E LEARNING

ELLIOTT MASIE coined the term e learning in 1999 to describe online learning. Online learning is a form of distance learning; teacher and learner are physically separated and learning takes place via internet.

E learning is also called Online learning/education, Technology-based, Computer-based or Web-based learning/training, Virtual learning, Distributed learning etc.

 In E-learning, the instructional content and Learning experience are provided by electronic technology. It is logically arranged, organised and follows interactive approach.

E learning make use of audio, video, computer and network technologies.

E learning helps to

l Earn professional degree without physically attending

l Enhance student access to different university programmes

l Acquire technical skills

l Achieve professional growth

Types of e-learning

There are two types of e learning : synchronous and asynchronous

1. Synchronous e learning: 

Examples:

live webinars, instant messaging, video conferencing, virtual classrooms.

Characteristics:

Real time e learning.

Teacher and student log on at the pre-fixed  time,  

Communication between participants(teacher-student and student-student) is virtual and direct.

 

2. Asynchronous e learning:

Examples

Email, blogs, pre-recorded video lessons, online discussion boards

Characteristics:

Availability - available at all times, anywhere.

Courseware is served from a web server.

Sender and receiver need not synchronise to send or receive the content.

Provides stress free learning environment.

Comparison - Synchronous and Asynchronous e-learning

SYNCHRONOUS	ASYNCHRONOUS
It occurs in real time.	Does not occur in real time.
Cannot be  reproduced or reused	Can be reused.
Involves face to face interaction.	No face to face interaction.
Involves social interaction between teacher-student and student-student .	Less social interaction , students feel isolated and lonely.
Immediate feedback	Delayed feedback
Benefit to all student	Benefit to students who cannot attend real time , suitable for working category.
Suitable for students with good communication skills	Develop creative writing skills
Involves direct real time communication	No direct, real time communication
Self-motivation is required	Requires high self -motivation
Students doubts can be cleared immediately	Doubts are not cleared immediately
Usually used in classroom teaching	Usually used in distance education
Uses teleconferencing(audio /video chat), instant messaging, voice /video call, live telecasting	Uses emails, blogs, social network, etc.

Advantages of e learning

§ Accessibility - anytime, anywhere, provided there is computer and internet connection.

§ Self- paced – proceed at one’s own speed, can skip activities already studied.

§ Course materials and content- easy distribution and updation

§ Resources – easily available, accessible, manageable, reusable.

§ Feedback- immediate  

§ Saves time, energy and money

§ Retention – better, compared to traditional methods.

§ Instructions - real time

§ Activities – discussion forums, online assignments, teleconferencing, e-mails, blogs etc

§ Interaction among instructors& students- through chat rooms; more effective than in large lecture

§ Diverse and enriching experience

§ Earn a degree without physically attending the class.

Disadvantages of e learning

v Requires computer skills, technology infrastructure, internet connection, high-cost gadgets.

v Increased cost, especially initial investment.

v Students feel lonely, isolated and confused about learning activities.

v Non- availability of the instructor.

v Lack of student’s self-motivation and face to face interaction