems and concerns.

First and foremost, there are some obvious benefits in obtaining online instant degrees. For example, juggling a job, school and a home can be very difficult as far as commuting to the classroom every day. With online education, you eliminate the need to attend classes, and instead access your coursework from an internet website. This presents an obvious benefit to the overworked college student because his commute is basically slashed in half. What’s more, many distance education programs allow students to complete the coursework any time during the day, while still adhering to overall deadlines. This allows for flexibility that a traditional classroom setting can ordinarily not provide.

However, is an online education truly comparable to the type of education a student would receive in an actual classroom? Many professionals in the field say yes, and certainly students seeking online degrees can confirm this response. Not only does online learning provide a stimulating environment for students, but it promotes even interaction among every student because everyone has a say in classroom discussions. What’s more, online education programs allow each student to learn with the methods that work best for them. Plus, many employers respect online degrees as much as a traditional college degree, so there’s really no difference in the amount of education or respect a student will receive when attending an online college.

While traditional colleges will never be eliminated, there’s definitely been an increase in the amount of students attending online colleges in recent years. Many people choose to follow the online education route for the diversity of material they can find, or because the teachers are more approachable via the internet than they would be in a classroom setting. Students definitely need discipline and self-motivation to succeed in obtaining online degrees, but there’s still the same level of help and support from teachers and students online that there would be in a classroom. What’s more, internet college students are learning skills that will be beneficial to them in the workforce and beyond because of the way technology is evolving today.

Online degrees are becoming an increasingly popular way to obtain a college education and many students are turning to online education because of the quality of material, convenience and the level of flexibility inherent in distance education programs. Because there’s no distinct differences between an online education and a traditional education, students are assured they are receiving the same kind of education that they would in a brick and mortar setting. There are definite benefits to online degree programs, and students with discipline and motivation can and will succeed greatly in online education programs.

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com

as of 2004 there was a 3.4 percent increase in doctorate degrees awarded in the United States. In June, 2004, a total of 41,155 research doctorate degrees were earned by postgraduate students. The recent increase in doctorate degrees awarded after a decade of decline can be partially attributed to the convenience of distance learning postgraduate online education degrees.

Postgraduate degree programs offer students an opportunity to explore a subject to attain the highest levels of proficiency in that area of study. Courses can be based upon a curriculum or independent study and research. A recent study released by both Penn State University Outreach Marketing and Communications and University Continuing Education Association revealed that distance learning is anticipated to grow ten times quicker than on-campus education over the next ten years. Further, about 45 percent of college enrollment are adult students who frequently prefer distance learning opportunities to classes on campus. Sun Chairman Scott McNealy states, “Technology has to play a huge role in education. (It’s) changed commerce…publishing…banking. It’s got to change education big time.”

Distance learning postgraduate online education degrees afford busy students the opportunity to earn doctorate degrees at their convenience, without having travel to and attend traditional classes. By the time students intend to pursue distance learning postgraduate online education degrees, they are usually computer literate, self-motivated and able to manage their time properly. These are all essential elements to success in virtual classrooms. The two basic types of postgraduate degrees students may earn are professional doctorates or research doctorates.

Professional doctorates. The United States requires terminal professional doctorate degrees to perform in certain fields, such as dentistry, medicine, law, chiropractics, occupational therapy and psychology. Prior to entering these professional doctorate programs, students are required to complete a bachelors degree, preferably in a related field. Professional doctorate degrees, such as J.D. and M.D., usually do not require students to complete a thesis, although some do require an original research paper to be submitted. Doctorate degrees usually take three years to complete after postsecondary education, although distance learning postgraduate online education degrees may be earned more quickly. Because online education courses are often geared for the busy adult learner, students can progress at their own pace.

Research doctorates. The research doctorate that is most commonly earned is a Ph.D. The time is takes to complete research doctorate degree programs can vary quite a bit, depending on course pursued. It is common for students to take two to three years to complete coursework and three or more years to conduct pertinent research. The benefit of a Ph.D. is that a holder is qualified to pursue an academic career as an expert in their field. Distance learning research doctorate degrees are conveniently pursued online and can be easily worked around professional schedules.

Honorary doctorates. These degrees may be awarded for substantial contributions to a field and are not necessarily academic.

Financial Aid. Federal financial aid and loan programs may be applied to distance learning postgraduate online education degrees. Employers may offer tuition reimbursement for coursework. Private loans may also be secured to pay for higher education. Students have several options available that can help them finance their doctorates.

Thesis. Some postgraduate doctorate degrees require students to write a thesis. The learner defines their own area of research and takes years to write a detailed paper, which may be made available as pertinent information to other students in the field.

Coursework. Distance learning postgraduate online education degree programs offer students ongoing guidance through coursework, email, virtual lectures and online discussions. Students are, however, expected to work independently and use a variety of research resources to complete their course requirements.

Online Students. A recent national study entitled Degrees of Opportunity revealed some interesting facts about online students. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed felt that the benefits derived from higher education are equal to or even greater than the money, time and effort involved. Lyungai Mbilinyi, Ph.D and author of this report, stated, “Eighty-one percent associated higher education with a sense of personal accomplishment and seventy-eight percent believed education would better develop their talents or pursue their interests. Despite the assortment of obstacles many adults face when considering a return to school, the overwhelming majority believe the resulting benefits have made it worthwhile.” Finally, eighty-four percent of enrollments in higher education programs are non-traditional students such as distance learners and adults with jobs. Students who participate in distance learning postgraduate online degree programs are not only seeking better positions, but the increased knowledge and self-esteem that comes with an advanced education.Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com

A master’s degree gives students training and education in a specialized field of expertise with greater depth than studying for a bachelors degree.Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com

 Students pursuing a master’s degree traditionally need to hold a bachelors degree and commit to one to six years of study in a particular field. Online education masters degree programs make it easier for working business professionals to complete their education and attain advanced positions in their field.

Masters degrees definitely afford individuals an opportunity to increase their earning potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average weekly earnings for a masters degree holder are $1,102, which is $200 more than people holding a bachelors degree. These statistics further reveal that only 5.9 percent of adults in America hold a masters degree.

Online education masters degree programs may consist of any combination of advanced study courses, internships and independent research, such as a thesis. Some master’s degree programs enable students to go directly into a career, others require internships or additional credentials and some prepare students to enter doctoral degree programs. To fulfill the requirements of a masters degree program, students must attend between 30 to 60 semester hours, which may be completed online between 15 and 36 months.

Masters degrees are differentiated by post-nominal letters that indicated the level of academic achievement, honor or office a student has earned. The most common areas of online education masters degree study are:

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). The National Postsecondary Student Aid Study determined that about one in five students seeking to earn a master’s degree pursue an M.B.A. The masters degree in business administration is research-oriented and involves independent study and achievement. Online education masters degree programs give business executives the ability to fit educational advancement into their schedules at their convenience. Further, according to “Taking the E-Train” by Douglas Bartholomew there are quite a few opportunities for business networking and making professional connections through online education.

Master of Education (MEd, MAT, MSEd). According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, about 28 percent of students study for a masters degree with a focus on education. There are several specialization that students can choose, including elearning, corporate training, teaching and administration. Graduates can pursue careers as teachers, in technology or as principals and administrators or pursue doctoral degrees to seek positions as education experts in their field. Online education masters degree programs provide educators with the opportunity to seek advanced education while maintaining their current positions and tenure in the field.

Master of Science (M.S.). A master of science can be earned in a variety of research, education and health care fields. Pursuing an M.S. degree usually involves independent study as well field work. Graduates are employed in careers such as research, health care, education and more. Certain M.S. Programs prepare students to enter doctorate study to become employed in positions such as physicians and health care administrators. Online education masters degree programs give busy doctors, nurses and scientists the chance to practice in the field while attaining higher degrees.

Master of Arts (M.A.). A masters degree in the arts is often considered to be a terminal degree. This means that graduates are prepared to enter their chosen field and no further degree is needed to advance professionally. For example, the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) enables graduates to enter directly into careers such as a photographers, sculptor, creative writer and painter. An M.A. gives a greater level of distinction, expertise accomplishment to those working in the fine arts and can even qualify people to educate others on artistic pursuits.Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com

While each core curriculum will differ from school to school, Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com

most education degree programs include courses in all relevant aspects of education. These courses are designed to give you the knowledge needed to be a successful teacher.

Some schools also give you the freedom to choose your own curriculum for your online degree. This means that you can decide which areas of the education field you want to gain expertise in. The ability to design your own curriculum gives you a unique background that allows you to stand out from the competition and attracts potential employers. Some concentrations for online education degrees include Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Adult Education, Distance and Online Education, Educational Administration, and Special Education.

