Abstract This paper presents a report on onlineeducation, or distance learning, as the wave of the future. It explains what the topic is, discusses the merits of continuing education, tuition and reimbursement of employees.
From the Paper "Online education is a rapidly growing phenomenon on the Web and the technology of the Internet is reshaping schools and universities worldwide. It was originally designed to cater to students disadvantaged by their geographical remoteness from university campuses. Distance learning existed before the advent of the Internet and replaced the face-to-face necessity of teacher and student. The Internet has extended this concept technologically. It was originally limited to technological fields such as mathematics, engineering and design but now covers everything from linguistics to..."
Abstract This paper examines the growth in onlineeducation across Canada and relates this growth to the growing demand placed upon the higher education industry by Canada's increasing population. It explains how Canada's rapid population growth is largely due to its liberal immigration policies and serving the educational needs of its burgeoning population is a challenge that onlineeducation seems more than capable of answering.
The writer points out that onlineeducation (OE) is delivered exclusively via the Internet or, alternatively, in tandem with or completely through the use of email or other Internet related technologies. The writer concludes that there is a definite mandate to expand OE across Canada as a way to not only service the needs of a growing population but also to deliver higher education solutions to remote populations in need of these services.
From the Paper "Across North America and certainly in Canada, the rise in online education programs is roughly comparable to the increase not only in secondary education participation but also the overall number of college/university programs being offered. Online degrees and online education programs, although equivalent in many respects to traditionally formatted distance programs, are differentiated from other distance programs in that they are strictly delivered via the Internet whereas distance programs can be delivered in various other media formats. However, although the format may differ the overall concept is the same: to increase the educational options available to learners who seek or need alternate access options relevant to their education needs."
Abstract This paper discusses the way that the Internet has revolutionized the educational system with onlineeducation becoming increasingly popular. It describes the many benefits of onlineeducation, as well as the weaknesses of onlineeducation compared to traditional, campus-based education. The paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages from the personal point of view of the writer.
From the Paper "There are other benefits of taking online classes. When I was going to college, I always had a hard time preparing my schedule. Some classes that I wanted to take were so far apart that I had to wait for several hours to take the next class. Sometimes, I was only able to schedule one class in a whole day, although I had to spend the same commuting time to go to college as I would have for a full day of classes. After completing most of my classes and nearing graduation, I could not find the last classes I needed to graduate. I had to wait for two semesters before the college offered those classes. Online classes take care of these scheduling problems, and there is no commuting time, parking problems, or having to buy a car just to go to college. There could be blizzard outside the house and I could still take an online class in the comfort of my home."
Abstract This paper first presents the views of proponents of onlineeducation, followed by the views of opponents. Suggestions for taking advantage of the online resources without sacrificing benefits gained from traditional education are offered.
From the Paper "The advent of the information technology, especially the Internet has provided an environment which is not only the fastest mode of imparting and receiving information, it has also created a new venue for the educationists and students alike to teach and learn variety of subjects, to and from anywhere around the globe. The web based education system has both the proponents and the opponents, each of whom have their own views and comments. Web-based education may be termed as a bad substitute as compared to the traditional classroom teacher and student face to face scenario. The same in terms of current state of advancements in all spheres of life, certainly offers a unique challenge for both the teachers and the students, as it provides learning modes and techniques that are not possible in the traditional setting of a classroom."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that, although there has been a large increase in distance learning programs, there has been a growing concern over the effectiveness of such education as compared to the traditional classroom setting. This research explores student attitudes towards the online and traditional classroom setting. The research method used for this study is developed from the guidelines for providing a quality onlineeducational experience. The writer concludes that the research reveals several weaknesses in the execution of the online learning program. Further, the writer notes that the study shows that the onlineeducation lacks the support present in the traditional classroom setting.
Outline:
Methodology
Research Instrument
Sample Population
Validity
Results
Conclusions and Recommendations
Works Cited
From the Paper "The research method used for this study is developed from the guidelines for providing a quality online educational experience. They are adapted from the guidelines of the American Council on Education and the American Distance Education Consortium. These guidelines are used to establish a set of benchmarks to make certain that both online environments and traditional classrooms provide the student an optimum learning environment.
The research instrument consists of a survey utilizing a Likert scale to assess the achievement of benchmarks that are the result of a literature review. The Institute for Higher Education Policy or IHEP adopted 24 benchmarks that served as the basis for the question design. These benchmarks were previously designed by the IHEP and were found to have excellent content validity, as assessed by the IHEP."
Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine if new graduate students using onlineeducation programs are experiencing more anxiety than their traditional education program counterparts. The paper attempts to promote a better understanding of the sources of that anxiety and to discover how this information may be used to assist educators in developing effective anxiety intervention programs.
Outline:
Introduction
Distance or Online Learning
Anxiety Overview
Anxiety in Traditional Education Programs
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Rationale for the Research
Research Question and Hypotheses
Significance of the Research
Procedure and Analysis
Summary
Purpose of the Study
Anxiety in OnlineEducational Programs
Statement of the Problem
From the Paper "Education in the twenty first century is no longer the "3 R's". With the explosion of mega technology, virtual reality, and science, education in the twenty first century is being propelled into an arena that is vastly culturally diverse, becoming increasingly global, and bombarded with new innovations. As such, today's educational system must be prepared to meet the needs of those seeking an education from the distant corners of the world. Should today's educators fail to meet these needs of the twenty first century student, then entire economic, scientific, and cultural structure of the world will be immensely jeopardized. "
Abstract This paper examines the possibility of instituting online distance learning programs in Nigeria as an alternative to more traditional forms of higher education. While arguing for the incredible benefits of such a system, as well as the need for better higher education in Nigeria, paper nevertheless concludes that online distance learning may simply be technically impossible for Nigeria in the near future.
From the Paper "The 20th century was the first century when, on a global level, education and individual knowledge could be said to have a profound impact on the fate of nations. Knowledge has become intimately tied to economic development by the end of the 20th century. We have little reason to suspect that this connection will not intensify in the coming decades. In the interest of constructing knowledge societies and economies, analysts repeatedly recognize the importance of higher education (Saint et al., 2004). Improving higher education access and quality should stand as one of the primary goals in all nations, though perhaps especially within the developing world. Nowhere are the difficulties of development more blatantly highlighted than in Africa, particularly in the nations of sub-Saharan Africa. "
Abstract This paper explains that the benefits of online classes are myriad, including ease of use, increased communication between student and instructor, completion times, more course offerings, alternatives for disabled students and most importantly, convenience and accessibility. The paper notes contentions that online classes offer drawbacks for some students. The paper discusses the claims of the lack of motivating forces for some students and the difficulty with e-mails between course instructors and students but maintains that the many benefits of onlineeducation far outweigh any drawbacks some students might perceive.
From the Paper "With the advent of technology, the Internet, and advanced course creation software such as WEBCT, online education has become increasingly easy to use and develop. That means more educational institutions are offering a greater number of online classes. It also means ease of use for the online student. Early online classes were often difficult to negotiate and clumsy in their design. Today's online classes are usually very simple for the student to navigate, and they include a variety of additional information for the student to explore on their own as they navigate their way through the course."
Abstract This paper presents a literature review of different studies and articles that discuss the growing field of distance education and internet-based courses. The paper contends that the overwhelming trend is the success of distance education and its rapid improvement compared to traditional classroom experiences, although admits that there are downsides too. The paper examines the shift towards elementary and secondary onlineeducation as well.
From the Paper "One of the most noticeable ways in which technology has changed our lives is to bring higher education to the masses in a way Socrates could never have thought possible via distance learning and internet-based courses. Distance education has exploded over the last five years and has progressed from a fringe manner of obtaining an advanced degree with little or no economic or prestige value to a truly viable tool for advancing one's career and improving one's financial status. This shift applies both to undergraduate and graduate level courses."
Abstract In this article, the writer begins by noting that the Internet has revolutionized the educational system with onlineeducation becoming increasingly popular. The writer then discusses why a traditional educational setting is better than the online one and points out that critics charge that onlineeducation is vastly inferior to traditional classroom settings. The writer also maintains that, despite the many benefits of onlineeducation, there are certainly many weaknesses compared to traditional, campus-based education. Nevertheless, the writer then looks at the merits of an onlineeducation and concludes that non-traditional onlineeducation does have some merits over onsite courses and that onlineeducation does meet the non-traditional needs of most adults with families or full-time jobs. The paper is written from the personal perspective of the writer.
From the Paper "Colleges offer interactive environments and encourage students to participate in extra-curricular activities. Students join different clubs and student unions at the colleges, and participate in debates, games and sports. These activities help shape students' lives and characters. Students associate with and learn from each other. If they do not understand something in the class room, they may find a friend who is willing to help them out. Or, they may walk to the library to find a book or paper to serve their interest. They sit-down and read, or take the material with them.
