Virtual Education » blended learning http://www.vskpbrts.com provides information about virtual education for all levels Sat, 07 Aug 2010 08:43:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Distance Learning to the Rescue of Drop-Out Students http://www.vskpbrts.com/84/distance-learning-to-the-rescue-of-drop-out-students http://www.vskpbrts.com/84/distance-learning-to-the-rescue-of-drop-out-students#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:31:10 +0000 admin http://www.vskpbrts.com/?p=84

June 2009 was always set to be an important month in the higher education calendar. It was this month 40 years ago that The Open University was born, and established itself as a pioneering distance learning institution that was available to anyone anywhere. However, for some June 2009 will focus more on the thousands of students who have come to be known as “Generation Crunch”, a high number of graduates who have paid the most for their higher education to date and are due to enter a highly competitive recession-hit workplace.

However, moves from Gordon Brown and the Labour Government have been announced that are set to realign the focus on the positive aspects of higher education – and The Open University and other distance learning institutions in particular. According to The Guardian, the prime minister has announced a multimillion pound plan that will help students who have dropped out of university to complete their degrees via distance learning and online.

The plans follow reports last month by The Higher Education Statistics Authority showing that 7.4 percent of undergraduates drop out from university in their first year, compared to 7.1 percent the year before. At a Downing Street reception, Gordon Brown specified that a total of £20 million will be given to centres of excellence for online learning – with additional funding set aside for The Open University which will have the responsibility with working and establishing distance education and e-Learning with other institutions.

The plans also come at a time when there has been particular focus on the opportunities available through online education and blended learning. Wes Streeting, the head of The National Union of Students, argued recently that lectures had ‘had their day’ and should be replaced with more virtual learning. Such arguments have frequently been heard in light of the recession causing institutions needing to accommodate a wider range of students, and a wider range of subjects.

Yet, of course investment in distance learning and online education is not only being seen to be very positive for institutions – but students are set to really see the benefits over the next few years. With the increase in the number of distance learning courses come more opportunities for individuals to study and work at the same time – being able to save money and fit study around other commitments such as family. The governments plans are also the first succession of moves, continuing next year with a further £225 million set aside to keep students from dropping out of university.

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]]> http://www.vskpbrts.com/84/distance-learning-to-the-rescue-of-drop-out-students/feed 0 Guide Distance Learning Online Education http://www.vskpbrts.com/12/guide-distance-learning-online-education http://www.vskpbrts.com/12/guide-distance-learning-online-education#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:12:18 +0000 admin http://www.vskpbrts.com/?p=12 Distance learning opportunities used to exist through what was called correspondence courses, which were conducted over the mail, on the radio or on television. Today, the internet is the primary method of presenting educational materials. Online education affords students who little time or money, or who live in remote areas, to attend classes.

Classes Offered Through Distance Learning Online Education

Almost any curriculum can be pursued online. Students can seek programs that result in certification, advanced technical skills, associates degrees, bachelors degrees, graduate degrees and even doctorates. Even continuing education classes for licensed professionals and high school equivalence courses can be completed through virtual classrooms.

Methods for Distance Learning Online Education

Online education is usually web-based with a specific web site designated for the course. Supplemental materials, such as software, may also be part of certain online courses. Students visit the course web site to complete the posted assignments and take tests. Instructors and students communicate through email and chat rooms. Sometimes virtual lectures and discussions are part of online coursework. Students can attend virtual classrooms to complete their education and some colleges even have virtual graduation ceremonies.

Types of Students Who Pursue Distance Learning Online Education

Many different students from all over the world participate in distance learning online education opportunities. Some students work and attend classes online during their free time. Other students live in remote areas where local colleges do not exist. Still other students choose to combine online courses with traditional classes for what is known as a blended learning experience. Student who pursue distance education do not fit a particular mold, but should possess the following qualities:

self-motivation;

well-organized;

independent learner;

computer literate;

good time management skills; and

excellent communication skills.

Validity of Distance Learning Online Education: Research from the Sloan Consortium states that online learning is comparable to education obtained in a traditional setting, based upon a poll of academic leaders. Academic leader James Sherwood, Ph.D. and dean of University Extension, the continuing education branch of The University of California at Berkley states that, “Coming out of World War II and getting into the 60′s and 70′s there was a kind of stigma associated with distance education. That has certainly changed.” Because of technological advances and online resources, distance education has improved and offers an equivalent opportunity to traditional education.

Faculty Perspective of Distance Learning Online Education. Dr. Michael Otaigbe of Strayer University in Virginia has taught courses both in person and online at the same college. His opinion is that online classes generate an unexpected level of motivation, saying, “Online, I have the freedom to require contributions. Every week, my students have to submit essays and participate in group discussions. I get a better sense of the learning process.” He also finds that online students come from all over the world and have unique contributions that benefit the other students.

Online Education Distance Learning Association in the US. Several distance learning associations exist within the United States that offer additional information about taking classes online for prospective students.

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). The USDLA is a non-profit association that promotes the development and application of online distance learning for education and training purposes. The USDLA encourages distance learning for grades K-12, college and higher education, corporate training, continuing education, government training and military training. Further, the USDLA supported the implementation of the Snowe-Rockefeller Amendment to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, as well as other legislation in 1997 that was introduced by Kennedy and Snowe.

The Distance and Education Training Council (DETC). The DETC is a non-profit educational association that is a central hub of information about distance study and the correspondence learning field.

Federal Government Distance Learning Association (FGDLA). The FGDLA is also a non-profit association. The FGDLA was formed to promote development and application of distance learning programs. The Association also acts to foster understanding and collaboration among the people involved in education and training within the federal government.

Covering Costs for Distance Learning Online Education Programs
Financial aid is available to online students, just as it is for traditional students. Online students can apply for applicable state and government financial aid, Stafford loans, student loans, tuition reimbursement and scholarships to cover costs for cyber classes. Also, virtual students save money on transportation and housing. Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board, said, “The College Board continues to advocate for need-based aid, so that students can have the opportunity to benefit from college education.”

National and international strides are being made everyday in distance learning online education. Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Mich., introduced legislation to scientifically scrutinize online learning. The Independent Study of Distance Education Act of 2007 directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study that would compare classroom instruction with distance learning programs. Colleges such as the University of Wyoming are experimenting with gaming as a form of teaching online education. Consider that the dynamic nature and convenience of online education has attracted about 3.2 million people to take a distance learning course in the past year. Distance learning online education programs are an effective way to achieve higher education

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