Skyart

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Online Learning “ Online learning” refers to courses taught and taken on the Internet. For participants , online courses can be a convenient way to obtain: • Continuing Professional Education units • New teaching skills • Various types of certification Additional benefits to participants of online learning include: • Self-paced or flexibly scheduled classes, which allow learning to take place at a participant’s own rate and convenience • Classes available wherever there is access to a computer with Internet service • No inconveniences associated with commuting, parking, scheduling around work hours, or arranging for child care The main drawback for course instructors and participants is the absence of the kinds of face-to-face discussions that mark a lively classroom. To make online courses seem more like traditional classes, instructors can enhance the learning experience with the following: • Short videotaped lectures • Links to videos on the Internet • Graphics • Music • Sound effects Online courses can be divided into three general types of instruction: • Instructor-led courses • Instructor-facilitated courses • Self-paced courses

Getting Started in Project Share: A Guide for Texas Educators ©2011 Texas Education Agency/University of Texas System