Learning Online Info » Distance Learning http://learningonlineinfo.org E-Learning and Educational Technologies News and Resources Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:49:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 The Best of Online Learning: Free Video Lectures http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/08/30/the-best-of-online-learning-free-video-lectures/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/08/30/the-best-of-online-learning-free-video-lectures/#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:49:57 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=758 The Best of Online Learning: Free Video Lectures is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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This is a guest post by Olivia Coleman, who writes on the topics of online colleges and universities.  She welcomes your comments here or at her email Id: olivia.coleman33 @gmail.com.

Having attended a brick-and-mortar institution, I remember what a crapshoot in-school lectures could be. Some were marginally interesting, others were pointless beyond comprehension, and still others were nothing short of life-changing. A delightful, relatively new online trend that is becoming further popularized through the advent of OpenCourseWare is the availability of recorded classroom lectures.

The beauty of free video lectures is, of course, the ease of access. Want to learn about the latest findings in cognitive science? Or how about brush up on basic algebra skills? Maybe you’d even be interested in viewing a more controversial lecture in which a Harvard professor discusses human nature and morality. While before, we would have to be enrolled in a school to reap the benefits of these lectures, now each of these can be viewed with a few quick clicks of the mouse.

Free video lectures not only enable you to get a full in-class experience in topics that you find interesting, but they can be very helpful if you want a different explanation of a concept that you are having difficulty understanding. For example, say you are taking a course in college-level calculus. Your textbook or instructor have a specific way of teaching the material, but you still don’t quite understand. With free video lectures available online, you can see for yourself how other professors teach the same subject matter. Since there are millions of different ways to communicate and explain millions of different ideas, you can surf the Net at your leisure to find the one method that’s right for you.

Now where to find these video lectures? There are several venues online that compile the best video lectures. Two great sites for video lectures browsing are Academic Earth and Free Video Lectures. If science is your cup of tea, then check out Free Science Videos and Lectures. This website breaks down groups of video lectures by their respective science field. You can also check out what’s available on YouTube, or you can go to different university websites that have OpenCourseWare options.

Whether you’re pursuing a degree online or at a brick-and-mortar institution, every student stands to benefit from the proliferation of online video lectures. The opening up of education online is precisely what has allowed video lectures to gain such freedom of access. Anyone who wants to learn more about anything should take full advantage of the best that eLearning has to offer.

The Best of Online Learning: Free Video Lectures is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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]]> http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/08/30/the-best-of-online-learning-free-video-lectures/feed/ 0 Why e-Learning Programs are Better Than the Traditional Ones? http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/07/16/why-e-learning-programs-are-better-than-the-traditional-ones/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/07/16/why-e-learning-programs-are-better-than-the-traditional-ones/#comments Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:27:18 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=730 Why e-Learning Programs are Better Than the Traditional Ones? is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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This is a guest post by John Michals. John is from Selftest Engine which is an Online Exam Preparation Tool for IT Certifications such as A+ Certification.

The vast use of web along with modern technologies has allowed e-learning programs to gain lot of popularity these days. These programs have far-reaching broadband accessibility and provide strong communication to initiate an effective educational model worldwide. In simpler words, e-learning programs are premium educational tools that enhance the knowledge of students as well as individuals by using sophisticated technologies.

e-Learning programs are different from the traditional ones as they don’t require a physical classroom or face to face interactions with teachers or mentors. Everything is done virtually.

No doubt that still majority of the students all over the world gain education through traditional schools, still you will find a large student population opting for various e-learning programs.This is the age of information and technology and this is a major reason more preference is being given to e-learning programs. Due to the growing demand of online medias as a source of information, people are seeking online assistance to acquire customized relevant data. There are many benefits of enrolling in an e-learning program including:

Flexibility

You have the full liberty to develop your own time-table and exercise flexibility. You can work according to your needs. Since you are not time bound when you opt for these programs, thus you can adjust your time accordingly.

Comfort

e-Learning programs offer you a lot of comfort. You can easily learn by just sitting at home. You will just need a good internet connection and PC to work and you are ready for the e-learning program.

Accessibility of study materials

You will find plenty of study material and e-books on the web. You can easily access them and study them that too, free of cost. Not only you will be exposed to a wide range of study material but also you will be able to access the study material in various languages.

