1.1 methodology of online learning

There are several methods to develop online classes, and these will depend on the topic, your target student, requirements of your affiliated organization, and the demands of the user. For example, many colleges and universities give their instructors great independence in developing online courses while others provide strict guidelines for their structure. Online learning methods can mimic actual classrooms, with required attendance at specific times, can be self-paced, or blended, and use a variety of tools to engage students and support learning.

There are four basic categories of online learning methods:

Asynchronous Online Courses: the courses are often referred to as self-paced programs and are time independent, meaning that the materials can be accessed 24 hours per day/7 days per week. There is usually a component of teacher/student interaction in the form of virtual office hours, weekly or monthly “check-in” online conversations or emails, and other such communications. These courses can often be accessed from multiple devices, making it easy to learn on the go. Classes consist of downloadable pre-recorded lectures or slide presentations with or without voice-over commentary. There are often interactive discussion boards or other designated forums that foster student to student interaction. Email communication with the instructor and possible virtual office hours are part of this process. Collaborative tools, such as Google Drive, may be used for coordinating group projects or other interconnected activities. Student learning support tools, including virtual tutoring and resource centers, are often provided.7

Synchronous Online Courses: these courses take place in real time and can take many forms including a virtual classroom, live webinar, live webcast, and video/audio conferencing, instant messaging, and more. The instructor and students all log into the learning platform at the same date and time and the instructor delivers the lecture, demonstration or other planned learning activity. The process is live, and the students can ask questions in real time.

Attendance is often taken, and instructors post lecture notes and other materials for students who are unable to attend. Course books must be purchased, and syllabus will note due dates for reading assignments, course schedule, quizzes, tests, papers, projects and other relevant information. Virtual office hours, tutoring and resources centers are often provided.8

Hybrid or Blended Online Courses: As the name implies, this type, of course, combines specific aspects of the synchronous and the asynchronous learning systems. They often have the scheduled, live classes several times during the semester, but use pre-recorded lectures or presentations to deliver additional course materials. In another type of hybrid learning called the Flipped Classroom Learning, the students are required to self-study a particular topic (mostly online) and interact with the teachers in the classroom to clear doubts.9

Competency-Based Online Courses: It is a personalized approach to learning, where specific skills are mastered to support a particular employment goal. A faculty mentor oversees the process and evaluates if and when competencies are reached. It is a self-paced program, but unlike a traditional asynchronous learning course, there are no pre-recorded lectures or other materials. The student and mentor together create a learning process using the web-based documents, books, and job experience to help the learner develop skills and to define how and when competency has been achieved 10