On-line studying
On-line studying means studying through web in a protected virtual learning environment. A learning environment means a certain place or a group of people in which learning takes place. On-line studying is guided by a tutor-teacher. It is not bound by time or place but, nevertheless, requires systematic planning of timetables according to the course schedule.
Universities of Applied Sciences use diverse virtual learning environments which are employed in on-line teaching, such as Moodle, Optima and Blackboard. Universities of Applied Sciences offer the students orientation and training in the use of virtual learning platforms and other web-based tools.
Working
methods in on-line studying can be:
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web-discussions
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writing
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data
search
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e-lectures
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online
direct teaching through web
In on-line studying the student’s own activity and self-directed actions are emphasized because on-line courses are based on his/her actions and interactions in learning tasks, writing and discussions.
Web-discussions are like normal discussions, except that it is possible to give a more thorough thought to what one is going to say; the participant can also go back to previous discussions. Additionally, web-discussions give a chance to get more acquainted with fellow students from far away, even from abroad. In on-line studying students are close to an immense amount of information where data search and other studying can take place side by side.
What does on-line studying require?
Computer and web connection: On-line studying is based on the use of computer. If you don’t have your own computer, find out in advance where and how you can have access to web.
Some ICT skills: On-line studying naturally requires working in web environment. You don’t have to be an ICT professional, however. It is enough if you have previously used a computer and visited websites. It is of course easier to start on-line studying if you have some knowledge of the basic functions of a web browser. What counts more, however, are interest and a curious mind. A University of Applied Sciences also offers orientation and training in the use of the learning platforms and other web-based studying techniques.
Time and commitment: Whether you study in a group or independently, you have to plan your own schedule and reserve in your calendar time for studying. Studying in groups is bound by a certain period of time, usually a couple of weeks, during which you are expected to participate in discussions almost on a daily basis. A web-course also includes that you return your own tasks to the teacher by a definite deadline. Separate web-courses can be implemented either during a certain period of time or during a period which you have chosen yourself. The latter alternative means that instead of a common time schedule you have to act in accordance with your own objectives.
Activity and self-directed studying: As a student you are responsible for getting acquainted with your learning environment and materials, participating in discussions and performing the agreed tasks in time. In web environment the learning process usually advances step by step. If you are not present on the course, it is quite difficult to compensate the absence afterwards with other tasks. Activity in group-based, interactive web-courses usually means participation in discussions by writing comments and opinions. Mere reading of other students’ comments is not enough. Learning and studying on-line is guided by the tutor-teacher of the course.