Online tests

Since tests are available online, you need not go to an examination center to give your exams. The convenience that comes into play when you opt for e-learning programs will impress you to a great extent.

Round the clock help

You will find availability of experts round-the-clock to help you out.

There are many benefits of online learning programs. Apart from these major benefits, there are also various added benefits of online learning programs.

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Why e-Learning Programs are Better Than the Traditional Ones? is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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]]> http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/07/16/why-e-learning-programs-are-better-than-the-traditional-ones/feed/ 1 Education Week Report – E-Learning 2010: Assessing the Agenda for Change http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/07/15/education-week-report-%e2%80%93-e-learning-2010-assessing-the-agenda-for-change/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/07/15/education-week-report-%e2%80%93-e-learning-2010-assessing-the-agenda-for-change/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:35:33 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=727 Education Week Report – E-Learning 2010: Assessing the Agenda for Change is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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E-Learning 2010: Assessing the Agenda for Change: This 16-pages special report from Education Week Digital Directions team aims to highlight the progress made in the e-learning arena, as well as the administrative, funding, and policy barriers that some experts say are slowing the growth of this form of education. This report covers topics like e-learning delivery, sustainable funding, accreditation, the various models of virtual learning and e-curriculum development. You can also download the E-Learning 2010 report in PDF format.

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Education Week Report – E-Learning 2010: Assessing the Agenda for Change is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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]]> http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/07/15/education-week-report-%e2%80%93-e-learning-2010-assessing-the-agenda-for-change/feed/ 0 Why e-Learning Businesses are Becoming Popular These Days? http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/07/08/why-e-learning-businesses-are-becoming-popular-these-days/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/07/08/why-e-learning-businesses-are-becoming-popular-these-days/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:41:59 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=722 Why e-Learning Businesses are Becoming Popular These Days? is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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This is a guest post by John Michals. John is from Selftest Engine which is an Online Exam Preparation Tool for IT Certifications such as A+ Certification.

Online learning has been around since quite some time now. Ever since the birth of the internet, the number of websites is growing day by day. Internet has proved to be a great platform for information sharing. Using internet as a mechanism to transfer knowledge is a natural development.

There are many contributing factors that have facilitated the high growth of e-learning businesses.

  • First is the infrastructure of the internet. Web is one of the fastest and the largest growing trend on this planet. The high usage and penetration rate of internet are the main factors behind the exponential growth of e learning businesses. With internet users population doubling every five years, countries are trying their best to build a solid infrastructure so that they are able to catch up with a changing pace of technology.
  • The advancement of hardware and software technology has made information sharing extremely convenient and effective. Also, it has reduced cost considerably. The sharing of audios and videos online has ensured that there is a high level of interactivity. This is one of the major reasons why more and more people are opting for e learning businesses.
  • Globalization is another major reason behind soaring popularity of e-learning business. It has changed the work nature and lifestyle of mankind. Workforce is moving from one country to another. Also, the demand for more creative ideas and knowledge is there by companies since e learning business gives you access to plenty of information and allows you to work from anywhere, it is considered as the best.
  • Workers worldwide need to continually upgrade their knowledge and skills. E learning business score high in these areas and ensures that you get access to net most of the times.
  • You will find a gigantic range of e learning businesses thronging the net. If you want to earn some big money online then make sure that you have got the right kind of e learning business. You should research on various e learning businesses to find out what make them the best. Read articles, e books, journals to acquire more knowledge on this subject.
  • When it comes to e learning businesses then you must adopt the policy of earn while you learn.

Due to wide reach and easy accessibility, e-learning businesses are here to stay. These have turned into highly popular and profitable ventures and you should seriously consider opting for these businesses.

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Why e-Learning Businesses are Becoming Popular These Days? is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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]]> http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/07/08/why-e-learning-businesses-are-becoming-popular-these-days/feed/ 0 Interesting Find – Interaction in Online Courses: More is NOT Always Better http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/06/28/interesting-find-interaction-in-online-courses-more-not-always-better/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/06/28/interesting-find-interaction-in-online-courses-more-not-always-better/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:27:30 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=716 Interesting Find – Interaction in Online Courses: More is NOT Always Better is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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Interaction in Online Courses: More is NOT Always Better, Christian Grandzol and John Grandzol, Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, Volume XIII, Number II, Summer 2010.

