E-learning is rapidly growing, this is due to the increase in demand and many benefits and advantages over traditional classroom setting – some of the benefits are listed below:

Flexibility

With e-learning you can earn your degree at home, on the road or virtually anywhere in the world; all you need is a computer and internet connection. E-learning gives you an extraordinary amount of control over how, when and where you study.

Convenience

E-learning allows you the freedom to take online classes ( and reach your career goals, all from the convenience and comfort of your home 24 hours a day 7 days a week without interrupting your busy life.

Self-Paced

Self-paced allows slow or quick learners to work within their learning style and pace.

Virtual Classroom

You can expect a state-of-the art e-learning virtual classroom, with all the advanced technologies.

Quality Faculty

You will learn from experienced professionals with advanced degrees who are experts in their field. The online faculty has to go through an extensive training program which prepares them to teach effectively online. They bring their experience and knowledge to the classroom and prepare you for the real world.

Campus-Based Education vs. Online Education

Choosing a learning method that fits your busy life is quite possible with online learning. If you are considering to pursue your degree but don’t have the time to attend the traditional classroom setting, then online degree programs can offer the freedom and flexibility that allows you to continue working and attend to family life while at the same time earning your degree online.

Quality Higher Education

The online degree programs provide the same quality education that is found in the traditional college degree programs. Studies show that for most students, distance learning is just as effective and has a bit more advantages than traditional on-campus learning. These online degree programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of students and the needs of today’s fast growing industries.

Wide Range of Degree Programs to Choose From

Most colleges and universities offer a variety of online degree programs that will give you an advantage in your career. Online colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in addition to a variety of non-credit and certificate programs. Some online universities offer PhDs in areas such as Health Services, Education and Psychology.

Credit transferability

Most online universities will accept credit transfers from regionally and nationally accredited institutions of higher learning, as long as the credits are eligible for credit transfer and can be applied to your degree program.

Accelerated programs

Many online universities and colleges offer an accelerated program, which allows you to complete your degree in a shorter amount of time. For example online bachelor degree usually takes four years to earn, but online students can complete the same degree in less than three years. By taking courses online, you have the flexibility and can complete class work, projects and assignments much faster than you would be able to with a traditional on-campus classroom.

E-learning gives you options

Whether you are starting your education or completing your education, online learning allows you to:

• Advance your career
• Increase your earning potential
• Expand your knowledge and skills
• Complete your degree program
• Improve your career mobility

Online support and services

You will have 24/7 access to the online support staff and faculty members, in addition to being able to collaborate with instructors, and fellow online classmates, and

Accreditation

Most online universities and colleges are accredited nationally or regionally, which means that standards of quality education have been met and you are guaranteed to receive quality education with online convenience.

Financial aid assistance online

Some form of financial aid is available to all eligible online students. The financial aid office can help you determine what kind of assistance you might be eligible for.

Online Learning can be broadly defined as the use of any electronic technology to create learning experiences. Online learning also known as e-learning is a learning experience delivered via a computer and the internet. However not all online learning is fully-online sometimes there is a combination of online and on-campus attendance requirement so before completing the application process make sure you have a clear understanding about how your program is being offered and if it meet your needs.

Fully-online: Fully-online means that all courses are offered online through a computer and internet connection. You will not be required to attend any on-campus class.

Combination of online and on-campus: A combination of online and on-campus class means that there are times when you will have to physically attend a class on-campus, and it is a requirement to earn a degree or certificate. A combination of online and on-campus attendance, is also referred to as blended or hybrid program.

Other terms used for Online Learning:

• E-learning
• Distance education
• Distance learning
• Online learning
• Online education
• Web-based training
• Web-based training

Is Online Learning Right For Me?

It really depends on your learning style; online learning is very different than the traditional on-site learning, however if this is your only option then you will have to adapt your learning style to fit into your online degree program. Anyone can adapt to online learning, all it takes is a little adjustment and a bit of getting used to.

