**3. Historical review**

Educational technology (Edtech) is the process of integrating technology into education to promote various learning environments and opportunities for students to learn using technology for their common tasks. EdTech is a term used to describe the process of integrating a mix of hardware and software to improve the results of students and quality of education, aiming to improve student outcomes and reduce the burden on teachers. EdTech tools range from VR headsets that help students learn certain subjects to data-based platforms that help teachers identify learning habits and create personalized lesson plans for students.

Distance learning has evolved over the last three centuries into what is currently referred to as "online learning." Distance education started in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under the name of the "correspondence courses" that involved sending hard copy documents by mail to students and that were subjected to long time delays, so that distance education was dependent on the delivery systems and tools available at the time: first, the postal system, and later on followed by radio and television course delivery systems through licensed radio and television stations.

As information and communication technologies have advanced, online education has become more feasible technologically, economically, and operationally. Universities offering online programs can reduce infrastructure for classrooms, offices, cafeterias, dorms, and libraries, and increase the number of nontraditional students who are working full time; the advanced state of technology is making this easy to implement. Dziuban, Picciano, Graham, and Moskal [8] describe the evolution of online education in four phases: 1990s (internet-propelled distance education), 2000–2007 (increasing use of learning management systems—LMS), 2008–2012 (growth of massive open online courses—MOOCs), and beyond, with growth of online higher education enrolments outpacing traditional higher education enrolments.

Students in online course experience some concerns: isolation from peers and professors, worries about mastering new technology and software, potential for negative perception of online degrees by employers, and potential for reduced quality of instruction relative to the same courses taught as traditional face-to-face classes.

These concerns were a failure of online programs to meet expectations, which led to the concept of "blended" or "hybrid" programs that surfaced in 1999/2000 and combined face-to-face classes with online classes, hoping to synergize the advantages of both. Online and blended programs incorporate available technologies in offering asynchronous and synchronous/real-time delivery options and tools such as online discussion boards, chat rooms, and video conferencing.

Palvia et al. [9] summarized the requirements to implement online learning that include:


### **4. The online course revolution**

In the last few years, we have seen a revolution in the way that people learn. The online course revolution is underway. More and more people are choosing to take courses online, and the reasons are numerous. There are many advantages to taking courses online, from the comfort of your own home to the ability to learn at your own pace. One of the biggest advantages is the cost. Online courses are often much cheaper than traditional courses since there are no physical materials to purchase or maintenance costs. In addition, many online courses offer discounts for those who enroll early or pay in advance. Another advantage is convenience. You can take classes online at any time of day or night and from anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection. This is ideal for busy people who cannot commit to a traditional class schedule. There are also a variety of courses available online. Whether you want to learn about history or take a cooking class, you can find an online system that meets your needs. Moreover, if you have trouble understanding a concept, you can usually find a video or audio explanation online. The online course revolution is related to education technology because it allows for more affordable, flexible, and convenient learning methods. It is estimated that there are now more than one million online courses available, which will increase in the future [10].

There are a few things to keep in mind when taking an online course. First and foremost, set aside enough time to devote to the class [11]. It can be easy to get behind if you are not used to working on coursework outside of a traditional classroom setting. Secondly, be sure to establish a good working relationship with your professor. You may not have face-to-face interaction, but communicating with your instructor is still important, and you can and should ask questions when needed [12]. Third, take advantage of online resources. Many online courses have forums where students can interact and help each other [13]. Finally, be sure to stay organized and keep on top of deadlines. Again, getting behind in an online course can be easy, but if you manage your time well and stay organized, you can succeed.

*Perspective Chapter: Education Technology (EdTech) and the Online Course Revolution DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109227*

### **5. Edtech and the online era**

The online era and Edtech have changed how we learn and teach. One of the most significant technological changes is in how we access information and learn new things. In the past, if you wanted to learn something, you would have to go to a library and find a book to read [14]. Alternatively, if you wanted to learn something online, you would have to visit a website and look through the information there. Technology allows us to access information and learn new things in many ways. We can learn about things by watching videos or reading articles online. Additionally, virtual reality experiences, gaming, and interacting with people of other places and cultures are all examples of how Edtech can now be used. These technologies allow students to explore new things and learn about different cultures. They can also help students who have difficulty attending school or have issues with traditional learning methods. This is because these technologies allow students to work on projects and learn at their own pace and in their own style.

