The term “E-Learning” was coined in the late 1990s to describe the use of technology to deliver learning and training programs. E-Learning is a term that means something different to almost everyone who uses it. Some think only of web-based self-study while others realize E-Learning can encompass real-time learning and collaboration.
E-learning is the unifying term to describe the fields of online learning, web-based learning, and technology-delivered instructions. E-Learning does not require physical classroom attendance. Via the Internet, the learning experience is delivered to the user personably and effectively. We are all familiar with classroom-based learning (c-Learning) which is face-to-face group learning led by an instructor or subject matter expert. In E-Learning environments learners interact with learning materials, their instructors and other learners from various locations and often at various times using network technologies. It has been said that there are two reasons why we learn; some leaning is essentially forced on us while the other is what we sit back and enjoy. E-Learning has brought back the joy in learning through its innovative, interactive content and delivery.
The development of the E-learning revolution arose from a number of other ‘educational revolutions’. Four such revolutions are :
E-Learning is the effective learning process created by combining digitally delivered content with (learning) support and services. It can be defined as;
E-learning can include indepen-dent, facilitated, or collaborative approaches to learning. Independent learning refers to each individual learner completing learning activities or modules on their own, in their own environment, on their own schedule. Facilitated learning is designed to be completed through interaction with instructors or coaches. There are several ways this can work, for example, a learner might complete a section of learning on-line then discuss key concepts via e-mail with the instructor or with classmates. Collaborative learning relates to working with other learners in an on-line environment. For example: an e-mail discussion with other learner’s on a particular topic or everyone posting to a bulletin board or course room.
E-Learning can make use of a wide range of technologies and media. These technologies can be categorized by delivery media or interaction tools.
Delivery Media
E-learning has been broadly divided into two categories; the Asynchronous (not existing at the same phase) method, which is devoid of any virtual class room interaction or time stipulations and the more popular, Synchronous method, in which the members exist in the same time phase in a cyber class room. The latter is preferred due to its convenience, liveliness derived from regular interaction and for the motivation factor. Flexibility, time to reflect, situated learning and cost effective learning are the advantages of asynchronous learning while motivation, good feed-back and pacing are the advantages of synchronous learning.
Why E-learning
E-learning lessons are generally designed to guide the students through information or to help students perform in specific tasks. Information based E-learning content communicates information to the student.
There are lots of good reasons to consider an online E-learning program:
Prospects of E-learning
Future of E-learning
The world is shrinking rapidly. The Internet has brought the world together in ways that nobody would have expected. You can now attend a college half way around the world, with students from any country with Internet access. Knowledge is expanding at a tremendous rate. Just-In-Time learning that meets the needs of individuals as they occur, makes learning more meaningful and effective. The Indian government has also taken significant steps towards dissemination of information through a number of e-Learning projects, not only for rural students but for the community at large.
E-Learning has created a new dimension in education, both within and beyond the curriculum and is still looking at further opportunities of becoming more useful via new emerging technologies. We are really on the threshold of new opportunities and this is just the beginning of a new horizon of education. The power of e-learning lies in its potential to provide the right information to the right people at the right time and place, and not only due to its “anyone, anyplace, anytime model”.
E-learning is the unifying term to describe the fields of online learning, web-based learning, and technology-delivered instructions. E-Learning does not require physical classroom attendance. Via the Internet, the learning experience is delivered to the user personably and effectively. We are all familiar with classroom-based learning (c-Learning) which is face-to-face group learning led by an instructor or subject matter expert. In E-Learning environments learners interact with learning materials, their instructors and other learners from various locations and often at various times using network technologies. It has been said that there are two reasons why we learn; some leaning is essentially forced on us while the other is what we sit back and enjoy. E-Learning has brought back the joy in learning through its innovative, interactive content and delivery.
The development of the E-learning revolution arose from a number of other ‘educational revolutions’. Four such revolutions are :
- The invention of reading & writing.
- The emergence of the profession of teacher/scholar.
- The development of moveable type (print technology).
- The development of electronic technology.
E-Learning is the effective learning process created by combining digitally delivered content with (learning) support and services. It can be defined as;
- The convergence of the Internet and learning, or Internet-enabled learning.
- The use of network technologies to create fosters, deliver, and facilitate learning, anytime and anywhere.
- The delivery of individualized, comprehensive, dynamic learning content in real time, aiding the development of communities of knowledge, linking learning learners and practitioners with experts.
E-learning can include indepen-dent, facilitated, or collaborative approaches to learning. Independent learning refers to each individual learner completing learning activities or modules on their own, in their own environment, on their own schedule. Facilitated learning is designed to be completed through interaction with instructors or coaches. There are several ways this can work, for example, a learner might complete a section of learning on-line then discuss key concepts via e-mail with the instructor or with classmates. Collaborative learning relates to working with other learners in an on-line environment. For example: an e-mail discussion with other learner’s on a particular topic or everyone posting to a bulletin board or course room.
E-Learning can make use of a wide range of technologies and media. These technologies can be categorized by delivery media or interaction tools.
Delivery Media
- Print (texts, study guides and workbooks are still very common in online learning courses.)
- Audio (Streaming audio - Used to deliver the instructors comments over any network and audio tapes)
- Video (streamed, video, cable TV)
- Data (web pages, CBT computer files, online tests, interactive tools)
E-learning has been broadly divided into two categories; the Asynchronous (not existing at the same phase) method, which is devoid of any virtual class room interaction or time stipulations and the more popular, Synchronous method, in which the members exist in the same time phase in a cyber class room. The latter is preferred due to its convenience, liveliness derived from regular interaction and for the motivation factor. Flexibility, time to reflect, situated learning and cost effective learning are the advantages of asynchronous learning while motivation, good feed-back and pacing are the advantages of synchronous learning.
Why E-learning
E-learning lessons are generally designed to guide the students through information or to help students perform in specific tasks. Information based E-learning content communicates information to the student.
There are lots of good reasons to consider an online E-learning program:
- Online learning is more affordable than traditional classroom learning, with savings of 60% or more.
- Online courses can be taken in multiple sittings and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — to better acco-mmodate your busy schedule.
- Online learning is as mobile as you are! Your learning can take place on the road, in the cafe, or any other place you have an internet-accessible computer.
Prospects of E-learning
- Dynamism - Learners progress at the pace that suits them best, at the time that suits them best while getting the information that they need.
- Real time - Learners have access to information that is correct and up to date through the web, information databases or university or company intranets.
- Collaboration - Learners are able to meet in a virtual space with other members and practitioner experts to discuss issues, answer questions and even participate in simulations and management games without having to leave their office or home.
- Speed of delivery - Learners benefit from learning when required, learners are able to access the right sort of training at the right time with the right people.
- Convenience - Learners have access when they want it.
- Consistency - Learners have access to the same materials.
- Global reach - Learners regardless of where they are receive the same message and are able to engage other learners and practitioners globally.
Future of E-learning
The world is shrinking rapidly. The Internet has brought the world together in ways that nobody would have expected. You can now attend a college half way around the world, with students from any country with Internet access. Knowledge is expanding at a tremendous rate. Just-In-Time learning that meets the needs of individuals as they occur, makes learning more meaningful and effective. The Indian government has also taken significant steps towards dissemination of information through a number of e-Learning projects, not only for rural students but for the community at large.
E-Learning has created a new dimension in education, both within and beyond the curriculum and is still looking at further opportunities of becoming more useful via new emerging technologies. We are really on the threshold of new opportunities and this is just the beginning of a new horizon of education. The power of e-learning lies in its potential to provide the right information to the right people at the right time and place, and not only due to its “anyone, anyplace, anytime model”.
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