E-learning

Let us get to know what is the meaning of E-Learning? E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The information and communication systems whether networked or not serve a process of specific media to implement the learning process. E-learning can be utilized to reference out of classroom and in classroom educational experiences via technology. Content usually can be from Internet, audio, animation or CD-ROM.



Mostly people do understand the process of e-learning. Such a simple way to study. E-learning is the process of studying via Internet in the classroom or out of classroom. No wonder the government working hard to provide the specialties for the student. So what are you guys waiting for? Study properly and don't waste your precious time!! :)

History of E-learning ( source by wikipedia)

In the early 1960s, Stanford University psychology professors Patrick Suppes and Richard C. Atkinson experimented with using computers to teach math and reading to young children in elementary schools in East Palo Alto, California. Stanford's Education Program for Gifted Youth is descended from those early experiments.

Early e-learning systems, based on Computer-Based Learning/Training often attempted to replicate autocratic teaching styles whereby the role of the e-learning system was assumed to be for transferring knowledge, as opposed to systems developed later based on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL), which encouraged the shared development of knowledge.

As early as 1993, William D. Graziadei described an online computer-delivered lecture, tutorial and assessment project using electronic mail. In 1997 he published an article which described developing an overall strategy for technology-based course development and management for an educational system. He said that products had to be easy to use and maintain, portable, replicable, scalable, and immediately affordable, and they had to have a high probability of success with long-term cost-effectiveness.

William D. Graziadei, Sharon Gallagher,Ronald N. Brown,Joseph Sasiadek Building Asynchronous and Synchronous Teaching-Learning Environments: Exploring a Course/Classroom Management System Solution </ref> In 1997 Graziadei, W.D., et al, published an article entitled "Building Asynchronous and Synchronous Teaching-Learning Environments: Exploring a Course/Classroom Management System Solution". They described a process at the State University of New York (SUNY) of evaluating products and developing an overall strategy for technology-based course development and management in teaching-learning. The product(s) had to be easy to use and maintain, portable, replicable, scalable, and immediately affordable, and they had to have a high probability of success with long-term cost-effectiveness. Today many technologies can be, and are, used in e-learning, from blogs to collaborative software, ePortfolios, and virtual classrooms. Most eLearning situations use combinations of these techniques.

Even though e-learning make life simple but we should know that there are some advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of e-Learning

• Class work can be scheduled around personal and professional work
• Reduces travel cost and time to and from school
• Learners may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interest
• Learners can study wherever they have access to a computer and Internet
• Self-paced learning modules allow learners 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
• Different learning styles are addressed and facilitation of learning occurs through varied activities
• Development of computer and Internet skills that are transferable to other facets of learner's lives
• Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning

Disadvantages of e-Learning

• 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

So no matter what we are heading we should concern about the implication of it. :)