The key factor is the type of activities generated for the student by the teacher, and the design of an online learning environment which encourages participation by students. In order to develop an online learning environment it is necessary for academics to utilise a range of approaches to their teaching, which go beyond the traditional didactic model with which most are familiar. This paper discusses the research results in more detail, and highlights examples of best practice. It is thought that IT can blur the distinction between external study and traditional, on-campus study. Let us consider this contention.
Content is divided into objectives and sequenced by an instructional designer.
Inherent in the model is the concept of delivery of material. Traditional distance education has advantages for those people with the intrinsic motivation to succeed at a course. Study can be performed at the time and location desired by the learner, and this mode is particularly attractive to busy professionals and those in remote locations. However, one disadvantage is the long turn-around time. It may take weeks for student assignments to reach the tutor, be marked and then returned to the student with feedback.