Online University Glossary
Here are some terms you may encounter when researching an online university:
Simply put, asynchronous learning means that the professor or teacher
at an online university is not in contact with a student in real-time.
Students and instructors interact through email, threaded discussions
on class internet boards, even streaming video that can be called up
and reviewed when convenient.
See Synchronous Learning to compare learning environments.
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Basically, any combination of different approaches to learning can
constitute a blended format including those that combine traditional
“bricks and mortar” classes at campuses along with online university
classes.
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Rather than have the computer function as the sole source of
interaction for learning at an online university, the computer acts as
an aid, through the use of web browsing or the study of specific
articles in context with regular classroom activities.
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Distance learning at an online university is used interchangeably with Online Learning and E-learning.
It can also include Flexible Learning, as well as correspondence
courses, and on occasion curriculums that have been designed by the
student in conjunction with an online university for self-study and
independent resourced-based learning.
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Also known as, Online Learning and Distance Learning, it is taking classes from an online university or college.
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Imagine a classroom where you have an instructor and support personnel
as well as students. The only difference is, that the instructor can be
in Iceland, the support team in Idaho and the students from every
corner of the globe (as long as the time zones work for all involved!)
The information is presented in real-time with desktop computers as the
communication device. Certain software packages are required to do
this, such as JavaScript and QuickTime, both of which are free to
download from many locations on the Internet.
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Even though an online university can have a host of different methods
for delivering online education materials through the internet, they
generally fall into two categories:Synchronous Learning and Asynchronous Learning.
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Also known as E-learning and Distance Learning, it is taking classes from an online university.
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This is a real-time learning format just like an actual classroom
except that students are attending from remote locations via an online
university. It requires that students adhere to class times as they
would with any other on-site learning situation. This learning format
can be particularly useful in situations such as science courses, where
students can watch experiments take place and, through a classroom
aide, ask questions or converse with the instructor through streaming
video or live chat.
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These are courses that utilize the web to allow students to meet in a
virtual classroom at previously determined times. They can be used in
conjunction with on campus facilities as well. An online university
uses these virtual rooms to provide continued interaction and allow
students to work with one another to foster the exchange of ideas.
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An online university uses this format to combine multiple approaches to
learning, featuring a range of techniques including: face to face
sessions, computer work, technological resources, assessment features,
instant messaging, virtual classrooms and other electronic rich media.
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