E-LEARNING

What is e- learning?

Understanding e-learning is simple. e-learning is learning utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom.  In most cases, it refers to a course, program or degree delivered completely online.

There are many terms used to describe learning that is delivered online, via the internet, ranging from Distance Education, to computerized electronic learning, online learning, internet learning and many others. We define e-learning as courses that are specifically delivered via the internet to somewhere other than the classroom where the professor is teaching. It is not a course delivered via a DVD or CD-ROM, video tape or over a television channel. It is interactive in that you can also communicate with your teachers, professors or other students in your class. Sometimes it is delivered live, where you can “electronically” raise your hand and interact in real time and sometimes it is a lecture that has been prerecorded.

Benefits of e-learning

Your schedule, your pace, your place. If you can maintain the necessary self-discipline, the benefits of e-learning are almost too numerous to count. You can cover the material when you have time, go over it as often as you need, all without traveling to the classroom. There are no parking problems or expenses, transportation fees, athletic fees, housing and food service fees, plus you can take the class from any location with internet access. There have been many studies showing that e-learning students retain the material to a significantly greater degree than face-to-face instructor led classes. The content delivery is consistent and can be easily repeated if needed to gain a better understanding.

Methods of e-learning

E-Learning resources within the e-learningNC.gov site are related to online, delivery and interaction over the Internet, using classroom management systems (CMS) such as Blackboard, Moodle, Vista or Angle. Using a CMS (and a web browser), students can log in from anywhere in the world to access their class materials and interact with one another. Each institution uses a specific system, but they are all similar in their ability to present course material including class syllabus, assignments, quizzes, and provide video and audio plus a whiteboard screen where the lesson is presented just like it would be on a classroom’s video screen or blackboard. You can interact with instructors, access course materials and stimulate debate among your fellow students when it fits your schedule. In most courses, you must keep up with the scheduled course work. Courses are instructor led and in most instances, follow the same semester schedule as traditional courses. All specific course information such as how to reach the instructor, what work is expected, and deadlines to turn in assignments and take tests will be found within your course site.

In general e- learning is about education in which students receive instruction over the Internet, from a video, etc., instead of going to school. And this enhance the interactions among the students all over the world and as a result new ideas and innovation emerged in the society.

   By Segesela Blandina

      BAPRM 42663