A brief introduction to e-learning
Over the past few years, the advancement of the Internet and the Web has encouraged its adoption as a learning infrastructure. The terms online learning and Web-based learning refer to electronic means of distributing and engaging with learning, typically via the Internet and related media services [Jolliffe et al., 2001; Stephenson, 2001]. This infrastructure facilitates access to and delivery of coordinated collections of learning materials, also enabling different kinds of interactions between learners and teachers.
More recently the term e-learning has emerged as a synonym of technology-based learning. It covers a wide set of applications and processes, such as computer-based learning, Web-based learning and digital collaboration, as well as a variety of electronic media such as the Internet, intranets, extranets, satellite broadcast, audio/video tape, and interactive TV to support teaching and learning.
Task
1 à
Compare and contrast different definitions of e-learning
As you have probably realised, e-learning is a general term covering many different approaches that have in common the use of information and communication technologies for teaching and learning. Terms and concepts are very new and often different language and jargon is used to describe similar approaches. Some common terms which you may encounter are:
· E-learning
· Web-based learning
· Online learning
· Distance learning
Task
2 à
What are the differences between these terms?
A number of issues have promoted a wider adoption of e-learning. For example, current students have grown up using technology; it is an integral part of their lives and therefore they expect to use it in university. University lecturers are more familiar with technology too. They have adopted it in their research and in their personal lives. Tools such as course management systems are facilitating the use of technology in instruction. There is also the fact that tools have matured significantly. Rather than a faculty member needing to write code, the instructor can search learning object repositories and download materials. Other tools enable the editing of video and audio and the development of digital collections (Oblinger & Hawkins, 2005).
Furthermore, e-learning is seen as a way to increase flexibility in and improve access to postsecondary education. It can also help increase the quality of education: a growing number of programs utilize online laboratories, simulations, and visualizations to help students gain experience and improve their understanding of complex subjects. In other cases, technology is used to enhance interaction in traditional lecture classes.
It has been suggested (JISC, 2004) that benefits of e-learning can be grouped into six key dimensions:
· Connectivity
· Flexibility
· Interactivity
· Collaboration
· Extended opportunities
· Motivation
Task
3 à
Potential benefits of e-learning
Apart from the benefits of e-learning (some of which we have discussed in the previous section), it also poses many challenges to those who are new to this style of learning. Being aware of them can help you prepare for the differences:
· Communicating online is "different"
· Studying online is "different"
· Technological challenges
E-learning uses both synchronous and asynchronous communication (University of South Australia, 2004)
Synchronous communication denotes communicating at the same time (for example, talking over the phone). In terms of e-learning, synchronous communication means using for example:
· Instant messaging
· Chat
· Video conferencing
Asynchronous communication indicates a lapse in time between the communication and a response (for example, responding to a voice message). Means of asynchronous communication in e-learning include:
· Discussion forums
Task
4 à
Communicating online
E-learning is different for students because you are expected to be self-directed, which means that you are expected to manage your studies by yourself while also contributing when collaborative learning takes place.
At University you will be able to find the equipment and software required to support you with your e-learning studies. However, if you are accessing your e-learning resources using your own computer you will be dealing with software and configuration issues -but the IT desk is always willing to help!
Some of the things which can frustrate e-learners include:
· Internet connection not available
· Problems logging on to chat
· Lack of confidence with technology
· Problems with the server
E-Learning can cover a spectrum of activities from supporting learning, to blended learning (the combination of traditional and e-learning practices), to learning that is delivered entirely online. Whatever the technology, however, learning is the vital element.
In terms of learning skills, there are things in common and distinct differences between traditional and e-learning including aspects such as:
· Independent learning
· Time management
· Planning
· Searching skills
· Assessing quality of resources
· Communicating
· Reading and writing
· Self-assessment
· Collaborating for learning
· Problem solving
Task 5 à Comparing learning skills à and Task 6 à What makes a successful e-learner?
Clarke, A. (2004). E-Leaning Skills. Hampshire: Palgrave.
JISC (2004). Effective Practice with e-Learning [online]. Available from: http://www.elearning.ac.uk/effprac/index.htm [Last accessed 22-Sep-2009]
Jolliffe, A., Ritter, J. and Stevens, D. (2001). The Online Learning Handbook. London: Kogan Page.
Oblinger, D. G. and Hawkins, B. L. (2005). The Myth about E-Learning: We Don’t Need to Worry about E-Learning Anymore. EDUCAUSE Review, Vol. 40(4), pp. 14–15.
Stephenson, J. (2001) Teaching and Learning Online. London: Kogan Page
Tsai, S. and Machado, P. (2002). E-Learning Basics: Essay: E-learning, online learning, web-based learning, or distance learning: unveiling the ambiguity in current terminology. eLearn Vol. 7 (3). DOI= http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/566778.568597
University of South Australia (2004). Online learning [online]. Available from http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learn/LearnOnline/?PATH=/Resources/Workshop-ready4online/Learning+Online/&default=Welcome.htm [Last accessed 22-Sep-2009]