What is E-Learning?

E-Learning means "electronic learning" it refers to a wide range of applications and processes designed to deliver instruction through electronic means. Usually this means over the Web, however it also can include CD-ROM or video-conferencing through satellite transmission. The definition of E-learning is broader than, but includes, "online learning," "Web-based training," and "computer-based training." Most importantly, it signals the paradigm shift in education and training that is in progress. The following list is a quick summary of E-Learning modalities currently in use: Use of technology to enrich classroom/workplace learning (Internet, CD-ROM,, interactive multimedia, games/simulations, social networks) Online instruction for distance learning cost savings (no face-to-face meetings) Blended instruction (combining online and face-to-face learning events) Synchronous: real-time, multiple students online, instructor-led Asynchronous: students and instructor in intermittent interaction Instructor-led group work (combining both synchronous and asynchronous events) Self-study (online tutorials, research and discovery learning events) Self-study with subject matter expert (tutoring, mentoring, coaching) Web-based tutorials (individual or group using self-paced online resources) Computer-based tutorials (individual or group using CD-ROM resources) Video and audio resources (distributed by tape, CD, DVD, online streaming, download, or pod-cast, etc.) The power of E-Learning is more than technology it is the social dynamics of networking. The revolutionary impact of E-Learning lies not simply in having a multimedia platform on a single desktop. It is the combined power of a world-wide network of such computers that connects authors, instructors

and learners globally with the immediacy of text, graphics, audio and video, as well as interactivity and collaborative sharing. Technology-based instruction offers leverage to make both the planning/ development process and the delivery/ learning process more efficient. The tools augment the instructional capacity of teachers and learning activity of students. Instructors and curriculum developers can now share resources more easily and together build learning-object repositories. Multimedia and expanded resources from the network can enhance the traditional classroom experience dramatically. Online synchronous tools create a new kind of cyber-classroom, connecting distance learners from many locals ("any where") in peer-to-peer engagement. Online self-paced tutorials create enriched interactive and exploratory learning experiences that are accessible on-demand ("any time") when a learner is ready.

Four Primary E-Learning Goals

The following graphic illustrates four primary goals of E-Learning. It maps these four learning goals using the following criteria: Process & Goal: "information vs. instruction" (broadcast, transfer, develop & certify) Content: "scope & depth" (awareness, understanding, use & mastery) Learning Tasks: "simple vs. complex" (degree of required practice & interaction) Development Time: "rapid vs. robust" (amount of time / effort required for product development).

1. Broadcast Information

Dissemination of facts, figures, data, individual and team learning & performance

Goal: demonstrate awareness and notes to an organization to enable

Typical Tools

Email PowerPoint Portal Site: HTML Online Presentation (live & recorded) Webcast & Podcast Flash animation

Learner Interaction

Navigate Information-on-demand Read Listen Think With Others (responsively) Think Independently & Creatively

2. Transfer Critical Knowledge Goal: demonstrate understanding Typical Tools

Deliver key information and knowledge about a business, product, or service to enable individual and team learning & performance Simple WBT courseware Virtual Classroom (live & recorded) Blended Learning

Learner Interaction

Read Listen Answer questions Relate accurate information to appropriate context

Dialogue, Collaboration Think With Others (responsively) Think Independently & Creatively Typical Tracking 3. Develop Skills & Competencies Goal: demonstrate use application of skills, knowledge and attitudes in a meaningful context) Learner Interaction Read Listen Answer questions Practice new skills Dialogue, Collaboration Think With Others (responsively) Think Independently & Creatively Typical Tracking What was learned? Test & quiz scores? Does learning transfer to real environment? 4. Certify Skills & Proficiencies Goal: demonstrate mastery Require systematic practice of observable and measurable knowledge, behavior, skills, abilities and attributes that enable individual and team learning & performance identified for organizational success. Who took the session? Will they recall the information? Provide a process of individual and team learning of verbal or motor behavior as well as strategies to control and efficiently perform the related behavior

Typical Tools

Robust WBT courseware with Assessment Virtual Classroom (live & recorded) Blended Learning Simulations Performance Support

