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.