E-Learning
What is e-learning?
E-learning (also called electronic learning) is any type of learning that
takes place through or with a computer. E-learning is primarily facilitated
through the Internet but can also be accomplished with CD-ROMs and DVDs,
streaming audio or video and other media. The purpose of e-learning is to allow people to learn
for personal accomplishment or to earn a professional degree, without
physically attending a traditional university or academic setting. E-learning
can be applied for all levels of schooling from grade school to graduate
degrees, and is versatile enough to accommodate all learning styles.
There is a plethora of different
e-learning systems (otherwise known as Learning Management Systems, or LMSs for
short). LSM is a global term for a computer system specifically developed for managing
online courses, distributing course materials and allowing collaboration
between students and teachers. A LMS will allow you to manage every aspect of a
course, from the registration of students to the storing of test results, as well
as allowing you to accept assignments digitally and keep in touch with your
students. LMSs are built on various platforms, commonly PHP, .Net or Java and
they will hook up to a database such as PostgreSQL, MySQL or SQL Server. There
are many LMSs out there, both commercial and open source.
Technologies used in e-learning
E-learning makes use of many technologies. Communication
technologies are also widely used in e-learning. Starting with the use of email
and instant messaging, message forums and social networks, we see a plethora of
tools that any internet user would use in any case. There are also some
technologies that work in a complementary manner to other software and enable
new features, for example software that adds a whiteboard on your video conferencing
tool to allow you or your peers to make changes on other people’s work for
review, or screen-sharing which allows someone to make a presentation while
still making comments and giving input using the microphone.
The benefits of online learning
1.
No
Boundaries, No Restrictions
2.
More Flexible
3. Mobile
4. No Travel
5. Technological
Possibilities
6. Global
7.
More
Fun
8.
Cost
Effective
9.
It
Just Fits!
The drawbacks of online learning
1.
Isolation
2.
Health
Related Concerns
3.
Lack of Control
4.
Learning Approach
5.
Technology Issues
6.
Computer Competency
How to make e-learning effective
An effective course takes a good deal of time, hard
work, and a commitment to high quality content. Here are some tips that can
help you create a highly effective e-learning course regardless of the material
or curriculum:
1.
Know your subject material
well!
2.
Online courses provided should
appeal to all learning styles
3.
Facilitate Contact
4.
Platform should be easy to
navigate and fully functional
5.
Course documents should be
available to every student enrolled
6. Set
and communicate clear goals
E-learning tools and applications
MuchEnough is an online marketplace and meeting
place for online instruction in any topic.
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Sympoz offers a truly great educational experience online. Courses cover a wide range of topics including: Wine, Cooking, Personal Finance, Parenting.
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CapAlly has
created a way for individuals, corporations, and educational institutions to
invest in a student's future through a peer-to-peer micro-finance investment
opportunity.
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GradeGuru
is a free knowledge sharing network where college students can share their
study materials, engage in collaborative learning and get peer-feedback while
building their online academic profiles for internships and career
opportunities.
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Automatically
make your own free slide show in seconds. Upload photos, pick music, add
captions in the show, and more.
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Your
plans are available anywhere and are simple to create. Attach files, Common
Core Standards, print, export to Word or PDF, share with colleagues.
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Create, Store, and Print worksheets, studysheets, exams and quizzes online.
Designed specifically for teachers, instructors, and homeschoolers.
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CarrotSticks is an online multiplayer game that improves math skills for 1st -
5th graders as they
practice and compete with peers around the world.
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