"Online courses are meant for mature people who already have a job and are willing to make a choice between getting an education or getting no education at all."
Abstract This paper looks at how the advent of the Internet has revolutionized the traditional educational environment and how online learning has become the norm even at the most prestigious universities and institutions of higher learning. It evaluates several research methodologies, determining the success rate in learning styles for onlineeducation courses by focusing on past studies and the factors needed to strengthen future studies.
Outline
Introduction
Online Learning Courses
Advantages/Disadvantages
Success Rates in Learning Styles For OnlineEducation Courses
Study of Graduate Students
Interactive Learning Style
Team Learning Approach
Self Paced vs. Instructor Led
Effective Curriculum Design
Distributed Learning Theory
Factors Equated With Success in the Online Learning Environment
What Factors are Needed to Strengthen Future Studies?
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper "Academic flexibility is so important because the independent that internet course provide are one of their main appeals. The article contends that this flexible learning style is important for adult learners. The flexibility is important because graduate students tend to be busy professionals that need to control their time. (Arbaugh 2000) In this particular study, flexibility was measured in terms of how well students were able to incorporate coursework into work and family life. There were two variables, which included course flexibility and program flexibility."
Argues that educational providers must focus on online usage patterns in order to anticipate their clients' needs and capitalize on growth prospects of onlineeducational programming.
Abstract This paper addresses the need to place Internet usage and potential at the center of marketing research done by educational providers going forward. The paper provides data on usage patterns, publics which are served through online programming, growth rates of online programs, and the need of providers to be opportunistic in developing programs.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Arguments
Internet Usage Patterns and Other Media Forms
Internet Access and Learning Opportunities
Opportunistic Educational Marketing
Conclusion
From the Paper "Before considering how Internet usage is affecting the role that other media forms play in the delivery of information, it is important first to briefly consider general Internet usage patterns and the role that education information plays in Internet usage. Dickinson and Ellison (1999) wrote that at the turn of the century, 36% of Canadian households had "frequent users" of the Internet. By 2005, 64% of Canadians aged 18 or over indicated that they used the Internet "at least once a day." These findings show that Internet usage is growing in frequency as a forum for media delivery generally."
Abstract This paper explains that, although many experts believe an online degree is simply not as effective as a traditional degree, studies consistently show there is little difference in the outcomes between online and traditional learning. The author points out that most experts agree that, for meaningful onlineeducation, there must be student-to-student interaction and well-timed, student-to-teacher feedback. The paper stresses that, to succeed in onlineeducation, students must be motivated to complete the course on their own, be comfortable in an insulated environment where they do not have face-to-face contact with other students and their instructor, and must be extremely comfortable with computers and technology; procrastinators will not survive many online courses.
From the Paper "While many more schools are jumping on the distance education bandwagon, the question remains, how effective is distance education versus traditional in-class education? Many educators believe there are many positive outcomes from distance education, as one expert notes, "Contrary to intuition, current Web-based online college courses are not an alienating, mass-produced product. They are a labor-intensive, highly text-based, intellectually challenging forum which elicits deeper thinking on the part of the students and which presents, for better or worse, more equality between instructor and student". However, much of the business community is still quite hesitant to recognize online education as a viable alternative to the traditional degree process."
Abstract This paper is an outline for a major research project that investigates the potential for onlineeducation technologies in distance education. The proposal here describes the general context for the research into onlineeducation, and evaluates the potential benefits for distance education curriculum. This thesis proposal defines the research parameters, as well as the methods most suitable for the research component of this project.
Abstract This paper examines why onlineeducation has not been very successful. The paper discusses the definition of distance learning and explores the criteria necessary for a distance learning program or online course to succeed. The paper assesses the likelihood of various universities opening learning programs in developing countries such as India, China, Pakistan, and Iran.
Outline
Introduction to the Study
Higher Education and Distance Learning Global Trends
Distance Learning and its Impact on Student Number in the New Markets
Research Issues and Aims of the Project
Research Methods and Methodology
The Task to Be Undertaken
Discussion
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Many universities in the U.S., Western Europe and Australia have been offering online courses and distance learning program for students in the developing countries around the world. There is however little being done to adapt these courses to the needs of the local population in the region. Developing countries, especially India, China, Pakistan and Iran, with their large population offer tremendous opportunities for many universities in the developed countries to increase their student population and consequently their profits.
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) defines distance learning as ?the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance.? (USDLA, 2004) Michael Moore in the text Distance Education: a Systems View defines distance education as a planned learning effort that occurs at a different place from where the teaching actually occurs."