### **6. Edtech business models**

Today's elite higher education institutions are pricey and generally for profit. It is now even more challenging to create a quick turnaround and long-lasting infrastructure that can accommodate rising educational demand [15]. However, EdTech has decreased the need for study-related relocation and assisted in saving on lodging costs. Online learning, facilitated by advanced academic tools, has also made learning materials more accessible and inexpensive.

The field of Edtech is home to a variety of business models. eLearning for students preparing for entrance exams is one such effective and appealing strategy. Platforms linking students and universities are also available online for those with the necessary tools [16]. The Kahn Academy is another online model for K-12 through universitylevel eLearning on many subjects. Degree programs provided by organizations through distance learning or online courses that offer short certificate programs are another EdTech business model approach [17]. Furthermore, gamification has lately gained popularity. Parents might find this business model confusing, but EdTech actors have ingeniously exploited gaming as a teaching tool.

Similarly, there are several additional business models, including knowledgesharing websites, online discussion boards where insights are shared, and tools for creating instructive movies. Authorities should naturally be concerned about the effects of EdTech, given its fast expansion and widespread acceptance [16]. EdTech companies must follow rules and regulations that are relevant to the education sector.

### **7. Theory related to EdTech and online courses**

One theory related to EdTech and online courses is that of the technology-mediated learning theory [18]. Technology-mediated learning theory posits that technology can mediate and facilitate learning. This theory has been used to explain how online courses can provide an effective and efficient learning experience for students. It suggests that online courses provide a more customized and individualized learning experience than traditional classroom-based instructions. Additionally, online courses allow more collaboration and interaction between students and instructors. Lastly,

online courses might provide a more flexible learning environment, which can benefit students with different learning styles or who have trouble attending traditional classes [18]. Technology-mediated learning theory provides a valuable perspective on how online courses can help students learn effectively and efficiently. While technologymediated learning theory is relevant to both EdTech and online courses, there are certain limitations to the theory that should be considered when designing or using online courses. Technology-mediated learning theory considers individual differences in learners [18]. This means that different students will likely respond differently to the same type of online course. Therefore, the theory suggests that educators should consider learners' differences since the online instruction is customized and individualized.

Similarly, A theory called online collaborative learning (OCL) was put out by Linda Harasim and emphasizes the advent of digital technology to offer learning settings that promote teamwork and information development [14]. According to Harasim, OCL is a new theory of learning that emphasizes collaborative learning, knowledge creation, and internet use to transform institutional, nonformal, and informal education for the knowledge age [14]. Internet-based and widespread interconnected education has advantages for learning and teaching [14]. Harasim adopts some of Alberto Barabasi's viewpoints on the influence of networks [16]. Idea organizing, idea generating, and intellectual convergence are the three stages of knowledge formation in OCL that occur throughout group discourse.

## **8. The link between EdTech and online courses**

In the twenty-first century, EdTech has been revolutionized by the rise of online courses. By taking advantage of the internet and modern technology, online courses offer a flexible and convenient way to learn. They are also often more affordable than traditional courses. The online course revolution has made learning more accessible than ever before. With online courses, people can learn at their own pace and in their own time. They can also choose from a wide range of courses, which means that there is something for everyone. The online course revolution is transforming education. It is related to EdTech in many ways. For one, online courses are typically more affordable than traditional courses [19]. They are also more convenient, as they can be taken anytime and from anywhere. Additionally, online courses often provide more flexibility in terms of pacing and content than traditional courses. Finally, online courses are often more engaging and interactive than traditional ones [20], as they use multimedia resources and allow for more collaboration between students and instructors. Online courses also offer educators opportunities to improve their skills. Educators can gain new knowledge and understanding of pedagogy, technology, and course design by taking online courses themselves [14].

