Thanks to the Web and other networked electronic resources, the developer of online modules can quite easily enrich the learning by linking participants to great treasures. The older technologies, because they often relied on physical objects, were necessarily less generous in their offerings. Exploration Formal classrooms allowed for little exploration. Our teachers often did the sorting, sifting and selecting for us. Information was delivered already packaged like processed cheese.
Online experiences encourage the learner to roll up sleeves and get messy.
The theory is that knowledge sticks when the learner is able to delve fully into the material. Curiosity and great questions drive exploration. The better the questions . . . The purpose of online learning should be clearly stated up front. In most cases online learning is meant to equip the participant with skills, attitudes and new understandings, all of which may be measured.