Online Classes Are Easy and Convenient

Long gone are the days when the only way to learn was to spend hours sitting in a classroom. Now the classroom can be your computer screen. These days, almost everyone is taking or has taken an online class, either for college credit or for self-improvement.

Online education has advanced rapidly since it first became available on the World Wide Web. Some educational institutions offer online courses alongside classroom instruction. However, just as many offer online courses exclusively online.

The development of computers and the internet has made distance learning easier and faster, and has given rise to the "Virtual University," where the entire program of study is conducted online.

Various terms

These terms mean the same thing about online education:

• Distance learning
• E-learning
• Online classes
• Online courses
• Virtual learning

It was reported that over 12 million students have taken classes online, and that number is likely to increase. Within the next 10–20 years, almost everyone will be taking online courses. More stay-at-home moms will take online classes because they can care for their homes and get their degree at their own pace.

Almost everyone is computer-literate and spends hours on the computer anyway. So why not log onto a site and take a course? There are lots of free classes online, even if one is not seeking a degree. There are courses on flower arranging, sewing, jewelry-making, and so much more. The sky's the limit when it comes to the categories of courses one can take at no cost.

Virtual education

Virtual education is online education in which the teacher and the students use the internet to communicate.

Virtual education refers to instruction in a learning environment where the teacher and students are separated by time or space, or both. The teacher is responsible for providing course content through various tools that will enable the students to learn as if they were in the classroom. All the courses are taught online with no face-to-face contact. In other words, neither the teacher nor the students have to enter into a classroom at all.

The methods the teacher uses may include multimedia resources, the internet, videoconferencing, teleconferencing, e-mail, and voice mail, among other things. The students communicate with the teacher through the same methods.

Virtual education is a program in which courses are delivered online and not in the classroom. All course material is provided electronically and can be viewed with a browser.

Teleconferencing courses involve the teacher and students calling a designated number. There is no face-to-face contact, but the teacher can teach and call on different individuals to answer certain questions.

Independent study courses are courses in which students study independently but take online tests to demonstrate their understanding. However, the teacher is available to answer questions.

Facebook courses are set up so students can meet the teacher on their Facebook page. The teacher writes some text, asks questions, and students respond. (www.facebook.com).

Benefits for teachers

Teachers do not have to abide by formal classroom or class times. They can reach people worldwide, rather than only those in a local community. There is no limit on the number of people who learn from online classes. Once the course is posted online, the teacher is free to do other things.

Benefits for students

Students who take online courses can do so from home. There is no need to use gas to drive anywhere. The students who take the course can do so in their pajamas if they like. They can get up in the middle of the night and complete an assignment. Students can work at their own pace as long as the course is completed by the deadline set forth by the teacher. Some online classes are free.