E-Learning

1st International Conference, 2014 Global arena SSCCM, Bhavnagar.   

Kaushal Desai
Department of English,
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University. Bhavnagar

Abstract:

            E-learning makes a huge way to learn innovatively in today’s era. The use of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) makes your learning ability more powerful and attentive. One of the key elements of a flexible delivery mode is the use of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in providing software applications and tools for e-learning. However, the potential of ICT will only be fully realized if learners have the ability and capacity to use them, and at the same time possess positive attitudes towards learning with Electronic learning. E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration.

            E-learning is now a tool which has the potential to enhance and support the traditional learning system and already it is becoming an integral part of the learning tools used by every educational organization.  E-learning method is best for every learning need. “E-Learning is the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere. E-Learning can include various aspects and new things which can help fruitfully to learners.”

Introduction:

E-learning is today’s passion of learning. E-learning refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. E-learning is broadly 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), m-learning, and digital educational collaboration. These alternative names emphasize a particular aspect, component or delivery method. (Wikipedia)

E-learning is the substance or WWW, and for which that can expanded through the world learners. It is really appropriate way to learn by viewing and getting more knowledge. E-learning is the world of knowledge and sharing knowledge is the power of growth in any nation and in it learners. You know that people learn in many different ways and at different times. To support these different learning needs, you will need different e-learning delivery methods. Additionally, you will need a way to develop and manage e-learning. And it’s like a way of the world. Now days, it’s more to reach a glory one can say that any people have doubt and they can just search it out. It is easy method to get knowledge and information.

♦ E-learning, like many terms in cyberspace, does not have current definition which can be accepted by all. Some terms are frequently interchanged with E-learning include:

• Online learning/ education

• Distance education/ learning

• Technology-based training

• Web-based learning/ training

• Computer-based training/ leaning from a digitalization

E-learning is became the area of interest. Most thinkers can directly connect through the world media and give their views about it. This learning process is now the way of every learner. E-learning is the technique of managing every single aspect. How the facts that can be observe through the E-learners that can be the maximum use of it. And the liveliness helps to understand the facts and position very appropriately. Integration of technology with traditional teaching/learning, now its need of studies to get better effort of learning. The use of the Internet and related technologies for the development, distribution and enhancement of learning resources. It’s also Provides students and professional with skills for career advancement, enabling busy people to learn new technologies.

(Images world of E-learning)

 E-Learning Technologies and Infrastructure:

• Web-based-training developers must consider that their courses will be used on varying operating systems and platforms

• Cross-platform

→ Products are accessible by many different operating systems

• Asynchronous courses

→ Can be taken any time, are self-paced and will not have the benefit of a live instructor

→ Courses must minimize student confusion by providing a basic interface and clear, concise content

→ Students should have the ability to communicate with each other using chat programs and message boards

• Storage space is a major concern for e-learning vendors

→ Each course requires a database of information that can be downloaded by the students

→ Audio and video require additional server space

• Synchronous courses

→ Occurring in real time

→ Audio and video with live instructors will require even more resources to ensure that systems function properly when the courses are delivered

• Learning Management Systems (LMS)

→ A database which can be accessed by employees and students, providing course outlines, explanations, pre-requisite information and courses

◘ The E-learning: Advantages and Disadvantages:

            Every aspect have good or bad obsession. In this also some views refer and differ.

♣ Advantages:

• 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

• Immediate feedback when using online homework, quiz, and testing.

• Easy and quick reviewing, updating, and editing learning materials needs.

• Easy to connect bulletin board discussions any time, or visiting classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms

• 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

• Learners can test out of or skim over materials already mastered and concentrate efforts in mastering areas containing new information and/or skills

♣ Disadvantages:

• 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

• Unmotivated learners or those with poor study habits may fall behind

• Lack of familiar structure and routine may take getting used to

• Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction

• Instructor may not always be available on demand

• Slow or unreliable Internet connections can be frustrating

• Managing learning software can involve a learning curve

• Some courses such as traditional hands-on courses can be difficult to simulate

(E-performance Image)

◘ Management and implementation of e-learning:

• Preconditions of e-learning

E-learning, like any organized educational activity is a very complex undertaking. Many organizations seeking to engage in E-learning activities quite often overlook the fact that its successful deployment requires the same level of diligence and rigor in its planning, management and implementation that is necessary in setting up conventional education systems. In fact, E-learning has added elements such as the technology infrastructure that require attention far beyond that is necessary in conventional educational settings.

• The technology

 While this is crucial to the success of any E-learning activity, technology is not the driver of the initiative. It is there to serve an educational function and such; it is a tool for Learning and teaching. However, it has to be robust, reliable and affordable. It is critical to ensure that this is so, just as it is important to ensure that in a classroom-based educational setting, the classroom is available and it is comfortable, and it has the necessary equipment such as tables and chairs and other tools for teaching and learning to take place. Most teachers and students in such educational settings would take these facilities for granted and they will be unaware of what goes on behind the scenes to ensure that the classroom setting works in the way in which it is expected to work.

• Implementation requirements of e-learning

In conventional classroom-based educational settings, teachers spend a great deal of their teaching time in subject matter content presentation. This activity usually takes the form of lectures where teachers go through a body of subject matter content. Students on the other hand, spend a great deal of their study time in sitting in lectures taking down lecture notes. Irrespective of whether this is a good or bad educational practice; it is certainly an inefficient and ineffective use of teachers’ and students’ time. If subject matter content needs to be presented, then there are surely several more efficient and effective ways of presenting it. However, e-learning in itself does not guarantee efficient or effective learning and teaching. For it to be efficient and effective, a great deal of care and attention needs to go into its implementation. This comprises attention to the recruitment and registration of students, facilitating and supporting learning, assessing learning outcomes, providing feedback to learners. (E-learning source) 

◘ Evaluating the impacts of e-learning:

The term “evaluation” is being used here to refer to the systematic acquisition of feedback on the use, worth and impact of some activity, program or process in relation to its intended outcomes. The great expanding knowledgeable power in 21^st century is E-learning indeed it can create a kind of view to the world that base in each and every learner.

• Evaluation methodology

You should aim to gather data from all stakeholders (i.e., students and staff) regularly using a set of evaluation instruments within a consistent evaluation framework which should include front end analysis, formative, summative and integrative evaluation. You should also aim to collect a variety of data using a range of data gathering instruments. However, you would want to keep the data gathering process as simple and as less intrusive as possible.

It’s also a benefited in development of in each and every field by E-learning indeed its clear that what should be the impact on the society to the world.

This image shows various design of E-learning and introduces facts and now going further that’s also a great way to impact this E-learning aspect.

◘ E-Learning Curriculum Development Issues:

- Philosophies and Epistemologies for e-learning
- Learning Theories and Approaches for e-learning
- e-Learning Models
- Conceptual Representations
- Pedagogical Models
- e-Learning Pedagogical Strategies
- e-Learning Tactics
- Developing e-Learning for Specific Subject Domains

The world is developing and for that E-learning is the way of create a new base and indeed it’s a great opportunity to learning and expanding thoughts.

Work Cited:

1. Guide, The E-learning. The E-learning Guild      

                <http:/www.elearningguild.com/>.

2. Horton, William. e-Learning by Design. 2006.

3. "The Impact of E-Learning." White Paper Education Transformation (n.d.): 9.

4. Wikipedia. Wikipedia. <http:/en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-learning>.