People who have their online education degrees in Elementary Education usually teach kindergarten through fifth grade. The major goals of this degree are to establish a foundation in reading, writing, math, science, history, and the social sciences for all children. The courses in this field are designed to prepare you to teach these major fields of study. Some course titles include Philosophy of Education, Psychology of Learning, and Teaching Methods. You may also be required to take courses in computer technology.

A degree in Secondary Education is for those who want to teach middle school and high school aged children. Many individuals who get their degree in secondary education focus their training on a particular subject, such as English, math, or science. The courses in this field will teach you about different teaching techniques, curriculum development, and other related topics.

An online degree in Adult Education will prepare you to teach and educate adults. This can include a teaching career in colleges, universities, and learning centers. People pursuing this degree generally specialize in a specific subject, or have work experience in a particular field. Courses in this field of study include Adult Growth and Development, Adult Psychology, and Program Planning and Development.

A degree in Distance and Online Education will prepare you to work in the field of distance learning. People with this degree generally work at colleges and universities teaching their courses online. Some of the courses in this degree include Foundations of Distance Education, Technology in Distance Education, and Teaching and Learning in Online Distance Education.

People who have their degrees in Educational Administration manage the activities in schools, day care centers, and colleges and universities. They can also be directors of educational programs in businesses, prisons, and museums. Many go on to be college presidents and school district superintendents. Courses in this field of study include Introduction to Educational Research and Evaluation, Policy Studies, Current Issues in Education, and Educational Leadership.Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com

The Advantages of an Online Education

Accessibility: The Distance from a university campus is no longer a barrier in the education of students. Today’s generation have the advantage of utilizing time effectively, since there are numerous choices in distant online education for them. For the student to access online education, all he or she needs is a personal computer with internet access with which he or she can find the desired courses online and enrol. The online education systems ensure that the student’s put all their energies into studies.

A Flexible schedule: The good thing about an online education is its effective use of time. As a student of online education, you have the ability to maintain a flexible schedule, which is of particular help when you are working simultaneously.

Student-Centred Learning: As a student of online learning, it is you who dictates your learning experience. As your tutor will not be teaching you all of the time, you can prioritize your schedule and complete any and all assignments accordingly. You will also be given the choice of which learning methodology you wish to use, such as audio, visual, or oral components.

Fair Playing Field: Online education is in vogue also as it provides a level playing field for all the students. Learning online provides a situation where decision-making is not based on the candidates’ gender, ethnicity, physical appearance, or race. Instead, the evaluation is only based on your performance. The provision of this fair-playing field has significantly contributed to the popularity of online education. read more about information education school click here now

Disadvantages

Employment: Not many industries will acknowledge an online professional degree.

Oral Communication: Since, the majority of online learning systems encourage communication through e-mails and text chatting only, the student’s may be deprived of the ability to improve their oral communication skills.

Fraud: A large number of online courses are not accredited and hence are not valid.

Courses: Not all of the courses which are available elsewhere are available online.

Moreover, online learning requires a complete dedication and patience from the students to ensure they achieve superb results. It is most advisable that the students first, patiently and persistently familiarize themselves with online learning technology. Additionally, they need to always keep themselves abreast of the latest updates within the online education system, since there will be no instructor to turn to in this respect.

On-campus education vs. online education! Is one better than the other?Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com

 Can one completely replace the other? Indeed it seems that online education is the way of the future. Educational institutions, corporations and government organizations alike already offer various forms of electronic teaching. However, can a computer truly replace a teacher and a blackboard?

How people learn

Each individual has a form of learning that suits them best. Some individuals achieve fantastic results in courses taught online, however most people drop out of 100% computer-led courses. Educational institutions, as well as companies in carrying out staff training, must recognize that there is no ideal way to carry out the teaching of a large group of individuals, and so must design programs that best suits the needs of the group as a whole.

People learn using multiple senses. This involves learning through both theoretical components of a course, as well as social interaction with both instructors and other students. Students learn from each other’s mistakes and successes, not just from what they are told by instructors.

Each individual student has an ideal learning pace. Instructors are therefore faced with the challenge of designing courses that move forward such that those students with a slower learning pace do not get left behind, while not moving so slowly that students with faster learning paces get bored.

