Online Learning



Online Learning

Introduction

Online learning is on the rise in America, as well as, the rest of the world. Nearly 45,000 K-12 students took an online course in the year 2000. In the year 2009, this figure reached 3 million students. The phenomenon that was originally considered a distance learning one is no longer such a phenomenon. Most of the growth of the students today is taking place in the blended learning environment. This phenomenon consists of students learning online in an environment that is adult supervised for at least some part of the time. Online learning system has the potential and ability to transform the education system of America by serving as a system that provides personalized learning experiences, as well as, approaches for all types of students. Whenever a new invention is brought to the market, non-consumption always takes place and the technology makes its roots in it. When the number of users of the disruptive innovation increases, the innovation improves predictably. Online learning also is following a similar pattern. The phenomenon was started for serving students under the circumstances like the unavailability of any alternative for learning (www.azcentral.com). This was the case when the schools did not offer a specific advanced course in house that the student wanted to pursue. In the small, urban, as well as, rural schools where a broad set of courses cannot be offered by the management of the school, because of the lack of qualified teachers; online learning was the best alternative available. The online courses are also helpful for the students who are falling short of the required credit hours to graduate, as well as, it is helpful for the students that are homebound or homeschooled.

Models of blended learning

There are four models of blended learning.

Rotation

The first model of blended learning is rotation. In rotation, within a given subject or course students are rotated as per a fixed schedule. This can also be done on the discretion of the teacher. Rotation includes station rotation, lab rotation, flipped classroom and individual rotation.

Flex

Flex is a model in which the instructions and content that is delivered to the students is primarily the same, and is provided through the internet. Students, however, move as per their customized fluid schedule among the modalities of learning that are being offered, as well as, the ones he is pursuing. The teachers, as well as, other adults in this model provide face to face support on any difficulties that the students might be facing (www.ets.org). This support is provided on an adaptive and flexible base in accordance with the needs of the students. Activities like group projects, group instructions and individual tutoring are also provided to the students.

Self Blend

This is the case where students take one or more courses that are taught entirely online to supplement the traditional courses that they are taking. Students have the choice to take the courses online, or at the brick and mortar campus of the ...