1.1.1 Online Courses
An online course is a form of distance education that delivers educational content and instruction entirely over the internet. It is one of the numerous types of technology-enhancned learning. Online courses are often offered by educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and K-12 schools, as well as by private companies and organizations. Online courses typically use a learning management system (LMS) to deliver course materials, such as lectures, readings, assignments, and quizzes, and to facilitate communication between students and instructors. Students can access course materials and participate in discussions and assignments from any location with an internet connection, which makes online courses a flexible and convenient option for many learners.
Online courses have the flexibility of chosen either self-paced or instructor-led, depending on the course design. Some courses may include real-time virtual class sessions, while others may be entirely self-directed. Many online courses also include interactive multimedia content, such as videos, animations, and simulations, to help engage learners and enhance their understanding of course material. Aljawarneh (2020) opined that online courses can be a great option for students who require flexibility in their learning, or who are unable to attend traditional in-person classes due to work, family, or other commitments. As explained by Weldon et al, (2021), online course offers a flexible scheduling, time arrangements and cost-effective way to access educational content from top institutions around the world, regardless of where the student is located.