Online education

In the age of high-speed information transfer, online education is becoming a popular and cheap means for delivering teaching to individuals outside the classroom, and in some cases all over the world. Teaching can be via CD, websites, or through real-time online facilities such as webcasts, webinars and virtual classrooms. However, different methods of online education each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Online education is still a relatively new concept, and in many respects still in the teething stages. As such, various problems arrive across different online education environments. For example:

1. Lack of immediate feedback in asynchronous learning environments: While some online education environments such as webcasts, webinars and virtual classrooms operate live with the addition of an instructor, most do not. Teaching that is delivered through a CD or website, although having the advantage of being self-paced, provides no immediate feedback from a live instructor.

2. More preparation required on the part of the instructor: In an online education environment, an instructor can not simply stand in front of a whiteboard and deliver a class. Lessons in online education environments must be prepared ahead of time, along with any notes and instructions that may accompany the teaching.

In many cases it would also be necessary that the instructor not only understands the concepts being taught, but the technology used to deliver that teaching. This therefore increases the skill-levels needed of online education instructors, placing greater demand on educational institutions.

Staffing levels may also be higher for courses run in an online education environment, requiring for example:

The Instructor – able to teach both course content and be skilled in the use of technologies involved

The Facilitator – to assist the instructor in delivering content, but may do so remotely

Help Desk – to offer assistance to instructors, facilitators and students in the use of both software and hardware used to deliver the course.

3. Not all people are comfortable with online education: Education is no longer only sought by the world’s youth. With an increased trend towards adult and continuing education, there is a need to design courses suitable for students over a larger age-range, as well as students from different and varied backgrounds. It is difficult, however, to design online education environments suitable for everyone.

4. Increased potential for frustration, anxiety and confusion: In an online education environment, there are a greater number of parts making up the system that can fail. Server failures may prevent online courses from operating. Software based teaching applications may require other specific components to operate. Computer viruses may infect software necessary to run online education environments. If these systems are complex, students may choose the ease of On-campus education rather than taking the additional time and effort necessary to master the use of online education systems.

5. The Digital Divide: Many people who live in remote areas and developing countries do not have access to computers, making any form of online education virtually impossible. For this reason, online education is only able to be targeted at the people lucky enough to be able to take advantage of the technology involved. Similarly, offering live teaching across the world means that different time zones and nationalities increase the demand for multi-skilled instructors.Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com

More and more young people are choosing non-traditional education to start and advance in their careers while completing and furthering their formal education.Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com

 ”Typical distance learners are those who don’t have access to programs, employees who work during scheduled class hours, homebound individuals, self-motivated individuals who want to take courses for self-knowledge or advancement, or those who are unable or unwilling to attend class” (Charp, 2000, p. 10). Three key elements surround the online learner: technology, curriculum, and instructor (Bedore, Bedore, & Bedore, 1997). These elements must be keenly integrated into one smoothly and operationally functional delivery tool.

While an online method of education can be a highly effective alternative medium of education for the mature, self-disciplined student, it is an inappropriate learning environment for more dependent learners. Online asynchronous education gives students control over their learning experience, and allows for flexibility of study schedules for non traditional students; however, this places a greater responsibility on the student. In order to successfully participate in an online program, student must be well organized, self-motivated, and possess a high degree of time management skills in order to keep up with the pace of the course. For these reasons, online education or e-learning is not appropriate for younger students (i.e. elementary or secondary school age), and other students who are dependent learners and have difficulty
assuming responsibilities required by the online paradigm.

Millions of students use e-learning solutions in over 140 countries: corporations such as Kodak and Toyota and education providers like ExecuTrain, New Horizons, the Enoch Olinga College (ENOCIS), Phoenix University amongst the hundreds of schools and colleges.

Studies have shown student retention to be up to 250% better with online learning than with classroom courses. Several recent ones have helped frame the debate. The Sloan Consortium published a widely distributed report titled “Growing by Degrees: Online Education in the United States in 2005″ that examined the growing prevalence of online education across U.S. institutions.

In addition, a study conducted by the Boston-based consulting firm Eduventures found that, while about half of institutions and more than 60 percent of employers generally accept the high quality of online learning, students’ perceptions differ. Only about 33 percent of prospective online students said that they perceive the quality of online education to be “as good as or better than” face-to-face education. Ironically, 36 percent of prospective students surveyed cited concern about employers’ acceptance of online education as a reason for their reluctance to enroll in online courses.

