The Ever-Changing Face of Elearning

Jun 24
09:04

2009

Caitlina Fuller

Caitlina Fuller

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In e-learning, computer technology, such as web-based technology is the medium of instruction.

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In elearning,The Ever-Changing Face of Elearning Articles computer technology is the medium of instruction. Here, no face – to face interaction takes place between an instructor and a learner. This term covers all the instructional material which is delivered through CD-ROM, DVD, internet or Local Area Network (LAN).

Computer based training (CBT) is when instruction material is delivered through CD-ROM and DVD. Since, all PCs come with CD-ROMs; it is a flexible option for companies and individuals. The other type of training is Web based Training (WBT) where the content is delivered over internet through   web browser. This is also called online training.

In companies, the LAN is used extensively to deliver courses to their employees, which they can read whenever they have time. while traditional classes require the instructor and the student to be present at a specific location for learning to take place, online training takes place anytime anywhere and thus it reduces the travel and time cost. 

More and more universities and colleges are offering elearning courses in a range of topics. Elearning is a form of distance learning and is thus flexible. Development of internet has been the biggest facilitator of elearning’s growth. Now a days’ a term, blended learning is used, which uses all different teaching formats. As a result, in blended learning, face-to face teaching can take place in combination with online training.  

In web based training, the courses are designed such that students or learners gain knowledge or perform specific tasks. The content can be information based or performance based. There could be an online training to learn a specific skill which increases the proficiency of the student in that particular skill.

With the emergence of Web 2.0, elearning has undergone some changes. It places more emphasis on social learning and uses blogs, wikis and podcasts. While earlier, it was instructor led experience, elearning 2.0 lays stress on collaborative learning.  Online training involves interactive methods like bulletin boards, instant messaging, chats, and video conferencing which allows for more effective learning. It is a self paced learning medium where the learner can spend as much time on a particular topic until he is conversant with it. The learners can pause and rewind the videos in case they have not understood something. Thus, learners have the advantage of studying at their own pace and not rush through the course, as it sometimes happen in class rooms.

 It also gives the flexibility to revisit the content any time during the day, for any number of times. However, there are some courses which have regular, periodic assessments planned to evaluate the learner.