Learner Interaction

Read Listen Practice skills to mastery criteria Dialogue, Collaboration Think With Others (responsively) Think Independently & Creatively

Definition and Vision

There are numerous definitions of E-Learning. In order to understand what ELearning is and the potential benefits that it offers education and training we need to clear up certain confusions. The term has been used inconsistently in both lay and professional literature. It has multiple meanings because we are in the midst of a major paradigm shift in instruction and learning driven by technological and social dynamics. The idea of "classroom" is being transformed, and the role of "learning community" is emerging. The shift in paradigm is experienced at times as both evolutionary and revolutionary. It is "evolutionary" by promoting instructional best practices, shared standards, and greater access to resources. It is "revolutionary" by advances that are discontinuous and disruptive as in the phrase, "The internet changes everything!" The 'network of networks' is not just a technology web (connection and communication). It is an information access web, a publishing web, a commerce web, and a social-collaborative web that leverage and synergize with each other. It is a communications highway to and through a newly consolidated global village.

The challenge of understanding E-Learning is that historically the term has been used with three levels of definition from most narrow to most inclusive. Each of these definitions suggests a slightly different vision of what E-Learning is, how it is used, and the benefits it achieves. The following graphic illustrates the increasing scope of E-Learning definitions. Each ring builds upon the previous foundation and adds a new element: technology, methodology, and social context.

1. Internet-enabled instruction 2. Technology-based instruction

These definitions focus on the revolutionary impact of networking technology (Internet & intranet). Definitions include a broader view of technology (inclusive of mobile, wireless, iPod, video, game & other technologies) and methodology issues such as instructional design and best practices including, blended learning, personalization and collaboration. Further, they orient to a more inclusive use of instructional technology.

3. Learning tools of the new economy

Cultural and social impact are key defining characteristics. These definitions are culturally driven, not just technology driven based on the reality of a new, globally networked and interdependent economy that is being advanced by technology.

What are the Advantages of E-Learning?

Flexibility, Accessibility, Convenience

Learners can proceed through a training program "at their own pace and at their own place." They can also access the e-Learning course at any time, and only as much as they need. This is also known as "Just in time and just enough." Cross-platform Support E-Learning courses are accessible by Web browsers on any platform: Windows, Mac, UNIX, OS/2, Amiga, etc. You can deliver your training program to any machine over the Internet or intranet without having to author a program specifically for each platform. Browsers and Internet Connections are Widely Available Most computer users have access to a browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer, and are connected to a company's intranet and/or have access to the Internet. Inexpensive Worldwide Distribution No separate distribution mechanism is needed. E-Learning courses are accessible from any computer anywhere in the world, which keeps delivery costs low.

Ease of Updates
After the e-Learning course is released, any changes can be made on the server hosting the program and everyone worldwide can instantly access the update. Courses can be designed to access designated current information, such as the latest new product specifications, from any other server worldwide for an on-thefly update whenever the e-Learning course is run. Savings in Travel Cost and Time.

Disadvantages of eLearning

Access

One disadvantage of eLearning is that learners need to have access to a computer as well as the Internet. They also need to have computer skills with programs such as word processing, Internet browsers, and e-mail. Without these skills and software it is not possible for the learner to succeed in eLearning. eLearners need to be very comfortable using a computer. Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials difficult. This may cause the learners to get frustrated and give up.

Software and files

Another disadvantage of e-learning is managing computer files, software comfort ability and learning new software, including eLearning. For learners with beginner-level computer skills it can sometimes seem complex to keep their computer files organized. The lesson points you to download a file which the learner does and later cannot find the file.

High motivation

ELearning also requires time to complete especially those with assignments and interactive collaborations. This means that students have to be highly motivated and responsible because all the work they do is on their own. Learners with low motivation may not complete modules.

Isolation

Another disadvantage of e-learning is that students may feel isolated and unsupported while learning. Instructions are not always available to help the learner so learners need to have discipline to work independently without assistance. eLearners may also become bored with no interaction.