FAQ on eLearning, Distance Learning, Online Learning

In a traditional class learners can pose questions or comments to the instructor, interact in verbal discussions, or collaborate with small groups.  Similar forms of interaction and collaboration exist in online courses, with a few substantial differences.

The first major difference is that written communication is much more prevalent in online classrooms.  Of the ten types of interactive tools listed on the previous page eight use the written word.  Only teleconferencing and videoconferencing use verbal communication skills.

The next major difference is that of the eight interactive tools, five are asynchronous .  This means that instructors and learners will be making their comments as little as a few minutes, and as much as a few weeks, apart from one another.  Keep in mind that in a CBT , the interaction happens with the computer program, rather than a live instructor.

Entirely new skills need to be developed by both instructors and learners to make this asynchronous collaboration effective.  Everyone in the discussion needs to follow new rules of etiquette, and each interactive tool is slightly different.

If done well, asynchronous class discussions can be as effective as traditional class discussions.  For some learners, that either take longer to formulate their thoughts, or are too shy to express their thoughts verbally, online discussions can be more effective.

In the asynchronous class, the instructor will typically pose weekly questions or discussion topics for the class.  The discussion threads that follow may involve 30 or more learners over a course of weeks.  There are also typically places and times for learners to start topics of their own.  To sample one of these asynchronous discussions you may want to join one of our virtual learning communities.

In the synchronous class, discussions occur at a set time when the instructor will meet the class.  Study groups may also set their own meeting times, based on their schedules.  Some more traditional distance learning classes may meet exclusively through dedicated videoconferencing systems - which remove many of the differences between normal class environments (however, the technology does add new roles and etiquette just like the other tools).  As the bandwidth of the Internet increases over the coming years synchronous conferencing options will become more effective, less costly and complex, and may gain more popularity.

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