There are no other students involved in the learning, and the instructor is available only by email or phone for questions. Students may not complete the training, since it is self-paced. This strategy found its beginnings in the colleges and universities around the country. In order to cut down on the time that a student have to spend on campus, professors use the web to enhance their presentation, meeting with students only a few times during the semester. For example, a class that normally meets for one hour three times a week may only physically meet once every two weeks.
Students complete assignments, collaborate on projects, submit papers, etc.
There is another format of web-enhanced instruction that has not yet gained much popularity, although it can be very productive. In this form, groups of students complete cognitive training and education first in a virtual classroom, over a period of several weeks. Then the students meet in the classroom for a short period of time for pointed discussion, skill building exercises, guided practice and testing. For example, students could complete the cognitive sections of defensive tactics refresher training, reviewing the use of force and agency policy. In large agencies that are separated by distance, this online strategy can provide savings in time and money.