Introduction
Nowadays, we experienced huge increasing numbers of e-learning in education institutions, corporate trainings, and non-profit organizations. According to ontariolearn.com, a consortium of Ontario Community Colleges who have partnered to develop and deliver on-line courses, there are 22 community colleges in Canada offer on-line courses include Humber, Centennial, Seneca, etc. Universities in Canada as University of Toronto, The Chang School – Ryerson University, and University of British Columbia, etc. also provide distance learning programs as an alternative way of study for adult students. Companies of Fortune 100 as American Express, Manulife, Bell, Siemens as well as mid-size business and non-profit organizations even keep improving their e-learning programs to enhance their customer service performances.
E-learning is sometimes associated to on-line learning, distance learning, virtual classrooms, web-based learning, computer-based teaching, and other terms. The question is, “What is e-learning?”, “Is e-learning same as on-line learning, distance learning, virtual classrooms and other terms often used?”, “Why should we use e-learning?”, “What is the advantage and disadvantage of e-learning?” This article discusses about basic understandings of e-Learning as an alternative way to get education.
What is E-Learning?
The age of e-learning is as old as the age of computer. When computer technology was found, people have started to generate e-learning systems in their education institutions. The first form of e-learning could be found on Computer-Based Learning/Training which often attempted to replicate autocratic teaching styles whereby the role of the e-learning system was assumed to be for transferring knowledge, as opposed to systems developed later based on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL), which encouraged the shared development of knowledge.
E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The Information and communication systems, whether networked or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process.
E-learning is essentially the computer and network enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. E-learning applications and processes include web-based/on-line learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, distance learning, and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or instructor led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.
Acronyms like CBT (Computer-Based Training), IBT (Internet-Based Training) or WBT (Web-Based Training) have been used as synonyms to e-learning. Today one can still find these terms being used, along with variations of e-learning such as elearning, Elearning, and eLearning.
E-learning is naturally suited to distance learning and flexible learning, but can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in which case the term blended learning is commonly used. E-Learning pioneer Bernard Luskin argues that the "E" must be understood to have broad meaning if e-learning is to be effective. Luskin says that the "e" should be interpreted to mean exciting, energetic, enthusiastic, emotional, extended, excellent, and educational in addition to "electronic" that is a traditional national interpretation. This broader interpretation allows for 21st century applications and brings learning and media psychology into the equation.
In higher education especially, the increasing tendency is to create a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which is sometimes combined with a Management Information System (MIS) to create a Managed Learning Environment) in which all aspects of a course are handled through a consistent user interface standard throughout the institution. A growing number of physical universities, as well as newer online-only colleges, have begun to offer a select set of academic degree and certificate programs via the Internet at a wide range of levels and in a wide range of disciplines. While some programs require students to attend some campus classes or orientations, many are delivered completely online. In addition, several universities offer online student support services, such as online advising and registration, e-counseling, online textbook purchase, student governments and student newspapers.
E-Learning can also refer to educational web sites such as those offering learning scenarios, worksheets and interactive exercises for children. The term is also used extensively in the business sector where it generally refers to cost-effective online training.
The recent trend in the e-learning sector is screencasting. There are many screencasting tools available but the latest buzz is all about the web based screencasting tools which allow the users to create screencasts directly from their browser and make the video available online so that the viewers can stream the video directly. The advantage of such tools is that it gives the presenter the ability to show his ideas and flow of thoughts rather than simply explain them, which may be more confusing when delivered via simple text instructions. With the combination of video and audio, the expert can mimic the one-on-one experience of the classroom and deliver clear, complete instructions. From the learner's point of view this provides the ability to pause and rewind and gives the learner the advantage of moving at their own pace, something a classroom cannot always offer.
Why should we use E-Learning?
Education institutions have started to offer e-learning programs or kept improving their e-learning systems because e-learning gives benefits both for the learners and the instructors. The following is reasons why we should use e-learning:
- Increased access: Instructors of the highest caliber can share their knowledge across borders, allowing students to attend courses across physical, political, and economic boundaries. Recognized experts have the opportunity of making information available internationally, to anyone interested at minimum costs.
- Convenience and flexibility to learners: In many contexts, e-learning is self-paced and the learning sessions are available 24x7. Learners are not bound to a specific day/time to physically attend classes. They can also pause learning sessions at their convenience. High technology is not necessary for all online courses. Basic internet access, audio, and video capabilities are common requirements. Depending on the technology used, students can begin their courses while at work and finish those at an alternate internet equipped location.
- Skill development: E-learning encourage learners to develop the skills and competencies needed in the 21st century, in particular to ensure that learners have the digital literacy skills required in their discipline, profession or career
E-learning may not be effective for learners. The following is disadvantages of e-learning under particular conditions:
- Learners need to have access to a computer as well as the Internet. They also need to have computer skills with programs such as word processing, Internet browsers, and e-mail. Without these skills and software it is not possible for the learner to succeed in e-learning. Are all learners ready to have all of those basic requirements? Could schools/organizations provide those requirements?
- E-learners need to be very comfortable using a computer. Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials difficult. This may cause the learners to get frustrated and give up.
- For learners with beginner-level computer skills it can sometimes seem complex to keep their computer files organized. The file may be lost or misplaced to the learner without good computer organizational skills.
- E-learning also requires time to complete especially those with assignments and interactive collaborations. This means that students have to be highly motivated and responsible because all the work they do is on their own. Learners with low motivation may not complete modules.
- Learners may feel isolated and unsupported while learning. Instructions are not always available to help the learner so learners need to have discipline to work independently without assistance. E-learners may also become bored with no interaction.
Conclusions
Although e-learning has some disadvantages to learners, we cannot deny that e-learning as an alternative way of learning has many advantages both for learners and learning providers. As we could check on the internet and academic programs, the growing numbers of e-learning providers has amazed as well as the e-learners. Since e-learning has been able to give more opportunity for people to get and improve knowledge, skills, and professionalism; educators, instructors, government, and experts in communication and information technology are challenged to overcome the disadvantages of e-learning for e-learners. They are challenged to:
- Prepare students to be highly motivated and skilled e-learners to accomplish e-learning programs
- Provide learning programs and learning contents not only transferring knowledge but also in collaborative ways
- Manage Learning Management Systems in order to learners become confident because their instructors/learning providers are able to quickly respond their needs and questions.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-learning
http://www.1stopbiztro.com/_mgxroot/page_10752.html
http://www.ontariolearn.com/
http://www.media-visions.com/vis-luskin.html
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