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Armed Forces: Interactive Learning on the Move
Continuing education is an essential requirement, not only for developing your career within the Armed Forces, but also for helping you boost your employment prospects within the civilian market when you eventually leave. Military duty, relocation and training can make it hard for personnel to find the time and energy to get a qualification. There is nothing more frustrating than making the effort to attend a course and working late to finish assignments, only to be transferred to a new location. This churn in duties, which is an inevitable part of military life, is not conducive to traditional forms of learning, making it difficult for service members to commit to lifelong education
However, military personnel are increasingly turning to online distance learning to provide them with the flexibility and convenience to fit their studies around their duties. According to UK-based Online Business Management Degree provider, online distance learning differs from traditional methods of studying in that it provides the flexibility of 24/7 access to a virtual learning environment. A Virtual Learning Environment is an integrated online learning platform that facilitates the management of educational courses for both students and teachers. By using the latest internet technology, providers like Kaplan Open Learning have created an online university degree programme that replicates a real classroom environment with a tutor and a classroom of students
The Virtual Learning Environment offers the benefits of distance learning without the drawbacks, providing students with the flexibility to attend classes and study from anywhere: work, home or even on the move. The system is designed to track and manage the learning process in real-time and it provides students with immediate access to learning materials However, the real innovation is that this learning platform has created an environment in which both students and tutors can actively take part in real-time conversations and students can listen to, and view, live lectures and seminars over the internet.
The key to the constant engagement of students is that the course has been designed around the distance learning student and has regular online assessment rather than end of term exams to ensure frequent interaction and create a sense of community amongst small groups of learners. The Virtual Learning Environment also has other value-added communications features including discussion forums, chat, blogs, quizzes and exercises. Learning platforms allow education providers to organise their courses and bring together many teachers and learners around a single environment. The Virtual Learning Environment enhances distance learning techniques and opens up new learning and communication opportunities for students and staff after hours, off-site and in a range of informal settings including the home, work place, or on the move.
