E-LEARNING

E-LEARNING

E-learning is an abbreviation of the term electronic learning. Electronic learning in its literal meaning stands for the type of learning carried out, facilitated or supported by some or the other electronic gadgets, media or resources. Judging in this sense, the learning facilitated by the use of an electronic media or means like microphones and listening devices or audio and visual tapes can be termed as e-learning.

In this sense, e-learning calls for the services of the advance electronic information and communication media and means like teleconferencing, video-conferencing and computer based conferencing, e-mail, live chat, surfing on the Internet and Web browsing, online reference libraries, video game.

In the current era, where technology is rapidly evolving, education has also taken the support of ICT and now offers convenient ways to help increase the knowledge, education and literacy status of people. E-learning platform provides anywhere, anytime easy access for up gradation of knowledge and skills. It provides a platform wherein the individual gets a customized package related to key thematic areas, through a self-guided process.

Definition

A learning system based on formalized teaching but with the help of electronic resources is known as E-learning. While teaching can be based in or out of the classrooms, the use of computers and the Internet forms the major component of E-learning. E-learning can also be termed as a network enabled transfer of skills and knowledge, and the delivery of education is made to a large number of recipients at the same or different times. Earlier, it was not accepted whole heartedly as it was assumed that this system lacked the human element required in learning. 

NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF E-LEARNING

Empowered by digital technology: E-learning is pedagogy empowered by digital technology. Computer enhanced learning: E-learning is a term which is used to refer computer enhanced learning. Technology enhanced learning: E-learning includes all types of technology enhanced learning (TEL), where technology is used to support the learning process. Online learning: Use of e-learning is generally confined to “on-line learning” carried out through the Internet or Web-based technology, with no face-to-face interaction.

An important characteristic of e-learning is its interactivity, which is possible through animation authoring tools. Interactivity can be broken down into four levels: simple clicking/activity, making basic choices, problem solving, and creation.

MODES OF E-LEARNING:

1. Web-based learning

This form of training is accessed via web browsers or through the corporate Internet. The best part of this training is that, learners can access it at their own pace, within the set time. In addition, they do not need to travel to the training centers to attend the training. The compatibility of web browsers with videos, audios, animation, and other media elements, make it a user-friendly medium to deliver the training.

2. Computer-based training

It is a training accessed offline on computers. This type of interactive training worked wonders before the advent of the Internet. It allows learners learn at their pace and the training progress is tracked by the computer, hence assigning grades instantly. In addition, instructors can also track the training progress. It uses various multimedia elements to engage the learner.

3. CD-ROM based learning

This is an obsolete training model where the training material was recorded onto compact disks and accessed on the system without Internet connection. Today, eLearning has come a long way from CD-ROM to mobile-based learning.

4. Webinars

A webinar is training or a workshop delivered over the web using videoconferencing software. The best part of this form of training is that, you can host a large group, interact and brainstorm, and share applications and documents with the other participants. In simple terms, it mimics the traditional classroom, where you can interact with the instructor and other learners. You can deliver all kinds of trainings through this form of eLearning. A few of them include product sales training and HR training.

5. Virtual Classroom

It is an online portal through which learners can attend the training right from the comfort of their own place. This is similar to a traditional classroom, but the instructor and learners’ login from different places, virtually. This uses various synchronous technologies such as web conferencing, video conferencing, etc. to enable global learners attend the training, communicate with each other, and view videos at the same time.

7. Mobile Learning

Mobile learning is a breakthrough in the e-learning world. In this form of learning, the training material is accessed by learners via mobile devices; anywhere anytime with just a few taps. Now, sales reps are able to go through the training material before meeting customers to refresh product knowledge at their pace. Mobile learning also allows employees collaborate, discuss, and learn with their peers and managers across the globe. 

8. Video-based Learning

In this mode, training is imparted to end-users via engaging videos. This is ideal to grab the attention of unmotivated learners. Basically, videos with less content and more images glue the audience to their seats throughout the training. This video-based training material can be accessed round the clock from anywhere, thus allowing learners watch the video as many times as they want and learn at their own pace.

9. Custom E-Learning

In this form of e-learning, you can develop courses to suit your content and business requirements. You do not need any license, access the courses with limited system requirements, and gain personalized learning experiences. In simple words, custom e-learning courses are not generic; rather they deliver what learners expect. This addresses the organization’s goals and delivers content you want your learners to assimilate and retain.

10. Off-the shelf E-Learning

This comprises training material that is already developed and ready to be used by the end-users. The best part of catalog eLearning courses is that, they fulfill the urgent training requirement, deliver content in multiple languages, and are cost-effective to train small departments.

BENEFITS OF E-LEARNING

Faster delivery: At a time when change is faster than ever, a key advantage of e-learning is that it has quicker delivery cycle times than traditional classroom-based instruction. In fact, research indicates that e-learning reduces learning time by at least 25 to 60 percent when compared to traditional learning.

Lower costs: Because of the speed and ease in which e-learning is delivered, the costs of learning and development for an organization are drastically reduced. There are the immediate cost-effective gains of e-learning in terms of reducing training time as well as cost-effective savings in terms of trainers, course materials, travel and accommodation. However, it is equally important to highlight that e-learning, when done right, can also improve an organization’s profitability.

More effective learning: E-learning courses can have a positive and direct impact on an organization’s profitability by making it easy to learn and digest information

Flexibility: E-Learning can be done in short chunks of time that can fit around your daily schedule. Unlike public scheduled and in-house training, you don’t have to dedicate an entire day to the training that has been organized by your company. Instead, you will have a set amount of learning, normally divided into modules, so you can work on those topics you want to focus on.

Mobile: As eLearning can be done on laptops, tablets and phones – it is a very mobile method. Learning can be done on the train, on a plane or any other time that could normally be wasted. Whilst you used to be confined to the classroom, the whole world can now be your classroom.

No Travel: As just mentioned, eLearning can be done wherever you have a device capable of doing so. Therefore again you can fit it in to your schedule, but also save money on the costs of travel. As mentioned before on the public scheduled blog, external courses can sometimes only be sourced in locations far away from your company so you then have to pay the costs of travel as well potentially accommodation. E-Learning takes these costs away completely.

Lower cost: As you aren’t using a trainer’s time or any room or equipment, eLearning tends to be the much cheaper option. If you already have a device capable of carrying out the training on, then the savings can be considerable. Therefore if you and your company are on a budget, this can be the ideal option for you.  Equally for companies that have thousands of employees then it can reduce the cost per head especially on areas such as Money Laundering, Compliance and Microsoft Office training.

 Technological Possibilities: E-Learning is fast becoming a more and more popular method and with it, so has the investment into how to improve it further. The computer based nature of training means new technology is being introduced all the time to help with the learning. Different apps are helping to further reinforce the learning whilst forums can be used to greatly increase the amount of interaction and engagement between learners. This is only going to improve as time goes on as well.

Global: With very few restrictions companies can be confident that their staff can receive the same content regardless of their location, and in many cases, their nationality.  Therefore if you wish to provide the same training or have your staff understand and use common methodology, eLearning is a useful way of ensuring this happens with ease and reduced cost.

Electronic Resources: The resources to which "electronic" applies (in the context of collections development) include:

Online Electronic Resources

Web Sites - Open Access and Full-Text

Web Sites - Bibliographic

Electronic Journals