E-learning

Introduction

Today’s jobholders are very eager to learn new skills and opportunity that will enhance their performance in their workplace. Today’s student wants to learn at their own pace outside traditional classroom blocks, anywhere, anytime to a digitalized platform.

E-learning

can be seen as the acquisition of knowledge using technological infrastructure such as computers, internet/media to enable access to online teaching and learning resources. it is also known as online learning or electronic learning. it is an inclusive terminology that encompasses all forms of educational technology that electronically or technologically support learning and teaching. It uses numerous types of media that deliver text, audio, images, animation, and streaming video, and includes technology applications and processes such as audio or video tape, satellite TV, CD-ROM, and computer-based learning, as well as local intranet/extranet and web-based learning.

It focuses on electronic networks that enable learners to receive individualized and flexible learning schedules at any place and time. it takes place in the form of online programs, online course, online degree and can be self-paced, instructor led, synchronous or asynchronous learning.
E-learning has made that possible for everyone to learn at his own convenience as long as you are with the materials to access the web making it possible to learn from anywhere across the globe.

Types of E-learning

1. Synchronous online learning; this can be seen as a learning event in which courses are delivered online so that student and instructors can engage the content at the same time, but from different locations. Instructors relies on live chat features, video conferencing software and platforms in order to deliver their virtual class. In these classes, students can ask questions and discuss with their class mates. It has the power to strengthen a sense of association among students and their teacher therefore reducing isolation. positive classroom environment and instructor presence in an online course can improve student’s learning outcome and retentiveness.
2. Asynchronous online learning; this is a learning technique that don’t require have a fixed time which students can learn anytime that feels conveniently to them. Student’s study independently at different times and locations from each other without real-time communication taking place. It is preferred by students who do not have adjustable schedules because it allows them to utilize self-taught learning.
3. Computer-based training (CBT); refers to self-paced learning activities delivered on a computer or handheld device. CBT often delivers content via CD-ROM, and typically presents content in a linear fashion, much like reading an online book or manual. CBTs provide learning motivate beyond traditional learning procedure from textbook, or classroom-based instruction. It offers user-friendly solutions for satisfying continuing education requirements. Assessing learning in a CBT is often by assessments that can be easily scored by a computer such as multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop, radio button, simulation or other interactive means.
4. Collaborative learning; a learning technique through which many students learn and achieve their learning target together as a group. Students work together and practice teamwork to achieve their common learning target. This is done through the establishment of effective groups, where each student has to take into account the positive and negative point of each other student. This boosts the communication skills and teamwork abilities of the students.
5. Computer managed learning; an e-learning method that uses computer for the assessment and management of learning process. It uses database consisting of the information a learner needs along with individualized ranking parameters.
6. Interactive learning; it means that the learner does not interact with their instructor daily. It more of a dialogue between a learner and tools through which the learning become involved in the learning process.
7. Fixed learning; it is the type of learning that the content of the material doesn’t change from its original state and all the student receive the same lectures.
8. Adaptive learning; a revolutionary type of learning that makes it possible to transform and remodel learning data for each learner. Taking several statistics such as student skills, goals, abilities, performance into consideration. It uses tools that allows learning to become more personalized and student centered

BENEFITS OF E-LEARNING

• Tutors earn money by teaching in their preferred time.
• Applying e-learning to all levels of education helps ensure that students grasp the lessons adequately at a faster pace.
• Tutorials can be taken from any location in the world and at any time that students or tutors prefers.
• It allows you to be connected to modern learners and stay updated to the latest current trends.
• Ensures quick delivery of lessons.
• Lessons are available at a much-reduced cost.
• It promotes a self-paced process.
• Tutors have a numerous option to teach such as you can create recorded lessons.

DISADVANTAGES OF E-LEARNING

• E-learning can cause social isolation.
• It is hard to monitor for cheating.
• Makes someone physically inactive due to sitting and looking at the screen.
• It’s less suitable for soft or practical skill.
• Student to teachers’ feedback is limited.
• Lacks face to face communication.
• It is limited to certain disciplines.
• Accreditation and quality assurance is minimum.