You don't have to wonder what elearning actually is. It's an alternative to traditional educational methods that can be less expensive, more fun, and accessible. There are many reasons why e-learning should be your preferred method of training. In this article you will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of this alternative learning system.
E-learning is an old form of education
The traditional education system requires that students attend class at a certain time and place. The teacher expects them to be present during class, and is proactive in monitoring their progress. Online learning gives students the opportunity to obtain the same education at a higher-quality faculty, without having to travel. Distance learning offers flexibility and is more convenient because students don't need to worry about scheduling. They can also get their education at their own time.
Traditional learning is based on interaction between students as well as teachers. This allows them to share their thoughts and receive feedback from one another. The online environment, however, is sterile and impersonal, and students may be hesitant to express their doubts. Teachers are encouraged to encourage students' participation in e-learning.
It's less expensive
In comparison to traditional education, e-learning is cheaper, faster and more flexible. This holds true for both students and educational institutions. E-learning is also a way to learn from anywhere, anytime, and on your own schedule. It allows you to watch lectures, or parts thereof, as many times as necessary. The option to save lectures or videos can be used later.
E-learning is cheaper than traditional education because it does not require the maintenance of large classrooms. They do not have the cost of staffing support staff and only need to create content once. While initial costs for building and developing an e-learning platform may be higher than the ongoing costs, these will soon become affordable. This makes education more affordable for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
It's fun!
Fun is a strong motivator for learning, whether you're teaching online or in a classroom. Fun lowers mental barriers, promotes creativity, and encourages change. Fun also lowers stress, which can have a negative impact on memory. When students are stressed, their brain releases chemicals that can damage the prefrontal cortex as well as the hippocampus. Learning can be fun, which will help increase memory retention.
Participants can select the topics and units that they want to learn about during an eLearning course. Participants can also choose to be guided along the learning path. There are optional online seminars available that promote discussion and solutions. These events have a more casual tone which makes it easier to engage. Participants are more likely than others to return to a program when they feel they are part of a supportive community.
It's also more accessible
E-learning has made it easier for people to learn online. E-learning software is now more flexible and can deliver Virtual Reality experiences. These features make online learning more accessible for people with different disabilities. Online courses are a great alternative for blind people who may not be able to go to a classroom every day.
Some people might not be able face-toface, but e-learning has many benefits. One is the reduction of fear of failing and judgement. E-learning also gives you access to resources that may not be accessible in an offline environment. Online courses make it easier for disabled learners to travel. E-learning is more flexible for learners with learning disabilities, and requires less course modifications than face to face learning.
FAQ
Is an Internet connection needed in eLearning?
It depends on your purpose. An internet connection is not required if the course is an online one. You will however need internet access if interactive features such quizzes or other types of learning are to be used.
Why do many prefer taking eLearning courses?
It is easy to see why. They are flexible. There is no need to go to classes at a specific time or place. Online learning is also possible. Online courses offer the opportunity to learn from anywhere, without distractions. They are also economical.
What are the systems used for e-learning?
E-learning can be described as an online learning platform where students can learn via a computer monitor. Interactive activities like quizzes, tests and discussions are possible.
E-learning also offers web-based programs that enable users to access information from the internet through a computer. This program is often called "online education".
What equipment do you need for eLearning learning?
It is essential that you set everything up correctly before you start an online class. You'll probably want to use Adobe Captivate as well as a webcam and microphone.
You should also ensure you have all the necessary software installed on your computer. This includes Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat Reader, Flash Player, Java Runtime Environment, QuickTime 7, and Shockwave Flash 10.0.
A screen capture program like Camtasia Studio by TechSmith may be something you might want to try. This program allows you record what is going on in your computer's screen while you are working.
The final step is to download a web conference tool like WebEx, or GoToMeeting. These programs enable you to connect with others who are simultaneously watching the same presentation. You can also share your desktop with others.
What is the purpose of eLearning?
Learners can access e-learning anytime and anywhere. They can learn from anywhere and at any time.
E-Learning allows the learner to communicate with other learners who share similar interests. This interaction improves communication skills as well as knowledge sharing.
