Types Of Online Learning

tart -->at various time zones.
There are various kinds of online learning modesAsynchronous E-learning: This is also known as
that the students can use as per theirstore and forward e learning, wherein the
preferences. Each of these types is well-definedcommunication between the participants does not
and linked to study resources and useful articles.occur instantaneously. Some of the examples of
Some of the models of online learning areasynchronous learning include - taking up a
described below:self-paced course, posting messages to various
Synchronous e-Learning/Live: In this type ofdiscussion groups, and exchanging e-mail
learning, communication between the participatingmessages with one or more mentors.
individuals occurs instantly and the participants canAsynchronous e-learning offers convenience,
access the information at the same time. Someaccessibility, and the much desired self-paced
of the examples of synchronous e-learning includelearning.
virtual classroom or video/audio conferencing andHowever, one of the major disadvantages of
real-time chart. One of the major attributes ofasynchronous e learning is that a student may
synchronous e-learning is that it offers instantfeel isolated or less motivated because in this
feedback of the participant's performance. Thisprocess, there is no opportunity real time
gives a scope for adjusting the training to suit theinteraction with other participants. Additionally,
requirement of the candidate, depending on theunlike synchronous learning, asynchronous learning
kind of feedback he/she has got.does not offer instant feedback on the student's
This type of learning also accelerates theperformance. Hence, any modification or
formation of learning groups or communities foradjustment to training, if needed, can be done
booting a higher level of interaction to enableonly after the completion of the entire evaluation.
better understanding of a particular subject. TheBlended Learning: This is often referred as mixed
best thing about synchronous e learning is that itmode of learning, a blend of conventional
enables greater involvement of the participants.face-to-face lectures, workshops, and tutorials
This mode provides them an environment thatwith learning online through activities like emailing,
encourages expression of synergism. Hence,discussing through discussion boards, tests,
participants can empower one another toquizzes, and announcements.
construct knowledge.In this type of learning, students receive their
The only disadvantage of this type of learning isfeedback from online quizzes and tests, which
the fact that it does not offer self-paced learninghelps them to identify loopholes in their knowledge
and logistics of scheduling. Moreover, itand ways to fill them.
necessitates management of students' availability