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What is e-learning?

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What is e-learning?

Elearning. Distributed learning. Distance education. Computer based training. Online learning. And the list grows...

So, what is elearning? Very simply, elearning is utilizing technology to increase the effectiveness and accessibility of learning. This may include CD ROMs, or a discussion thread to enrich a regular classroom, or a course delivered completely online. All other terms related to learning are subsets of elearning.

Elearning is the use of any type of technology in improving learning. At it's most basic level, it is email...at it's most advanced, it is an online course (or simulation, or virtual reality, or...well, you get the point)

Types of e-Learning

e-Learning is comes in many variations and often a combination of the following:

* Purely online - no face-to-face meetings

* Blended Learning - combination of online and face-to-face

* Synchronous

* Asynchronous

* Instructor-led group

* Self-study

* Self-study with subject matter expert

* Web-based

* Computer-based (CD-ROM)

* Video/audio tape

Benefits of E-Learning

"Good teaching is good teaching, no matter how it's done."

The old adage still rings true, and e-Learning brings with it new dimensions in education. Some of the unique features of e-Learning are listed below.

Features of E-Learning

* Learning is self-paced and gives students a chance to speed up or slow down as necessary

* Learning is self-directed, allowing students to choose content and tools appropriate to their differing interests, needs, and skill levels

* Accommodates multiple learning styles using a variety of delivery methods geared to different learners; more effective for certain learners

* Designed around the learner

* Geographical barriers are eliminated, opening up broader education options

* 24/7 accessibility makes scheduling easy and allows a greater number of people to attend classes

* On-demand access means learning can happen precisely when needed

* Travel time and associated costs (parking, fuel, vehicle maintenance) are reduced or eliminated

* Overall student costs are frequently less (tuition, residence, food, child care)

* Potentially lower costs for companies needing training, and for the providers

* Fosters greater student interaction and collaboration

* Fosters greater student/instructor contact

* Enhances computer and Internet skills

* Draws upon hundreds of years of established pedagogical principles

* Has the attention of every major university in the world, most with their own online degrees, certificates, and individual courses

Benefits of e-Learning

There are many significant advantages for the student who learns online. Here are just a few to consider:

Convenience and Portability

* Courses are accessible on your schedule

* Online learning does not require physical attendance

* Learning is self-paced (not too slow, not too fast)

* You're unbound by time - courses are available 24/7

* You're unbound by place - study at home, work, or on the road

* Read materials online or download them for reading later

Cost and Selection

* Choose from a wide range of courses to meet your needs

* Degree, Vocational, and Certificate programs

* Continuing Education

* Individual courses

* Wide range of prices to fit your budget

* Go back to school to get a degree, learn a new skill, learn a new craft, or just have fun!

* From art to zoology you can do it all online in a price range to fit your budget.

Flexibility

* Online learning accommodates your preferences and needs - it's student-centered

* Choose instructor-led or self-study courses

* Skip over material you already know and focus on topics you'd like to learn

* Use the tools best suited to your learning styles

Higher Retention

* Online learning will draw you to topics you like and enjoy. Studies show that because of this and the variety of delivery methods used to reach different types of learners, retention is frequently better than in a traditional classroom.

Greater Collaboration

* Technology tools make collaboration among students much easier. Since many projects involve collaborative learning, the online environment is far easier (and often more comfortable) to work in since learners don't have to be face-to-face.

Global Opportunities

* The global learning community is at your fingertips with online learning. The technologies used give online instructional designers the ability to build in tools that take you to resources you may never see in a traditional classroom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTIrwf0dMUw

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/

http://www.elearnspace.org/starting/whatiselearning.htm

http://e-lms.org/product-overview/elearning-faq/121-types-of-elearning

http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/elearning-benefits.htm


Ola Drabowicz

Comments

  1. K.15 January 2012 at 15:37

    People who can learn only by e-learning should be very good-motivated. A compouters give us a lot of possibilities to learn without going out home but it's also easier to cheat it. I think that e-learning is a good way for people who would like to expand their knowledge for themselves, but not for pupils who are obligated to learning.

    ReplyDelete
  2. K.15 January 2012 at 15:37

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. K.15 January 2012 at 15:37

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. K.15 January 2012 at 15:46

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Emilia Konachowicz15 January 2012 at 15:58

    E-learning is good for everyone who have a lot of work, classes and so on. You can use it in your free time. No rush, only pleasure if only you are learning what you want to learn. And I agree with Katarzyna - it is for people who are good motivated..

    ReplyDelete
  6. Unknown15 January 2012 at 16:16

    In my opinion e-learning is not all. We try to think about it as less time-consuming and easier, but truth is not that obvious. Everything depends always on a student. Finishing hundreds of e-courses won't guarantee that we will succeed in our job.
    We also tend to do things that won't give us anything except lost time and money. I think it is not always the way to self-educate.

    ReplyDelete
  7. JoannaChodecka15 January 2012 at 17:26

    I am wondering if I am into e-learning or not..
    On one hand it is comfortable because you dont have to go out to study or do activities. On the ther hand I like better communication face to face, I like to see somebodys reaction, and for student it is better to ask teacher question in real. We live in modern time and we should use technology. Maybe it will make easier cooperation with students from whole the world.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kinga Molska15 January 2012 at 17:59

    E learning is great opportunity for me. I m working in full time, study and I really dont have enough time for everything.. but i m agree with Kasia and Emilia it is good for people who have strong motivation but as we know, sometimes it is difficult..

    ReplyDelete

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