Technology makes it easier to exchange information between the student and teacher. The technology used should be robust enough to support the delivery of high-quality content.
E-learning can reduce travel costs and help to lower the cost of training.
It saves time, money, and allows the learner/student to complete their coursework while working/traveling.
How much multimedia should an eLearning class contain?
This depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you are looking for a quick way to deliver information, then less is probably better. But if your goal is to provide training that will teach people how to do something then less may be more.
The important thing to remember is that you must be clear about what you expect from your eLearning program. Also, you need to know what your learners expect from the course. This will help you ensure you have sufficient content to meet your goals.
Take, for example:
It's best to give people lots of examples to learn about Microsoft Word. However, you should show people many types of Excel spreadsheets if you want them to learn how to use it.
Also, consider whether or not you will use images or video to illustrate your concepts.
Video is great for demonstrating how to do something but not for explaining complicated topics. It can also be expensive to produce. Although images are less expensive to produce than videos, they convey the same emotion as video.
The bottom line is to think carefully about the end result before designing your eLearning courses.
How do you choose the right eLearning platform to use for your business?
There are thousands of eLearning platforms available today. Some are free while others are more costly.
Ask yourself some questions when choosing between these options.
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Do I want to create my own learning materials? You have many options to create your eLearning courses using free tools. These include Adobe Captivate. Articulate Storyline. Lectora. iSpring Suite. And Camtasia.
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Do I want to purchase ready-made eLearning courses? Many companies offer pre-packaged courses. These courses cost between $20 and $100. Mindjet (Edusoft), and Thinkful are three of the most highly-respected.
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Or do I prefer a combination? Many people find that using a combination of company materials and their own material produces the best results.
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Which option is right? It depends on your situation. If you are new at eLearning you may prefer to create your own material. However, once you have gained experience, you may want to consider purchasing a pre-designed course.
Statistics
- The UK sample was relatively balanced in terms of gender (56% male) compared to the Gambian group (77% male). (sciencedirect.com)
- In the 2017 ATD research report Next-Generation E-Learning, 89% of those surveyed said that changes in e-learning require their staff to update or add new skills. (td.org)
- However, e-learning courses that are engaging, well-designed, and interesting are likely to be perceived as useful by e-learners (Roca & Gagné, 2008). (sciencedirect.com)
- According to ATD's 2021 State of the Industry report, technology-based learning methods, including e-learning, accounted for 80 percent of learning hours used in 2020. (td.org)
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How To
What has happened to e-learning since its initial introduction?
The first e-learning courses were developed in the 1980s. They were developed to teach adults new computer skills. Since then, elearning has become more sophisticated. Today, there are many different types of e-learning available. Here are some examples:
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Computer-Based Training (CBT - CBT is often short and uses computers to provide information.
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On-Demand Training (ODT) - ODT is similar to CBT, but the course is only delivered when needed.
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Self Study – Self-study can be described as an e-learning option that allows individuals to learn on their own and without any guidance.
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Web-Based Training - WBT (Web-Based Training) is an eLearning option that allows students to do their learning online. Although the tutor can't see what students do, they can track their progress through this system.
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Video Lectures - A video lecture is a recorded presentation that can be viewed on screen or television.
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Online Tutorials-These tutorials provide step-by, detailed instructions on how certain tasks can be performed.
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Interactive Whiteboard - An interactive whiteboard is like a normal whiteboard except that it has touch-sensitive areas which allow users to interact directly with the image displayed on the board.
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Simulations - Simulators are computer-based games that encourage role-playing. Students can play out scenarios that could occur during their workday.
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Games - Computer-based games that help you solve problems.
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Collaborative Learning - Collaborative learning is a form of e-learning that encourages groups of students to work together.
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Problem Solving - Problem-solving is a type of e-learning that aims to develop critical thinking skills.
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Virtual Environments- A virtual world is a 3D model of real-world objects. In this example, it would be the 3D model a building.
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Social Networking - Social networking is a way of communicating with others via the internet.
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Mobile Learning - Mobile learning is a type of eLearning that takes place while traveling.