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Technology in Online Education Essay

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Introduction
There has been much research into both online and traditional education that includes instructional methods and program design. In order for a learner to decide how they want to learn, we must evaluate the choice from their perspective. This paper examines both traditional and the various forms of online education from that perspective. It also considers the pros and cons of each form of education. Further, because educators now have a plethora of technological tools to assist them with course design and instruction, the discussion continues about how these tools can both obviate the negative aspects of online education.
Traditional Learning from the Learner’s Perspective Learning in a traditional, face to face …show more content…

At one time, this may have been true, but it should be noted that the percentage of companies who regard both degrees as equal is on the rise (Online Degrees, n.d.).
Online Learning from the Learner’s Perspective Online learning can take many forms. It can take the form of traditional programs in regular classrooms that may incorporate the use of online technologies as part of the instruction, while still incorporating face to face interaction among students and their instructors. It can also be blended learning, where the instruction is not entirely traditional and combines one or more modalities to distribute learning material (Harriman, 2011). The ratio of blended to traditional content can vary from program to program.
Online learning is used to deliver materials through an internet connection. It usually stands alone, and can be conducted on site at a traditional institution, or off site at a learner’s home or workplace. It can be done synchronously, with live instruction, or asynchronously, where the learner, their classmates and facilitators do not necessarily need to be online at the same time. From a learner’s perspective, this type of arrangement works because it can be highly interactive, and can take place at a time that is convenient. It can also take advantages of all that the internet has to offer, including an almost limitless availability of information, learning tools and research material (Harriman,

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