Listed below are some of the attributes an online student should have or at least make an effort to have:

Self discipline: Most online learning will be around your busy schedule so you will have to apply a certain amount of discipline and set aside an appropriate amount of time for online work and studies just like you would for any traditional campus education.

Self determination and motivation: When things get rough and you feel like giving up are you able to snap out of it and stay focus? Because there will be times when you will feel tired and burned out or overwhelmed, but you will have to motivate yourself and be strong and determined to complete what you have started and keep your eyes on the prize.

Don’t be shy or intimidated: When you need help or do not understand a subject matter or class assignment it is important to let your instructor know. And since you will be in an online environment it should be a bit easier to ask for help and not feel embarrassed or intimidated in any way.

Knowledge of computers and software: Do you have some knowledge of computers, typing, word processing, downloading, installing software, email and surfing the net? If your answer is yes, then you are on your way to a good start for online learning, however if your answer is no you might want to take a few lessons in computers to learn the basics before enrolling for an online degree program.

Good reading comprehension and writing skills: You will be required to read and comprehend subject matter. Also being able to write and get your ideas across especially online is critical to your success.

Excellent time management skills: Online classes allows you the freedom and flexibility to learn at your own convenience however you still need to manage your time effectively so that you can get the most out of your online education.

Online learning has a variety of learning methods, such as self directed, instructor-led, or blended approach. E-learning takes place via the web and may involve a variety of learning methods, and tools, including audio, video, discussion boards, e-mail, testing, synchronous chat, and web based teleconferencing and other learning technology and devices.

About E-Learning

Online learning is designed for individuals who are aspiring to transform traditional classroom education and training to an online format. Distance learning allows each individual to determine their specific needs and the opportunity to explore all aspects of online learning including self-directed, instructor-led, and blended approaches. Some lessons are self-directed study while other lessons are conducted through phone conference calls or video conference with the course instructor. Sessions that require meeting with the instructor are scheduled at mutually convenient times and are a requirement of successful completion of the course.

Self-Directed E-Learning: Self-directed also known as learning-led e-learning or stand-alone e-learning which is basically independent learning. Self-directed courses give you the freedom and flexibility you need but you must have a certain amount of self discipline because you normally do not have a human point of contact for guidance and feedback. This course format also allows you to study and complete materials at your own pace and provides exercises that enable you to evaluate how well you are learning the material

Instructor-Led E-Learning: Instructor-led courses are more structured and are led through class material by an instructor. Instructor-led e-learning is the delivery of traditional classes in a virtual classroom setting.

Facilitated E-learning: Facilitated e-learning consists of both self-directed e-learning with the added benefit of having an instructor guiding the virtual classroom. Facilitated e-learning may also include other training methods such as synchronized elearning, on-the-job training or etutoring. The overall program is designed to capitalize on the specific benefits each training method has to offer.

Instructional videoconferencing: Instructional videoconferencing uses television to synchronously connect both instructor and learners. Instructional videoconferencing has been used for distance learning and it has the capability of bringing the traditional classroom environment to a virtual classroom setting in real-time.

Personal Learning Environment (PLE): PLE allows students to be in control of their own learning. PLE gives students the ability to manage content, communicate with other as part of the learning process and set individualized goals.

Audio Graphic Systems: Audio graphic systems allow synchronous communication between instructor and students through the use of a microphone and speaker.

Benefits on E-Learning

Whether your e-learning program is self-directed or instructor-led, e-learning has many benefits; some of the benefits are listed below:

Accommodates different learning styles: Self-paced, instructor-led or blended approach

Designed with the students in mind: Students can continue working while reaching their educational goals

24/7 accessibility: Access to support, instructor, course work, assignments, and much more

Flexible and convenient: You choose when and how you want to study

Increased retention: A stronger grasp on the subject matter

Reduced overall expenses: Travel expenses completely eliminated and lower tuition than traditional courses.

Interactive: You are able to collaborate with your instructor and fellow online classmates via chat room, email or other methods.

E-learning is rapidly growing at a fast pace as the new method of training delivery. Most are finding that the numerous benefits to e-learning will guarantee it a place in the overall new learning strategy.