Voip Blog
In synch with voip
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Distance learning might just be the single most empowering educational innovation in the last 100 years. Judging from the latest Census results, there are a whole lot of people living wonderful lives that just don't fit into cookie cutter norms.
Which is fine, until you get a wild hair to do some crazy thing like finishing that degree or going for your Master's. It's not easy navigating a higher education system that was designed for wide-eyed 18 year olds, whose only responsibility beyond getting their homework done is deciding where they're going to party next.
eLearning helps make education accessible for those who have to support themselves, take care of families, or are already working in their chosen field. What started out as independent correspondence courses evolved into asynchronous interactive visual learning experiences, which are substantially more engaging than paging through a text all by your lonesome. Voip adds synchronous communication to the equation, creating an "best practices" learning environment for students.
Running a class over voip internet phone systems allows instructors to simulate a face-to-face interaction. Students have the opportunity to take part in discussion and ask questions through a chat interface or using voice. Video over voip lets students see their instructor during lectures or have a "normal" conversation during office hours. Ultimately, voip makes virtual, real-time learning possible, opening university doors for millions of prospective students who would otherwise have no chance to pursue their educational goals.
