E-Learning: An Overview

E-learning  or “electronic learning” refers to a wide range of applications and processes designed to deliver instruction through electronic means.  E-Learning is a fusion of education plus technology.  It’s an innovative approach for delivering electronically mediated, well-designed, learner-centered, and interactive learning environment to anyone, anyplace, anytime by utilizing the Internet and digital technologies in performance with instructional design principles.

It is the synergy of information-on-demand, multimedia communication, social collaboration, instruction, discovery and exploration that interactively engages the learner with great learning opportunity.  Further, this provides cost-savings, time-savings, convenience, more personal contact, and more direct experience of the subject matter.  The rapid adoption of e-learning that has occurred in corporate, school and government settings is based on the fact that these new tools powerfully leverage traditional education and training.

Features of e-learning

It is not unlike any other form of education – and it is widely accepted that e-learning can be as rich and as valuable as the classroom experience or even more so. With its unique features, e-learning is an experience that leads to comprehension and mastery of new skills and knowledge, just like its traditional counterpart.

In closer view, the following features are available in 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
• 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

E-learning process

1. Needs Analysis – this is to identify and analyze feasible courses according to target market’s needs.  This includes content analysis, format and presentation of the content and Learning and Management System (LMS) analysis.
2. Course Design and Development – this is to create effective and competitive courses that would cater the needs of the target learners.  The design defines “how to teach” or methodologies to use.  The aim for learners to learn authentically through development of associations between concepts and reflective meta-cognitive processes.
3. Course Delivery, Deployment and Implementation – this is to provide smooth delivery, deployment and implementation of the course.  Deliver, deploy and implement the designed and developed course for  the learners.  Thus, different parts are integrated to form a cohesive workable whole.
4. Logistics and Maintenance – this is to set well-maintained learning materials and technical support made available for learners.  Maintaining the LMS of the course is being done through providing technical support to students and managing user accounts and network security.  Thus, updating and monitoring the e-learning environment and progress of the learners are necessary.
5. Evaluation – this is to efficiently track and measure course results.  Was the course effective and efficient enough for the learners?  Did the learners achieve the instructional goals and objectives at the end of the course?

Learning is an active process of constructing knowledge. It is individual in nature. Various tools are employed to make the process of teaching and learning effective. In keeping with advancement of technology, the tools have undergone modifications in sophistication. From simple chalk and black board, they have come a long way to computers with multimedia and teletechniques.

Photo courtesy of  Braintrack.