But what actually drives quality? A March 2006 report released by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education identifies six quality indicators: mission, curriculum and instruction, faculty support, student and academic services, planning for sustainability and growth, and evaluation and assessment.

The debate rages on while the Pros and Cons of Online Adult Education for today’s international students are constantly analyzed to determine if this type of education platform can deliver predictable and measurable results.

The Enoch Olinga College (ENOCIS) is one institution which uses this type of delivery system. ENOCIS enhances their learning experience by offering many other “value added”, cost reducing benefits to students. Online pupils can apply for scholarships available to students of excellence and other financial aid programs like the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), with attractive interest rates. They also provide convenient payment facilities, on line banking, Western Union Quick Collect, bank cards and a student who is granted a loan can start repaying it after two months if they have a corporate guarantor.

Pros of Online Education:

The key advantages of the online education experience are briefly explained below:

1. Cheaper: Online courses may be more affordable than those offered at colleges or trade schools. You may also save on transportation costs like gas, bus passes, and parking permits because you don’t need to commute to school and there are no housing or meals plans to worry about since you do not need to live on or near a college campus. Housing expenses and other costs associated with living expenses are usually the most expensive aspects of a college education, so by taking an online course you could save quite a bit of money.

The best part of online education is the absence of travel and immigration problems. Some students may prefer not to pursue traditional on campus education, as it involves traveling to attend lectures. With online education, an applicant does not need to travel. Courses simply require accessing the internet in order to begin the learning process.

2. More Convenient: By taking courses online, you’re able to decide when you study and for how long. You are also able to schedule your studying around your work or social schedule.

Since you’re not bound to a classroom, you may do your work wherever you have access to a computer and the internet. You’ll be able to set your own pace and decide exactly how fast you want to go over the material.

Take online courses when you need them, not based on some college’s annual or semester schedule. You can learn when you need it (Just-In-Time) A course is as close as a computer with an Internet connection.

3. Flexibility: with no set class times, you decide when to complete your assignments and readings. You set the pace. In some programs, you can even design your own degree plan. The online students can carry out their private or official work, along with the online education. As it provides the convenience of time flexibility, a student can login and logout as per his desire whereas, the traditional education do not provide such flexibility in learning.

Flexibility of online education allows the student control over their studies. They can allot more time in the topics, which they feel comparatively hard and vice versa. The speed of learning depends solely upon the students.

4. Technology: With the help of the scientific technology, students can do their online education at any place. The only mandatory pre-requisite is the availability of computer along with an internet amenity. Side benefits include the learning new technologies and technical skills

5. Availability: distance-learning opportunities have exploded over the past few years, with many accredited and reputable programs.

6. Accessibility: with an online course, you can work on the course just about anywhere you have computer access. Your learning options are not constrained by your geographic location. The new virtual classrooms have created a myriad of learning opportunities for global learning and education center. On line education is a new era experience adapting to the needs of the world citizen.

7. Self-Directed: you set your own pace and schedule, so you control the learning environment.

8. Time Spent in Classroom: now you can take a course on just about any subject without ever having to be in, or travel to, a classroom so you have very little wasted time. Note, however, that some distance-education programs still do have an in-class component and normally to receive a fully accredited US university degree an international student must spend one or two semesters on campus.

9. High Quality Dialog: Within an online asynchronous discussion structure, the learner is able to carefully reflect on each comment from others before responding or moving on to the next item. This structure allows students time to articulate responses with much more depth and forethought than in a traditional face-to-face discussion situation where the participant must analyze the comment of another on the spot and formulate a response or otherwise loose the chance to contribute to the discussion.

10. Student Centered: Within an online discussion, the individual student responds to the course material (lectures and course books, for example) and to comments from other students. Students usually respond to those topics within the broader conversation that most clearly speak to their individual concerns and situations resulting in several smaller conversations taking place simultaneously within the group. While students are expected to read all of their classmates’ contributions, they will become actively engaged only in those parts of the dialog most relevant to their needs. In this way, students take control of their own learning experience and tailor the class discussions to meet their own specific needs. Ideally, students make their own individual contributions to the course while at the same time take away a unique mix of information directly relevant to their needs Visit Here http://special-online-education.blogspot.com