About E learning
- 1. E- LEARNING By : LRS Class :VI E ORIENTATION In many contemporary sectors, E-learning is often regarded as a ‘new’ form of learning that uses the affordances of the Internet to deliver customized, often interactive, learning materials and programs to diverse local and distant communities of practice. This view, however, is historically disconnected from its antecedent instantiations, failing to recognize the extensive links between developing educational theories and practices that had shaped the use of E-learning over the past 40 years. In addition, the historic divide between Education and Training has led to both the concurrent development of different notions, foci, and labels for technology-enhanced learning in different contexts and situations, and different conceptual origins arising in acquisitive and participatory learning metaphors. Developing a test and giving students a grade is by far the easiest way to assess learning in any course. Teachers giving true/false, short-answer and multiple-choice questions can figure out what concepts, methods and material students learned throughout a course. Assessing what students learn through interviews allows educators to get in-depth answers, finding out what they think of the course, how they learned and what they would do to make improvements. Interviewing gives the interviewer the chance to listen to the responses and ask follow-up questions. This process allows the interviewer to watch body language and how students answer questions, whether they hesitate, stutter or take a long time to answer questions. Even if a course is online, Web conferencing software enables something that can mirror a face-to-face interview. 1
- 2. Definition of E-learning E-learning refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. E-learning is broadly inclusive of all forms of educational technology in learning and teaching. E-learning is inclusive of, and is broadly synonymous with multimedia learning, technology-enhanced learning (TEL), computer-based instruction (CBI), computer-based training (CBT), computer-assisted instruction or computer-aided instruction (CAI), internet-based training (IBT), web-based training (WBT), online education, virtual education, virtual learning environments (VLE) (which are also called learning platforms), m-learning, and digital educational collaboration. These alternative names emphasize a particular aspect, component or delivery method. E-learning includes numerous types of media that deliver text, audio, images, animation, and streaming video, and includes technology applications and processes such as audio or video tape, satellite TV, CD-ROM, and computer-based learning, as well as local intranet/extranet and web-based learning. Information and communication systems, whether free-standing or based on either local networks or the Internet in networked learning, underly many e-learning processes. E-learning can occur in or out of the classroom. It can be self-paced, asynchronous learning or may be instructor-led, synchronous learning. E-learning is suited to distance learning and flexible learning, but it can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in which case the term blended learning is commonly used. It is commonly thought that new technologies make a big difference in education.Many proponents of e-learning believe that everyone must be equipped with basic knowledge of technology, as well as use it as a vehicle for reaching educational goals. Types of E-learning Broadbent (2002:10) identifies four types of e-learning, namely: informal, self-paced, leader-led and through performance support tools. 2
- 3. In informal e-learning, a learner could access a web site or join an online discussion group to find relevant information. Self-paced e-learning on the other hand refers to the process whereby learners’ access computer based or web-based training materials at their own pace. Leader-led e-leaning as the name suggests refers to an instructor, tutor or facilitator leading the process. This type of learning can further be divided into two categories: (1) learners accessing real-time (synchronous) learning materials and (2) learners accessing delayed learning materials (asynchronous). The fourth and last type of e-learning described is through the use of performance support tools which refers to materials that learners can use to help perform a task (normally in software) such as using a wizard. Location Because the only requirements for e-learning (in most cases) requires a computer with Internet access or a CD/DVD-ROM drive, e-learning students can learn from home, libraries, Internet cafes or any other location that has Internet access. This is why e-learning is a preferred option for those who work full time or part time and cannot afford to travel to a physical school. The ease of location with e-learning also makes it preferable to stay-at-home parents with young or special-needs children. E-learning can also save money in that e-learners do not have to pay for gas, vehicle repair or parking validation if they choose to remain at home while taking courses online. Ease of location is also beneficial to students who are home-schooled, as they can gain social interaction through online communications as well as educational materials. Pace Another benefit to e-learning is that it is self-directed, meaning that the e-learner sets the pace of her learning. Unlike traditional methods of education, e-learning allows a student to pace her educational needs with her comfort level. This is especially true when a person chooses to use e- 3
