The Challenges of Online Education

Online learning or online education depends on a series of software applications for aiding the interaction between the tutor and the student via the internet. it is interesting to note that these software technologies provide the basic infrastructure by means of which it is possible for the online educational institutions to introduce assessments and gradation systems with the help of which it is possible for the e-learning tutors to evaluate their students. Moreover, it also allows the students to interact amongst themselves or with the teacher through online forums, blogs and emails as well. These software applications are supported by certain prescribed formats which they have to adhere to in order to aid the successful functioning of online education.

SCORM refers to such a specification which e-learning tools have to conform to in order to aid the cause of online learning. SCORM is an abbreviation and it stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. Here it is necessary to introduce one to the concept of 'run-time environments' which are a variant of the learning management systems. The run-time environment refers to the cooperation and coordination between the host systems and the content on the client's side and it is this interaction which is ably supported by the Sharable Content Object Reference Model. SCORM was introduced as a specialized program in the year 2003 and it was initiated by the office of the United States Secretary of Defense. SCORM is a part of the Advanced Distributed Learning initiative and the various programs that are involved in the imparting of education through online learning need to conform to this system.

Online Education

The first version of SCORM known as SCORM 1.0 pioneered the concept of Sharable Content Object for the first time in the arena of the World Wide Web. SCORM 1.1 was the premier production version which made use of an AICC specified XML course content management file though it yet did not support the usage of metadata. However, the following version of SCORM was able to eradicate this shortcoming that plagued the precious version and it made use of IMS Content Management specifications for its functioning. At present SCORM 2004 is the prevalent model with three of its editions being introduced, the last being in October 2006. SCORM 2004 conforms to the IEEE standards necessary for API and it has introduced the concept of sequencing which is vital for aiding the various learners in their online learning process.

Getting a college degree today is easier than ever before thanks to the number of institutions offering distance learning opportunities. Whether you are pursuing a undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate degree you can choose from scores of degree granting schools. 57 leading institutions are featured here.

1. Southern Christian University

Online Education

2. University of Phoenix

3. Walden University

4. DeVry University

5. Kaplan University

6. Everglades University

7. Ellis College

8. American International University

9. Capella University

10. St. Louis University

11. Regent University

12. Utica College

13. The University of Scranton

14. University of Saint Mary

15. Touro University International

16. Stetson University Virtual School

17. Nova Southeastern University

18. South University

19. St. Joseph's College of Maine

20. San Joaquin Valley College

21. Rasmussen College

22. Keiser College

23. Jacksonville University

24. Jones International University

25. LeTourneau University

26. Crown College

27. University of St. Augustine

28. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

29. University of Northeastern Ohio

30. University of Southern Indiana

31. Florida Metropolitan University

32. Champlain College

33. Bellevue University

34. Pitt Community College

35. Stephens College

36. The College of St. Scholastica

37. Vincennes University

38. North Arizona University

39. St. Petersburg College

40. Barton County Community College

41. Simon Fraser University

42. Simmons College

43. A.T. Still University

44. Medical College of Georgia

45. ECPI College of Technology

46. Westwood College

47. Kettering University

48. Thomson Education Direct

49. South University

50. National American University

51. Columbia Southern University

52. Canadian Virtual University

53. Western Governors University

54. US Sports Academy

55. The Art Institute Online

56. Bryant and Stratton Online

57. ACCIS

Scores of additional schools also offer distance learning to their students including traditional "brick and mortar" universities. Drexel, Fairleigh Dickinson, East Carolina, and Iowa State, are some who fall into this category.

So, whether you are pursuing an art certificate, a B.A. in Psychology, an MBA, or a PhD consider doing your studies from a laptop and never set foot in a classroom again.