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The next big killer application for the Internet is going to be education. Education over the Internet is going to be so big it is going to make e-mail usage look like a rounding error in comparison.
-John Chambers, CEO, Cisco Systems (at COMDEX, 1999)

WHY ARE so many institutions and individuals turning to the Internet for their educational and corporate training solutions? First and foremost, because it is convenient. As a user, you can study where and when you want to; as a provider, you can offer courses without needing a classroom.

In the first of this two-part series, I'll tell you what online education is all about and how it works? In the second part, which will appear in the May issue of .dacs.doc, I'll introduce you to particular learning styles and where you can find online courses that use some of them.

In the first of this two-part series, I'll tell you what online education is all about and how it works? In the second part, which will appear in the May issue of .dacs.doc, I'll introduce you to particular learning styles and where you can find online courses that offer courses using some of them.

Learning is essential to human growth and development, whether it is learning for a required course, corporate training, or just for your own personal interest. The Internet allows this learning to take place in a new medium, which has it's own advantages and disadvantages.

Most online courses are taught using one of three basic learning models: synchronous (chat/tutorial sessions), asynchronous (discussion boards), and self-access. As technology improves, even more options will become available --
videoconferencing, for instance.

Synchronous learning

Some Web courses follow the traditional classroom mode of meeting for specific periods of time in an online classroom. The classrooms are created with the help of free applications such as NetMeeting and ICQ, or can be set up by using programs like TutorNet that have been designed specifically for this purpose.

Synchronous learning gives you a great sense of human interaction and allows you to share information through text, drawing on a whiteboard, and even PowerPoint presentations. You can ask questions of each other and the facilitator and receive responses immediately.

Asynchronous learning

Asynchronous learning means that while the class has many participants, they do not need to be online at the same time to communicate. Discussion boards, such as WebBoard, are used to set up this type of course.

There are great advantages to asynchronous classes. You have a chance to think about and compose your online postings, and have more time to read and respond to others' postings. Discussions can be organized into different "threads," which are online discussion groups similar to bulletin boards or the discussion boards I mention above. You can join one of these and add your comments and view those of others in the group. The interactive software used to design these allows you to view one comment at a time or a whole list of them. To see an example of a good one, visit the O'Reilly WebBoard site. The best thing about asynchronous learning is that students can participate when and where they are most comfortable.

Self-Access learning

This type of course does not need a facilitator. A Website is created with the necessary information, and students access it according to their own needs. Self-access courses are great for casual learning, and for courses dealing with skills improvement such as writing. Check out such a course created by the English Centre at Hong Kong University at http://ec.hku.hk/writingmachine/.

Each of the three methods has its advantages and disadvantages, but some of the most successful courses are a blend, combining two or all three of the learning models. One of these is the "onground" classroom, which meets face to face (f2f) and is supported by a course Website that offers self-access materials, a discussion board, and occasionally holds online synchronous sessions.

Advantages

There are many advantages to online education. It's easier to access, and you can study when and where you are most comfortable. As for homework, you have the use of the Internet for greater resources on the subject. The Net also negates some of the uncomfortable aspects of group dynamics: If you are the retiring sort, you no longer need to be the "quiet" one in class; everyone must contribute to be heard.

Online learning allows different learning media to meet different learning styles and provides a sense of empowerment much greater than traditional formats to give the learner control. The instructor, meanwhile, becomes a "facilitator" of the learning process instead of the policeman. Probably the most valuable aspect of online learning is that it offers a great many people who might not otherwise have access or time to take courses the opportunity to participate.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages to learning online most commonly fall into two categories: lack of human physical interaction and technical difficulties. But both are becoming less and less of a problem. Although students can't actually see one another--yet--contributing to interactive discussion boards, shared e-mail lists, and collaborative projects fosters a strong sense of community. The experience becomes very personal, very satisfying. And the technical problems are fewer and fewer, too, as increasingly sophisticated technology makes it easier for people to use, enjoy, and profit from the Internet without needing to know how the machinery that delivers it works. This accessibility will make online education an attractive option for growing numbers of people.

Overall, online education is an expanding field with lots of untapped potential and resources. Although still only 2% of the world is hooked up to the Internet, it is realistic to predict that online education will affect at least some DACS readers at some point over the next five years.

See you next month for a brief introduction to learning styles and a sampling of courses representing four of those styles -- visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic.