E-
Learning
Deb
Kumar Bandyopadhyay
The
letter “e” in e-learning stands for the word “electronic”,
e-learning would incorporate all educational activities that are
carried out by individuals or groups working online or offline via
networked or stand alone computers and other electronic devices.
Abbreviations like CBT(Computer-Based Training), IBT (Internet-Based
Training) and terms like online learning, virtual learning,
distributed learning or WBT (Web-Based Training) have been used as
synonyms to e-learning.
One of
the innovative applications of computer in the teaching and learning
process is known as e-learning. Also it is considered to be highly
superior to CAL(Computer Assisted Learning). E-Learning allows you to
learn anywhere and usually at any time, as long as you have a
properly configured computer.
E-Learning
can be CD-ROM based; network based; intranet based or internet based.
It can include text, video, audio animation and virtual environments.
It is self-paced, hands-on-learning. The beauty of e-Learning,
however, is that new software allows the creation of very effective
learning environments.
According
to Hall, 1997 e-Learning is instruction that is delivered
electronically, in part or wholly via a web browser, through the
Internet or an intranet, or through multimedia platforms such as
CD-ROMs or DVDs.
History
of E-Learning:
Although
e-learning has been around for decades, it has seen exponential
growth in the last years, mainly because of the growth of the
Internet. As a short introduction here is a retrospective.
Characteristics
of E- learning:
E-learning
is like a cubist painting. Cubism is an effort to depict
three-dimensions on a flat canvas. Cubism is like standing at a
certain point on a mountain and looking around. If you go higher,
things will look different; if you go lower, again they will look
different. It is a point of view. Hence, to make sense of E-learning
attributes, we need to consider different perspectives.
E-learning
Philosophy: From philosophical point of view, e-learning is framed by
the beliefs, principles, and practices of the e-learning community.
E-learning
is Revolutionary. E-learning focuses on the individual learner. For
years training has organized itself for the convenience and needs of
instructors, institutions and bureaucracies.
E-learning
is Learner-Centric Learning: In the traditional model everything
revolves round the instructor – what is taught, where it’s taught
and when it’s taught. Here, the assumption is that all learners
have similar preparation, learning styles, hunger to learn and
abilities. The learner centric e learning model makes an array of
resources available to the learner, who is free to choose when, where
and how to learn. The learner’s background, preparation,
personality, and drive will dictate whether e learning is a faster
way to learn. It certainly is more convenient and less expensive.
E-learning
is Forever: It is Continuous education and daily learning. Work
becomes learning, learning becomes work.
Performance
is the Goal in E-learning: The objective is to become competent in
the least time and with the least amount of training, not the most.
E-learning
is Flexible Learning: E-learning has historically been linked with
distance education and flexible learning. In distance education,
various technologies can be used to link learners, instructors and
resources that are removed in time or space. The hallmark of flexible
learning, as its name suggests, is its adaptability to learners’
needs and circumstances.
Most
E-learning is Social: E-learning seeks to foster collaboration and
peers interaction. A classic study at Stanford found that Hewlett
Packard engineers who watched videotaped lectures followed by
informal discussion performed better than Stanford engineering
students who attended the same lectures on campus. Instead of an on
campus lecturer pouring content into student’s heads, the HP
engineers were challenged to construct their own interpretation of
the subject matter.
E-learning
Involves Learning Objects: Historically, learning in educational
settings has been organized around self-contained subjects or course
units. In contrast, many proponents of e-learning in corporate
settings envisage systems based on much smaller units of content,
known as learning objects. The idea is to structure learning content
into common building blocks that can be quickly found, reassembled
and customized according to particular contexts and learner needs.
E-Learning
is Personalized: An effective e-learning system learns about its
users and tailors its offerings to their learning style, job
requirements, career goals, current knowledge and personal
preferences. Small chunks of learning (Objects) are labeled so
systems can automatically mix and match them to assemble and deliver
individualized learning experiences.
E-learning
Involves Effective Communication: Like any learning process,
e-learning depends on effective communication of human knowledge,
whether this occurs in a face-to-face classroom or across the
Internet. The effectiveness of e-learning also depends on
establishing two-way communication between teachers and learners, and
among learners themselves. Online technologies can also be used to
foster interactive and collaborative engagement.
Different
types of E-Learning:
Online
Learning
This type
of the e-Learning uses the courseware that is deliveredover the
internet to learners at a variety of locations, where the primary
intraction between the learner and the experiences of their learning
occurs via. Networked computer technology. Increasingly, learning
management systems are begining to serve as the basis for building
online programmes wherein the learning experience is entirely
mediated through a digital interface.