- 4. learning for personal accomplishment. For those seeking a professional degree, there may be requirements and course work that must be completed by a certain time, but these deadlines are usually more flexible than the requirements made at traditional learning institutions. Drawbacks The most controversial aspect of e-learning is for those who are seeking professional degrees. Some online learning institutions may not meet the academic standards set forth by private accreditation organizations. Accreditation standards are used to confirm a learning institution's academic quality. This does not mean that an online institution that is not accredited has poor academic quality, but it can cause problems when an e-learner seeks to transfer credits from an online institution to a traditional educational facility. Another drawback to e-learning is that it can be difficult for individuals who are not primarily self-motivated. While self-directed learning has been appropriately praised for its versatility, it can be a trap for those who need the external motivations physical classrooms and instructors can provide. Cost E-learning has also been praised as a lower-cost option for those seeking additional education. Costs for individual classes and learning institutions vary depending on location, degree or type of program, and area of study. Online universities generally charge the same way traditional universities do, by charging per credit hour. But also like traditional universities, scholarships, grants, and student loans are available as well. See the Resources list below for sites with information about e-learning costs by discipline and degree desired. Learning Journals Learning journals allow students to reflect on what they learn, giving educators insight into what and how they learn. Students can write in their learning journal once a week, after every class or once a day. Depending on the level of the course, teachers should give students questions to answer to start the process. In an online course, giving students the 4
- 5. opportunity to start a blog lets them write about what they learn in the course and also concepts and methods they struggle with throughout the course. The blog also lets other students read what is on the mind of their fellow students, making the learning process a collaborative effort. Purpose of E-learning E-learning (also called electronic learning) is any type of learning that takes place through or with a computer. E-learning is primarily facilitated through the Internet but can also be accomplished with CD-ROMs and DVDs, streaming audio or video and other media. The purpose of e-learning is to allow people to learn for personal accomplishment or to earn a professional degree, without physically attending a traditional university or academic setting. E-learning can be applied for all levels of schooling from grade school to graduate degrees, and is versatile enough to accommodate all learning styles. Advantages E-learning Class work can be scheduled around work and family Reduces travel time and travel costs for off-campus students Students may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interest Students can study anywhere they have access to a computer and Internet connection Self-paced learning modules allow students to work at their own pace Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms Instructors and students both report eLearning fosters more interaction among students and instructors than in large lecture courses eLearning can accommodate different learning styles and facilitate learning through a variety of activities 5
- 6. Develops knowledge of the Internet and computers skills that will help learners throughout their lives and careers Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning Disadvantages of E -learning Learners with low motivation or bad study habits may fall behind Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or confused about course activities and deadlines Students may feel isolated from the instructor and classmates Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials frustrating Managing computer files and online learning software can sometimes seem complex for students with beginner-level computer skills Hands-on or lab work is difficult to simulate in a virtual classroom Evaluation Methods in E -learning Evaluating eLearning means assessing how well the online learning educational format teaches students course goals and objectives. It also allows educators to learn how to better teach the course. Students choosing this way to learn typically like the time and location flexibility eLearning offers. More than 65 percent of two- and four-year schools offer online learning, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Developing a checklist or rubric identifying the goals and objectives as set forth by the instructor launches a starting point for assessing online learning. The survey can ask questions about how to better organize the course, how to better state the objectives of the syllabus or if students think they can complete online assignments in a timely manner. It also addresses feedback, grades and interaction with the teacher. 6
- 7. CONCLUSION o E-learning refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. E-learning can occur in or out of the classroom. It can be self-paced, asynchronous learning or may be instructor-led, synchronous learning. E-learning is suited to distance learning and flexible learning, but it can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in which case the term blended learning is commonly used. o Broadbent (2002:10) identifies four types of e-learning, namely: informal, self-paced, leader-led and through performance support tools. o E-learning has also been praised as a lower-cost option for those seeking additional education. Costs for individual classes and learning institutions vary depending on location, degree or type of program, and area of study. o The purpose of e-learning is to allow people to learn for personal accomplishment or to earn a professional degree, without physically attending a traditional university or academic setting. E-learning can be applied for all levels of schooling from grade school to graduate degrees, and is versatile enough to accommodate all learning styles. o Evaluating eLearning means assessing how well the online learning educational format teaches students course goals and objectives. It also allows educators to learn how to better teach the course. REFERENCES ¾ www.imperial.ac.uk ¾ www.ehow.com ¾ www.elearningnc.gov ¾ www.wikipedia.org ¾ www.im-c.com 7