e-learning opens new prospects and problems Wednesday, June 8 2005 18:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -
Revolutions have always begun from the world of words and ideas. It comes as no surprise that education is breaking all predefined boundaries to weave its own attractive web in the Internet.
Going beyond the ordinary
Unlike the conventional distance education program that has no direct link between the teacher and the student, online education provides ample space for interaction.
Infact, this mode of learning has been broadly divided into two categories; the Asynchronous (not existing at the same phase) method, which is devoid of any virtual class room interaction or time stipulations and the more popular Synchronous method, in which the members exist in the same time phase in a cyber class room. The latter is preferred due to its convenience, liveliness derived from regular interaction and for the motivation factor.
Online learning, which incorporates tools like video conferencing, audio streaming and chatting, is gaining opinion among the student community for its flexible structure which allow them to access lessons and take tests from anywhere in the world.
Never shake hands with the clenched fist
The important thing to check out before you begin any kind of distance learning program is the accreditation the school has, or claims to have.
Though most states require that a learning institution be certified, authorized and/or accredited in order to award online degrees to students, there are some schools that do not meet these requirements.
They operate under the accreditation of an agency that does not exist and issue fake online degrees and certificates to students who end up wasting their time and money. The activity of these online degree mills which have been around for decades, range from using the student's work history to simply selling diplomas, online degrees and doctorates.
Programs like Degrees-R-Us promise a bachelors, masters, or doctoral online degree in about 10 days. (There is a higher tuition fee if you want to graduate with honours!). Credits from schools that are not accredited cannot be transferred to other universities.
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