Advancements on online technology have introduced various ways to avail online learning. One of these ways is Synchronous. Under this method, the people learn in real-time virtual classes, webinar, conferencing and even instant messaging. These multiple modes use by the people to educate themselves in the online learning process. The singular platform arranges for both the students and tutors in order to conduct real-time learning sessions and activities. Another common method to conduct online learning is Asynchronous. Under this way of learning online, the self-paced programs are joined by the people. It means the independent learning is led by an individual through this way of online learning. That is why the already uploaded material is accessed by a person from the online sites in order to carry out 24/7 learning process under self-management system. Though, for the help of a teacher or instructor in asynchronous online learning system, the fixed office hours, weekly discussion sessions or monthly conversations organise, so that the students can get report on their performance in the online learning activities and courses.
Furthermore, there are blended courses on the internet that provide both independent and group learning system. It is because in blended courses, along with online classes, the material is uploaded on the site for the self-learning of the students. This method of learning online is very effective for the students, as they can get answers of their confusions in uploaded material from the instructors during the live online session. There is also special online learning method for the professional i.e. competency-based. In this method, the people take online lectures and courses to build and adapt the specific skills or talent. That is why the interactive studying is carried out between the students and instructors during this online learning method. The student and mentor work with each other to lead productive learning process.
The process of webinar seems an effective learning process for the people, but this should not be pre-recorded. It is because in the case of pre-recorded webinars, a person cannot ask question from the instructor on any confusing or unclear point, as these webinars are not real-time. The similar issue is occurred when an individual learns from the videos on YouTube. Since YouTube videos are pre-recorded and uploaded for later access of the people. That is why there is no chance to perform discussion with the instructor of the video or pre-recorded webinar, which makes learning process less productive and fruitful.
Furthermore, the use of pre-recorded webinars and YouTube videos is not beneficial to get advanced skills and knowledge. These methods of online learning are good to achieve basic understanding and skills. However, for advanced and detailed instructions, live sessions with the instructors are important, so that the sessions of the questions and answers can be conducted, but this is not possible to do in the case of pre-recorded webinars and YouTube videos. That is why these virtual learning ways are not as effective as live webinars and real-time online classes or face-to-face learning.