Abstract: Cognitive theory suggests more interaction in learning environments leads to improved learning outcomes and increased student satisfaction, two indicators of success useful to program administrators. Using a sample of 359 lower-level online, undergraduate business courses, we investigated course enrollments, student and faculty time spent in interaction, and course completion rates, all drivers of resource consumption. Our key findings indicate that increased levels of interaction, as measured by time spent, actually decrease course completion rates. This result is counter to prevailing curriculum design theory and suggests increased interaction may actually diminish desired program reputation and growth. Continue reading the full article.

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Interesting Find – Interaction in Online Courses: More is NOT Always Better is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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]]> http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/06/28/interesting-find-interaction-in-online-courses-more-not-always-better/feed/ 0 Canergie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/03/07/canergie-mellon-open-learning-initiative/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/03/07/canergie-mellon-open-learning-initiative/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:58:41 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=694 Canergie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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What a wonderful initiative! Canergie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: Using intelligent tutoring systems, virtual laboratories, simulations, and frequent opportunities for assessment and feedback, the Open Learning Initiative (OLI) builds courses that are intended to enact instruction – or, more precisely, to enact the kind of dynamic, flexible, and responsive instruction that fosters learning.

The open and free courses available at this moment are: Engineering Statics, Statistics, Causal and Statistical Reasoning, Modern Biology, Chemistry, Economics, French, Logic & Proofs, Physics, Empirical Research Methods, Computational Discrete Mathematics and Visual Communication Design.

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Canergie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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]]> http://learningonlineinfo.org/2010/03/07/canergie-mellon-open-learning-initiative/feed/ 1 Common Online Learning Mistakes… And How to Avoid Them http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/12/15/common-online-mistakes-how-to-avoid/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/12/15/common-online-mistakes-how-to-avoid/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:05:54 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=684 Common Online Learning Mistakes… And How to Avoid Them is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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This is a guest post by Elizabeth O’Neill, who writes about online colleges for EarnMyDegree.com.

Enrolling at the Wrong School

Diploma mills are less prevalent than they used to be, but some students still waste time and money at schools that don’t adhere to industry standards. Find a program that is regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or CHEA. Search the Department of Education’s database here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.

Enrolling in the Wrong Program

Investigate whether or not the degree in question can lead to licensure (if licensure is required in your field.) Some teaching programs will not lead to state teacher certification – even if the school itself is accredited. Some programs are terminal, meaning you can’t build on them if you eventually need an advanced degree. You won’t know unless you ask. Request information from 3 or 4 enrollment counselors at the schools you’re considering, and check out online resources which offer career articles that can point you in the right direction.

Not “Owning” Your Degree

Online classes are a convenient option for millions of students, but convenient doesn’t mean carefree. Don’t expect that you’ll be handed a degree without having to earn it. Yes, you can study from home. And yes, you can set your own pace. Still, if you’re serious about broadening your career options and boosting your earning potential, you have to be dedicated to all of your assignments. You have to do the work, and genuinely care about the results.

Keeping the “Distance” in Distance Education

Online learning is not the isolating experience that some critics might allege. In fact, online students usually develop stronger connections with their classmates and instructors, because scheduled communication is a part of the course design. Most online classes require students to post comments or participate in live chat sessions. Make sure you take advantage of the interplay that’s encouraged. You’ll learn more, and you’ll develop a strong network of supporters, who can guide you throughout your career.

Wasting School Resources

As online education attracts more students, online colleges and universities are expanding their resources. In fact, many online schools provide all the support services that you would find at a campus-based school – including online libraries, career counseling, writing tutors, study support, and more. Don’t forget to access these free resources! You’ll save valuable time and energy, plus improve your learning experience.

