Friday, October 30, 2009

Distance Education Receives An Incredible Advantage From Online Media Technology Breakthrough

By John Maxted

One thing that has prevented a number of people from enrolling into an online learning program in the past was that these courses were known to provide a substandard substitute for learning in a traditional classroom environment. However, a lot of improvements have been made in the technology used to offer online bachelor degree programs and now students can enjoy learning in a setting which works much like a traditional classroom. Truly interactive education is now available online.

The first major improvement came from the prevalence of high speed internet connections. Broadband connections have allowed people to quickly download files and gain access to websites. Now instructors can place large media files onto the web and students can instantly view or download them without being held back by a slow connection and hours of waiting or downloading.

A large part of modern online classes is conducted with recorded class presentations. These have also been greatly improved, with instructors narrating a PowerPoint presentation. The end result is an experience much like that of being present in the lecture hall for the presentation.

Other instructors may choose to actually videotape their classroom lectures. This provides an even more realistic experience as you can really watch the professor speak and see what they emphasize. It also helps to reinforce a name with a face so you can connect and trust that person more.

Another improvement in technology has enabled students to interact with each other more effectively. Online discussion boards serve as the virtual classroom, wherein you discuss topics with other students, ask each other questions and converse about the course. Live chat rooms add further functionality to an online education.

For those whose computers meet the system requirements, video and audio chats are also a possibility. Using VOIP services like Skype or webcams, students can easily meet each other and collaborate on class projects with ease - no matter how far away they may live from one another!

Online education also lets students turn in their coursework in the same way that their instructors provide lectures! You can make your reports something really special by using PowerPoint presentations and recording voiceovers just as your professors do; there's plenty of software available to help you make these multimedia reports.

Testing is another critical element of online bachelors degree courses which has made great progress. There are now timed online tests which you can take online. There are multiple choice questions as well as essay questions. You'll want to make sure that you understand the material you've been studying, after all - and so will your instructors; there's just no substitute for testing. Online testing is convenient since you can take your tests when you have the free time for them.

Know more than ever, online courses offer a complete classroom experience. From detailed presentations that make you feel like you're in the lecture hall, to comprehensive testing services and student interaction, getting an online education has been made better through technology.

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