E-Learning

'e-Learning' is learning that takes place in an electronically stimulated environment. E-Learning, Web-based training, internet-based training and computer-based training are the next generation instructional methods being developed today. With e-Learning, users can immerse themselves in a three-dimensional environment to further enhance their learning experience. Moreover, e-Learning can be done anywhere and any time as long as the user has the proper hardware. Today, e-Learning is fast becoming a reality through companies like Trainer soft and others.

E-Learning can include training, the delivery of just-in-time information and guidance from experts. E-Learning can be done using an internet connection, a network, an intranet or a storage disk. It uses a variety of media like audio, text, virtual environments, video and animation to present the learning content and as such the learner could gain rich learning experiences.

Differences between e-Learning and Class-room Learning

1.    In a traditional classroom, the teacher designs the learning material, presents it in a suitable way and answers the learner's question so as to clarify doubts. In e-Learning these three tasks i.e. creation of the learning material, its presentation and support services offered to the learners remain separated with the use of the Internet. In e-Learning the emphasis is mainly on the design of the e-courseware rather than its delivery.

2.    In the traditional classroom learning, learners assemble at a particular time in a place and learn in a particular environment. But e-Learning allow you to learn anywhere, usually at any time as long as you have a properly configured computer. The difference between e-Learning and traditional classroom learning could be compared to that between a cellphone and a pay phone at the bus station. Cell phones allow us to communicate any time and usually anywhere, as long as we have working cell phone. But to use a pay phone at the bus station, the shop should remain open; with the permission of the shop owner we have to use the phone for a fixed time and that too in the noisy environment of the crowded bus station.

3.    As the learning materials are provided in e-Learning through different media like audio, text, video, virtual environment and animation, the learner could gain rich learning experience. Further pleasant learning environment kindles interest for learning and helps to retain longer what is learnt.

Levels of e-Learning

E-Learning falls into four categories, from the very basic to the very advanced. They are:

i. Knowledge Data-base:

          Online databases are a form of e-learning that is used nowadays. You would have probably seen knowledge databases on software sites offering indexed explanations and guidance for software questions, along with step-by-step instructions for performing specific tasks. These are usually moderately interactive, meaning that you can either type in a key word or phrase to search the database, or make a selection from an alphabetical list. Once you get at the data, you could examine it, for any length of time. As the data are presented with videos, animation and virtual environment, they are rich in quality and easy to understand.

ii. Online Support:

On-line support is more interactive form of e-learning as it gives the user an opportunity to interact with real people when he or she is looking for an explanation or answer to a problem. These online support systems can be in the form of chat rooms, forums, e-mail, bulletin boards, instant messaging applications and others that can better help the user resolve his or her question by providing more specific or tailored answers.

iii. Asynchronous Training:

          Asynchronous training is a combination of the two forms of e-Learning mentioned above. With asynchronous training, students learn through internet-based, network-based or storage disk-based modules. Moreover, students can also interact with other students or instructors through e-mail, online discussion groups and online bulletin boards. As with the preceding types of e-learning, asynchronous training is also self-paced and interactive.

iv. Synchronous Training:

          Synchronous training is a real-time method of e-Learning with live interaction between the instructors and the students. It is called such because students have to log in at a specified time and the classes will be held for a specified period of time. Lessons can take the form of single session to several sessions over a few years. Synchronous training is the e-Learning method that is nearest to classroom-style learning as students can raise their electronic hands, view a common blackboard and interact with each other. Synchronized training sessions are usually held in AV conferencing media, websites or internet telephony media.

Benefits of e-Learning

          E-Learning has definite benefits over traditional classroom training. While the most obvious are the flexibility and the cost savings from not having to travel or spend excess time away from work, there are also others that might not be so obvious.

i.                   A web-based e-Learning programme is a lot less expensive to maintain compared to what is required to pay for instructors and training personnel in the classroom style.

ii.                E-Learning lets the user learn the subject at his own pace. One can go through the learning materials following his own preferred sequence.

iii.             One can learn a subject faster (compared to the time required in the traditional classroom approach)

iv.              Learner can work from any location at any time.

v.                 Learning materials can be updated easily and quickly.

vi.              E-Learning leads to increased retention and stronger grasp of the subject as the learning materials presented are rich in quality having animation, video, text, virtual environments and three dimensional pictures.

vii.           Learners, though they remain employed, could still pursue their courses during their leisure time.

viii.        It can be easily managed for large group of students.

ix.              No travel to go to the learning centre; hence savings of time and money.