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Common Online Learning Mistakes… And How to Avoid Them is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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]]> http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/12/15/common-online-mistakes-how-to-avoid/feed/ 0 University of the People (UoPeople): The First Tuition-Free Online University http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/05/21/university-of-the-people-uopeople-first-free-online-university/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/05/21/university-of-the-people-uopeople-first-free-online-university/#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 14:49:09 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=664 University of the People (UoPeople): The First Tuition-Free Online University is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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University of the People (UoPeople) is the world’s first tuition-free, online academic institution dedicated to the global advancement and democratization of higher education. The high-quality, low-cost and global pedagogical model embraces the worldwide presence of the Internet and dropping technology costs to bring collegiate level studies to even the poorest and most remote places on earth. With the support of respected academics, humanitarians and other visionaries, the UoPeople student body represents a new wave in global education.

How it works: The student community will be divided into sub-groups of 15-20 students, all participating in the same online course. Students will be expected to review the assigned study materials, mark down questions or issues which weren’t clear and note any difficult exercises. Each student will be assigned a “study buddy” with whom to confer and clarify issues which seemed unclear.
Each student will maintain an online portfolio containing a photograph, a short biography, and all the exercises, papers, projects, and quizzes given as assignments for the course. Students will be expected to devote at least eight hours per week to studying, reading lectures, writing exercises and assignments and posting to their online open forums.

University of the People Programs: Presently only Business Administration and Computer Science.

Other Frequently Asked Questions about University of the People: FAQ.

In the news:
Haaretz: Israeli founds world’s first tuition-free online university.

UPI: U.N. announces first free e-university.

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University of the People (UoPeople): The First Tuition-Free Online University is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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]]> http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/05/21/university-of-the-people-uopeople-first-free-online-university/feed/ 1 New Version of Microsoft LCDS http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/05/10/new-version-of-microsoft-lcds/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/05/10/new-version-of-microsoft-lcds/#comments Sun, 10 May 2009 21:08:27 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=639 New Version of Microsoft LCDS is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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Microsoft Learning Content Development System (LCDS): The Microsoft Learning Content Development System (LCDS) is a free tool that enables the Microsoft Learning community to create high-quality, interactive, online courses. The LCDS allows anyone in the Microsoft Learning community to publish e-learning courses by completing the easy-to-use LCDS forms that seamlessly generate highly customized content, interactive activities, quizzes, games, assessments, animations, demos, and other multimedia.

The latest version of LCDS is available to download (free registration needed). This new release has been updated to be compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and Microsoft Silverlight 2.0. You will find new features such as spell check, the ability to output courses to a Microsoft Office Word document, indexing to enable search functionality, and new templates.

See also LCDS Frequently Asked Questions and LCDS Sample Courses.

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New Version of Microsoft LCDS is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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]]> http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/05/10/new-version-of-microsoft-lcds/feed/ 1 DEOL 2009: The 2009 International Conference on Distance Education and Open Learning http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/04/04/deol-2009-the-2009-international-conference-on-distance-education-and-open-learning/ http://learningonlineinfo.org/2009/04/04/deol-2009-the-2009-international-conference-on-distance-education-and-open-learning/#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:27:12 +0000 Jorge Goncalves http://learningonlineinfo.org/?p=489 DEOL 2009: The 2009 International Conference on Distance Education and Open Learning is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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DEOL 2009. ‘The 2009 International Conference on Distance Education and Open Learning (DEOL 2009) will be held in Singapore during October 9-11, 2009. The aim objective of DEOL 2009 is to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, academicians as well as industrial professionals from all over the world to present their research results and development activities in Distance Education and Open Learning. This conference provides opportunities for the delegates to exchange new ideas and application experiences face to face, to establish business or research relations and to find global partners for future collaboration.’

DEOL 2009 proceeding will be published by World Academic Press, and all papers in the proceeding will be indexed by Thomson ISI (ISTP), IACSIT Database, British Library and Nielsen. Submission Deadline: 25 May 2009.

IACSIT: International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology. ‘IACSIT is a registered international scientific association of distinguished scholars engaged in Computer Science and Information Technology. IACSIT plays an influential role and promotes developments in Computer Science and Information Technology in a wide range of ways. The mission of IACSIT is to foster and conduct collaborative interdisciplinary research in state-of-the-art methodologies and technologies within its areas of expertise.
IACSIT organizes conferences, workshop, and provides sponsor or technical support to conferences and workshops, it also publish high quality academic international journals in Computer Science and Information Technology.’

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DEOL 2009: The 2009 International Conference on Distance Education and Open Learning is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the new learning technologies.

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