However, because students must attend class at a specified time and location, this medium lacks the flexibility offered by other distance learning options. Web-based instruction allows students to participate in courses over the Internet. This recently developed course delivery system provides a viable solution to many scheduling dilemmas. With web-based instruction, students can access their course from any computer with Internet conductivity at any time of the day or night. Assignments are submitted by email or via special Internet programs designed for web-based instruction.
Students can interact with their on-line classmates through synchronous or asynchronous discussions.
During synchronous discussions, students interact with instructors and other students during a designated time period. It's basically a chat room with access limited to course participants. Asynchronous discussion is similar to a bulletin board, where students post their comments and their responses to other student's comments. The result is a 'threaded' discussion that evolves as students think about the topic of discussion. Students can receive assistance by simply sending off a quick email or calling their instructor.