Tools of learning in online education

What makes online education just as or more effective than a traditional classroom? There’s a lot more to it than just flexibility in terms of time and place. Online education seamlessly combines many different tools to help students learn:

• Audio and video lectures let students replay dif�?cult or confusing parts until understanding is reached. Thanks to mobile technology and other media players, students can take these lectures anywhere and listen anytime.

• Social networks, whether chat rooms, forums or social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Stumbleupon etc, allow students and teachers to communicate quickly and easily.

• Varied content, from images and text to animations and interactive presentations, keeps students engaged and can result in better retention of materials.

• In-depth tracking on tests, quizzes, homework or learning games lets professors see exactly where students are having issues with class material instantly, allowing more focus to be put on those areas for individual students or the class as a whole.

Of course, even online classes are subject to materials and teaching styles, but a good professor will use all of the tools available to help students learn.