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