The Effectiveness of Asynchronous Learning Networks

Introduction The advancement of information technologies within the last twenty years has had a near revolutionary effect on traditional education. The ability of some colleges and universities to reach a larger number of off-campus, non-traditional students has given them a leading edge in an increasingly competitive educational consumer market. Specifically, Internet technologies have enabled distance learning practitioners to offer better quality programs in a more efficient manner. As these early adopted programs are evaluated and …

…market. As illustrated in Figure 1 below, an ideal networked learning environment places the distance learner at the center of many remote resources using both asynchronous and real-time communications capabilities. Advances in computer and telecommunication technology are making this ideal situation an attainable goal; however, it will only be achieved with a sincere institutional commitment; proper training for faculty, support services personnel, and students; and constant evaluation of whether students are actually learning effectively by proxy.