Blended
Learning
This type
of e-Learning refers to the blending of multiple modes of delivering
learning. It is also known as hybrid learning. Based on the design of
the learning best sources, quick approaches for emergencies, blended
learning can have a mix of different environments such as the
classroom, the web and the virtual classroom. In this type of
learning, one can make use of different delivery technologies and
tools such as mobile phones, handheld devices, laptop or desktop
computers and televisions.
Blended
learning offers:
Social benefits from classroom training, focusing on learning that
gains the most from face-to-face interaction.
Individualization benefits of self-paced, online learning for content
that requires minimum interaction.
Cost
savings through minimizing the time away from the job and
travel/classroom/instructor expenses.
Improved retention and reinforcement through follow-up mechanisms on
the Web.
Greater flexibility to meet the different learning styles and levels
of the learners.
Virtual
Classroom
The
objective of this type of e-Learning is to extended the traditional
classroom structure by moving it beyond the physical campus to
learners spread across different geographical regions. It is helpful
for those who pursue their learning in the distance mode as the
course is entirely accessible through online. They would benefit as
that of a real- time intraction with other learners and faculty
through the Internet.
Mobile
and Ubiquitous Learning
This type
of e-Learning is extremely flexible by doing away with desktop
dependency and by leveraging ubiquitous networks and portable digital
devices, such as laptop computer, PDAs, MP3 players, gaming devices
and mobile phones. Since these devices are very handy, one can use
them by combining informal and formal learning experiences.
CD-ROM
and Kiosk-based Learning
Besides
the CD-ROM and DVD that can be played on computers and televisions,
e-Learning can also be designed and delivered through touch screen
kiosks. This is useful when there is no dependence on the Internet
and when the content has a long shelf-life or deals with generic
topics. Since kiosks require simple user interaction for accessing
information, it meets the learning needs of an audience with low
computer literacy levels.
Synchronous
E-learning
In
Synchronous e-learning, communication occurs at the same time between
individuals and information is accessed instantly. It is
characterized by real time, simultaneous and two way communication.
This is commonly supported by media such as Video Conferencing,
Virtual Classrooms and Chat sessions. The most familiar form of
synchronous electronic communication is real time two way text-based
online chat, which is widely used in e-learning. More sophisticated
forms of synchronous instruction include virtual classrooms, which
use information and communication technologies to mimic a traditional
classroom environment. This may involve video-conferencing or the use
of shared electronic whiteboards, which allow learning materials to
be created and modified in real time, either by the instructor or the
learners. Learners and Teachers experience synchronous e-learning as
more social and avoid frustration by asking and answering questions
in real time. Synchronous sessions help e-learners feel like
participants rather than isolates.
Asynchronous
E-learning
As we are
familiar with the use of e-mail which is also a two way
communication, here the flexibility is that the sender and receiver
of the message need not be online at the same time. You can check
your e-mail at your convenient time. Thus Asynchronous means you need
not be online at the same time. This Asynchronous E-learning is
commonly facilitated by media such as e-mail and discussion boards,
supports work relations among learners and with teachers, even when
participants cannot be online at the same time. It is thus a key
component of flexible learning. Asynchronous instruction allows
participants to control their own timetables and fit learning around
their other commitments. This is a major bonus, especially for adult
learners. Asynchronous e-learning makes it possible for learners to
log on to an e-learning environment at any time and download
documents or send messages to teachers or peers. Students may spend
more time refining their contributions, which are generally
considered more thoughtful compared to synchronous communication.
Many of the technologies used in asynchronous e-learning also permit
two way communication between learners and instructors, or
multi-directional, collaborative communication among learners
themselves. These are some of the communication technologies most
commonly used in asynchronous e-learning:
• Email
is the most common form of electronic information exchange.
•
E-boards allow learners and instructors to create images, text and
information and present them to other participants.
Blackboard is a tool that allows faculty to add resources for
students to access online. PowerPoint, video, audio, animation, and
other applications are created outside of Blackboard and added into
Blackboard courses for students to enhance teaching and learning
efforts. Blackboard can allow you to provide multiple content formats
(text, images, sound, audio, animations, graphs, etc.), which allows
for students to find material based on their preferred learning
style.
Bulletin Board – This is another form of asynchronous interaction,
which can be used for pedagogic purposes. Bulletin boards can be used
for the purpose of putting up course syllabus, time table, course
specific announcements as well as a discussion forum
Blog: It
is a word which is a blend of the term web log. It is a type of
website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an
individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of
events, or other material such as graphics or video.
Important
features of E-Learning:
a)
E-Learning is dynamic: Today's content, in real time, not old news
Online experts, best sources, quick approaches for emergencies.
b)
E-Learning opeartes in real time: E-Learner get what he/she need,
when he/she need it.
c)
E-Learning is collaborative: Because people learn from one another,
e-Learning connects learners with experts, colleagues and
professional peers, both in and outside our organization.
d)
E-Learning in individual: Every e-Learner selects activities from a
personal menu of learning opportunities most relevant to his/her
background, job and career at that very moment.
e)
E-Learning is comprehensive: E-Learning provides learning events from
many sources, enabeling the e-learner to select a favoured format or
learning method or training provider.
E-LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES
E-learning
is a flexible learning environment which serves a number of
individual and organizational purposes by making use of a number of
technologies. You will find below the explanation of various tools
used under each of these technologies.
Communication
Tools
As you
are aware, modern technology provides us with a plethora of options
for communicating.
The most
common Communication tools used in E-learning include, e-mail,
Instant Messaging and
Blogging.
E-mail:
e-mail stands for electronic mail, email is defined as the
transmission of messages over communication networks.
Exchanginge-mail messages with a mentor or peer is an e-learning
experience.
Instant
Messaging(IM): Instant messaging is the exchange of text
messages through a software application in real-time. Instant
messaging allows learners to chat with one another through text
messages. This has become very popular as here, everything is
performed in a faster, more reliable and cohesive manner.
Blogging:
A blog is your own website that you are going to update on an
on-going basis. A blog is a frequently updated online personal
journal or diary. It is a place to express yourself to the world and
to share your thoughts and your passions. In blogs entries are
commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Most blogs are
interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message
each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that
distinguishes them from other static websites. Many blogs provide
commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more
personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and
links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its
topic. The ability of readers to leave comments in an interactive
format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily
textual, although some focus on art (art blog), photographs (photo
blog), videos (video blogging), music (MP3 blog), and audio
(podcasting).
Collaboration Tools
All
around the globe we are witnessing the transition towards
collaborative learning. The benefits of collaborative learning are
immense. It lets the learners gain from the experience of their peers
and help them acquire and retain information in a more involved and
engaged way. Thus, we see most of the e-learning is also Social. The
learners learn through collaboration with peers in smaller or larger
groups. The e-learning technology offers a number of collaboration
tools to learn from one another, to work on assignments, Projects in
groups and the like. Some of the popular collaboration tools include
Chat, forum, wiki, online groups, audio/video conferencing, social
bookmarking and social networking.
Collaborative
learning forums promote learner interaction through message boards,
where students can post questions and answers; text chat or forums,
where learners can communicate outside the main classroom; and
threaded discussions, where facilitators and students can discuss a
given topic and review each other’s responses.
Wiki:
A wiki is a collaborative web site that collects and organizes
content, created and revised by its users. The most well-known
example is Wikipedia. Wikis are a way to grow a knowledge base around
a particular content area, be it best practices in a particular field
or how to use a specific piece of software.
Social
Bookmarking:
A
social bookmarking service is a centralized online service which
enables users to add, annotate, edit, and share bookmarks of web
documents. Social bookmarking websites enhance and improve the
learning experiences by encouraging group collaboration. They also
help in organizing and saving web resources faster and easier for
students. Social bookmarking services offer greater scope for
research, integration, and collaboration compared to the more
traditional bookmarking applications such as browsers, which offer
limited functionality.
Social
Networking Sites
:Social Networking site is the phrase used to describe any
Web site that enables users to create public profiles within that Web
site and form relationships with other users of the same Web site who
access their profile. Social networking sites can be used to describe
community-based Web sites, online discussions forums, chartrooms and
other social spaces online. Examples include face book, twitter,
Linkedln , Google+ etc.
Web
Conferencing: Web conferencing is highly interactive,
Internet-based applications with a rich collaboration feature set
(e.g. audio/video from presenters and learners, application sharing,
white boarding and markup tools, breakout rooms, polling, quizzing,
hand raising and emoticon responses, slides and media, Web site
tours, public/private text Chat). It is capable of scaling from small
groups to hundreds or thousands of simultaneous users. In
“synchronous e-Learning,” we refer to Web conferencing. Web
conferencing technologies offer tremendous potential for robust
interactivity and collaboration through their versatility and rich
feature options. Note that the commonly trumpeted “Webinar” can
refer to a Webcast or Web conference: usually one promising an expert
presentation on a specific knowledge topic.
Content
Creation Tools/Authoring tools
An
e-learning content authoring tool is a software package which
developers use to create and package e-learning content deliverable
to end users. According to Wikipedia.org, “a content authoring tool
is a software application used to create multimedia content typically
for delivery on the World Wide Web. Content-authoring tools may also
create content in other file formats so the training can be delivered
on a CD (Compact Disc) or in other formats for various different
uses. The category of content-authoring tools includes HTML, Flash,
and various types of e-learning authoring tools.”
Thus,
E-learning authoring tools are a class of products designed for
people who need to create online educational or training courses that
are deployed from a standard, cloud-based learning management system.
Many programs can be considered authoring tools, including Flash, and
PowerPoint. However, only a small group of programs specifically
include support for e-learning content standards such as SCORM
(Shareable Content Object Reference Model). Examples: Articulate
Storyline, Composica, Adobe Authorware and Camtasia. Some of the
Content Creation Tools/Authoring tools are Course and lesson
authoring tools, E-book tools, Graphics and Animation tools,
Assessment tools, Video and Simulation tools, Survey and Polling
tools.
Delivery
and Distribution Tools
SCORM:
SCORM is a powerful tool for anyone involved in online training.
It stands for Shareable Content Object Reference Model; it defines a
specific way of constructing Learning Management Systems and training
content. Content can be created one time and used in many different
systems and situations without modification. Content can be delivered
to the user more quickly, more efficiently, and at a lower price.
EPUB:
EPUB is an e-book format. An EPUB e-book can be downloaded and read
on a device like a smartphone, tablet, computer, or e-reader. It is a
free and open standard published by the International Digital
Publishing Forum. The term is short for electronic publication and is
sometimes styled ePub.
Podcasting:
As you are aware that educational content delivered through video
casting as multimedia computer files on the internet can contain data
in different forms like audio, images, text etc. Learners can
economically access ipods thus delivered on personal computers with
the help of certain technologies for playback. They can in turn
interact with their teachers and peers by preparing and posting file
containing assignments and other work done. Learning through this
technology frees the learners from the need for physical presence in
the classrooms. There are educational institutions that support
podcasting by providing facilities like servers for exchanging
content and also for podcasting attachment of podcasts to blogs.
Audio/Video
streaming: Streaming Audio/Video is content sent in compressed
form over the internet and displayed by the viewer in real time. With
streaming video or streaming media, a Web user does not have to wait
to download a file to play it. Instead, the media is sent in a
continuous stream of data and is played as it arrives. The user needs
a player, which is a special program that uncompresses and sends
video data to the display and audio data to speakers. Streaming video
is usually sent from prerecorded video files, but can be distributed
as part of a live broadcast "feed." In a live broadcast,
the video signal is converted into a compressed digital signal and
transmitted from a special Web server that is able to do multicast,
sending the same file to multiple users at the same time.
ADVANTAGES AND POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS OF E-LEARNING
Advantages
of e-Learning to the Trainer or Organization
*Reduced overall cost is the single most influential factor in
adopting e-learning. The elimination of costs associated with
instructor's salaries, meeting room rentals, and student travel,
lodging, and meals are directly quantifiable.
*Increased retention and application
*Consistent delivery of content is possible with asynchronous,
self-paced e-learning.
*
Expert knowledge is communicated, but more importantly captured, with
good e-learning and knowledge management systems.
*Proof
of completion and certification, essential elements of training
initiatives, can be automated.
Advantages
to the Learner
*On-demand availability enables students to complete training
conveniently at off-hours or from home.
*Self-pacing for slow or quick learners reduces stress and increases
satisfaction.
*
Interactivity engages users, pushing them rather than pulling them
through training.
*Confidence that refresher or quick reference materials are available
reduces burden of responsibility of mastery.
Potential
drawbacks
Technology
dependent: Learners will need access to a machine of minimum
specification as dictated by the e-learning supplier or access to a
service with a high bandwidth to transfer the course materials in a
timely way.
Material
Incompatibility: Some materials designed for one particular
system will not function properly on another (for example, the Apple
Macintosh and the Windows PC). Standards will help in the area.
Unsuitable
for Certain Types of Training: Any skill that relies heavily on
inter-personal contact although these courses could be supplemented
by e-learning.
Unsuitable
for Certain Types of Learners: E-learning requires a high-level
of self-discipline and personal time management. E-Learners need to
be highly self-motivated to take full advantage of the medium as
often the online learning experience can be impersonal. Working
through 'packaged' programmes can be irritating.
Reliant
of the Quality of the Content: It is too easy for some
institutions to defer the photocopying costs onto the learner by
placing all lecture notes and course handouts online. Such practices
often mean that the course materials are in an inappropriate format
for online learning. Course providers need to develop new technical
skills and course design skills to suit the new medium.
Expensive:
Start-up cost of an e-learning service is expensive and the cost
of production of online training materials is very high. Teachers
must be confident that the extra costs are balanced with the benefits
of delivering a course online. Significant time needs to be invested
in course set-up and in ongoing maintenance (checking links, updating
course content etc.).
Reliant
on Human Support: E-learning is still dependent on help on either
the course materials or the software.
Social/economic
disadvantage: It can limit or prevent access by some student
groups (for example, cost of equipment, online access and printing).
No
Match for Face-to-Face Teaching: Electronic communication does
not necessarily provide a good match for face-to-face communication
and is more linear than face-to-face discussion.
Too
Reliant on IT Skills: Learners may have limited IT skills, or be
uncomfortable with electronic communication and need to learn how to
use the medium effectively.
Disabilities:
Students with visual or physical impairments may be disadvantaged.
Inflexible:
Flexibility may be lost as adjustments to the course in response to
student reaction are not easy to make once the course is underway.
Pedagogically
Unsound: The electronic environment does not per se offer a
pedagogically enhancing learning environment.
Learning
Management System (LMS)
A
Learning Management System (LMS) is a computer software designed for
the Internet to manage Learning. LMS thus is a software application
or Web-based technology used to plan, implement, and assess a
specific learning process. A learning management system provides an
instructor with a way to create and deliver content, monitor student
participation, and assess student performance. A learning management
system may also provide students with the ability to use interactive
features such as threaded discussions, video conferencing, and
discussion forums.
LMS is
the framework that handles all aspects of the learning process. An
LMS is the infrastructure that delivers and manages instructional
content, identifies and assesses individual and organizational
learning or training goals, tracks the progress towards meeting those
goals, and collects and presents data for supervising the learning
process of the organization as a whole. A Learning Management System
delivers content but also handles registering for courses, course
administration, skills gap analysis, tracking, and reporting. Most
LMSs are web-based to facilitate access to learning content and
administration. They are also used by educational institutions to
enhance and support classroom teaching and offering courses to a
larger population of learners.
Features
of Education Learning Management Systems
In formal
education LMSs were first used to support distance education programs
by providing an alternative delivery system. They are also now used
as platforms to provide online resources to supplement regular course
material and to provide courses for students who require additional
flexibility in their schedules, allowing them to take courses during
semesters when they are not physically present or are not attending
on full time basis. This also benefits students who are disabled or
ill and unable to attend regular classes. Education LMSs primarily
support e-learning initiatives only.
LMS
Functionality
Course Content Delivery
Student Registration and Administration
Training Event Management (i.e., scheduling, tracking)
Curriculum and Certification Management
Skills and Competencies Management
Skill
Gap Analysis
Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Assessing
Reporting
Training Record Management
Courseware Authoring
Resource Management
Performance Management System
The focus
of an LMS is to deliver online courses or training to learners, while
managing students and keeping track of their progress and performance
across all types of training activities. An LMS is not used to create
course content.
LCMS
(Learning Content Management System) is a related software
technology that provides a multi-user environment where developers,
authors, instructional designers, and subject matter experts may
create, store, reuse, manage, and deliver digital educational
technology (also known as e-learning) content from a central object
repository.
LCMS
focuses on the development, management and publishing of the content
that will typically be delivered via an LMS. Users can both create
and re-use content and reduce duplicated development efforts.
LCMS
Functionality
Template-driven, Collaborative Content Development
Facilitated Content Management (i.e., indexing and reuse)
Publishing
Workflow Integration
Automated Interface with an LMS
Open
Source Learning Management System
Moodle,
ATutor,Sakai, Bodington, Claroline,Magnolia
Proprietary
Learning Management System
Litmos,
Blackboard and Desire2Learn