### **9. The importance of online courses**

Online courses are very important because they can help individuals learn new things and improve their skills. Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace and on their own time schedule [21]. This means that students can take courses when it is convenient for them and learn at their speed. Another reason why online courses are so important is that they can help save money. Online courses do not

#### *Perspective Chapter: Education Technology (EdTech) and the Online Course Revolution DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109227*

require paying for transportation or accommodation. Students can also save money on textbooks and other materials [21]. Finally, online courses are often more flexible than traditional courses. They can provide a better school-life balance that enables students to attend class whenever it is most convenient. This means they can fit around work or family life [21]. If a student has children, for example, they may be able to take the course during the evenings when children are asleep.

Moreover, a variety of programs are available for online learning. Students have a smaller choice of courses in traditional schooling than in online learning [15]. Through online programs, students can acquire additional knowledge beyond their course material and critical career skills. According to Andreyanova et al. [22], online platforms offer countless options and online learning includes many different possibilities.

Students can improve on the knowledge acquired in the classroom by watching videos online on any topic at any time. They may study different aspects from building a website to learning a new language through online programs. Moreover, they have the opportunity to pause and replay online videos over and over to better understand the most challenging concepts.

Although students can learn online by simply watching videos, authors believe that some subjects are better learned in person and others are better learned online. Welding, organic chemistry, and diplomacy can all be studied online; however, they are all better learned in person. Although they might give a solid foundation, online programs should not be the main source of information on these topics. Authors perspective is that I would not want to undergo surgery by an expert who has only taken the course online because that sort of skill is only developed through actual practice. Additionally, I would not want someone who had only completed an online degree to build my house. I want someone with hands-on experiential learning combined with fundamental architectural knowledge. Finally, scientists who have actually worked in laboratories have gained a wealth of real-world information and are better positioned to fill new, breakthrough demands.

## **10. Why online courses are more effective**

The internet has revolutionized the way we learn. It has allowed us to access more information than ever before and the ability to learn at our own pace. Online courses have become more prevalent in recent years, offering a flexible and convenient learning method. There are several reasons why online courses are becoming more effective [21]. One reason is that online courses can be customized to meet the learner's expectations. In the past, courses were often designed to cater to all in a manner that may not have been suitable for everyone. With online courses, students can choose which topics they want to explore and can start and stop the course at any time. This allows them to focus on their interests and avoid boredom or frustration. Another advantage of online courses is that they are accessible from anywhere in the world [21]. This makes them ideal for those unable to attend class in person.

With the ability to study at their own pace in a relaxed setting, eLearning has changed education in learning institutions and for the working class [23]. The eLearning will undoubtedly significantly impact education in the foreseeable future on matters related to the delivery of educational content. As per IBM (International Business Machines), students who enroll in online learning programs benefit more than those who attend traditional face-to-face classroom sessions [16]. Students may study at a

speed that they think is more comfortable in online classes since they have complete control over their education. Compared to traditional classroom settings, students in online courses learn more quickly and retain more knowledge because they have the opportunity to repeat the same concept over and over [23]. They can advance more quickly through the course's known sections but must proceed gradually through the sections that necessitate additional attention over time. Compared to studying in a regular classroom setting, people spend 40–60% less time on the online type of learning [16]. Additionally, most eLearning approaches let students split their course time in any way they see appropriate.

Another area of improved effectiveness lies in online courses employing a range of evaluation instruments. Numerous evaluation options are available with online learning, and teachers may customize these evaluations for specific students or student groups [22]. Educators are not limited to solely utilizing traditional evaluations, such as examinations and quizzes, to ascertain their learners' progress and the extent of their progress [15]. To show their comprehension, students can produce online presentations for the classroom, write essays and peer review processes, participate in group projects synchronously and asynchronously, or generate essays and peer evaluations [24]. It keeps the game exciting and appealing for both learners and their teachers by offering a range of evaluations.
