5. Features of a networked course

A networked course offers a number of features not generally available on a stand-alone course. A networked course may be in-house as found in a company intranet or college, or it may be an online course that requires logging in to an account over the Internet.

1. Tracking position within the course

As each student has to log in, the system knows who they are and so can keep a record of where they have got to. The next time they log on, they are taken to the correct point in the course.

2. Tutor can be involved in the course

The progress of each student can be assessed by a tutor. This includes noting the time taken to progress through sections and the results of tests.

3. Tutor feedback may be available

After noting the progress of the student, a tutor may contact the student to provide feedback and assist with any stuck points.

4. Homework / Assignments can be set

The tutor may be able to set assignments for the student to undertake outside the training session. Assignments may be uploaded for the tutor to mark or provide feedback

5. Student can interact with other students

It is usually more effective to learn with other people than having to learn by yourself. The course may support an online community where students can discuss the subject or ask for help from fellow students.

6. Self- target setting

Any training takes a certain level of commitment. As a student, one way of motivating yourself is to define targets - points to achieve over the duration of the course. Targets such as the time you will take to reach a certain point, or being able to get a certain mark in a test.

The course set-up may be able to support target setting and provide feedback on attainment.

7. Material can be up to date

Some topics such as technology can change very rapidly, since the source material is stored at a networked server, course content can be easily updated.