Elearning The Next Level Of Learning

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Abstract

E-learning (electronic learning) is the delivery of learning content and materials (text, images, animation, audio video) in digital form via a variety of technologies (internet, intranet, CD, DVD, and USB). E-learning ensures the various benefits to various parts of society. E-learning is reliable, dependable and accessible around the clock via an internet connection. E-learning programs help companies push new skills and critical improvement to line level staff members quickly & efficiently without the lag time of classroom. It connects students in rural communication to urban experts, and vice-versa and can be done at a time, place and pace that suits to an individual. A learner can do self assessment during and at the end of e-learning course. E-learning training courses are extremely cost efficient (save indirect costs- travel, accommodation) because there is a reduction in training time known as learning compression. Rosenberg (2001), argues e-learning ‘can take anywhere from 25 to 60 percent less time to convey the same amount of instruction or information as in a classroom’. E-learning is now an integral method for delivering knowledge to pupils and students in school & colleges.

INTRODUCTION

E-learning services have evolved since computers were first used in education. There is a trend to move towards blended learning services, where computer-based activities are integrated with practical or classroom-based situations. Learning is a social activity, and e-learning means that powerful and enduring learning experiences can be achieved, not just through content, but through the use of online communities and networks.  Here learners are encouraged to communicate, collaborate and share knowledge.  In this way, e-Learning can support "learning through reflection and discussion". E-learning is a new education concept by using the Internet technology, it deliveries the digital content, provides a learner-orient environment for the teachers and students. The e-learning promotes the construction of life-long learning opinions and learning society.  E-learning is an approach that facilitates and enhances learning through both computer and communications technology. Such devices can include personal computers, CD-ROMS, Digital Television, Personal digital assistants and mobile phones.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Assistant Professor, Faculty of Management Studies, Shri Ram College of Management, Muzaffarnagar (U.P.), [email protected], +91-8881322691.

E-learning may also be used to support distance learning through the use of Wide area networks( or WANs),and may also be considered to be a form of flexible learning where just-in-time learning is possible. Where learning occurs exclusively online, this is called online education. When learning is distributed to mobile devices such as cell phones or PDAs, it is called m-learning. E-Learning makes learning exciting, engaging and compelling.  This paper is touching most of the prominent issues in the field of eLearning.

WHAT IS E-LEARNING?

E-learning (also spelled e-Learning) is broadly defined as education or training that is created or delivered using a computer or other online learning technologies. E-learning is often delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS) or online learning portal and enables large numbers of people to receive targeted instruction at their convenience. We all learn in different ways - reading, watching, exploring, researching, interacting, doing, communicating, collaborating, discussing, sharing knowledge and experiences. The term e-learning brings together different fields as highlighted in the following definition: "E-learning is the unifying term to describe the fields of online learning, web-based training, and technology-delivered instruction". To derive a foundational definition of e-learning, a set of logical statements can be advanced:

E-learning encompasses any form of learning transacted by way of digital technologies.

E-learning delivery systems are subject to the dynamics of socio technological evolution.

E-learning may be synchronous or asynchronous, self-paced, a process or a single event, online or offline, or any combination of these modes. Taking these statements into account, we advance a broad definition of e-learning for the purpose of ongoing research:

Electronic learning can be defined as a learning experience involving the acquisition or transfer of knowledge delivered or transacted through electronic means. Figure.1 below presents the various features of e-learning.

Electronically delivered

Blended

E-learning

Web-based

Digital

Stand-alone

Interactive

Fig. 1: Features of E-learning

E-learning technologies

At present, e-learning technologies encompass three main areas of activity:

• Content creation and management: the sourcing, creation, storage and management of e-learning content — functions typically addressed by a learning content management system (LCMS);

• Learning activity: the delivery of e-learning content, facilitating interaction and learning assessment — functions typically performed by instructors or trainers.

• Learning management: the capture and application of information about learning resources, existing skills and learning activities to measure and manage learning outcomes at the organizational level — functions typically addressed by a learning management system (LMS).

E-LEARNING: THE NEXT LEVEL OF LEARNING

Beginning as a revolution, the internet has now become a part and parcel of the 21st century world. Everything and everyone is getting online. And those who are not doing so are missing out on the immense power of this modern age wonder. Can the field of education be any far behind? Indeed not, as is evident from the advent of E-learning! E-learning is a term that is used to refer to computer-based learning. It uses computer based training and teaching materials, online conferencing, discussion boards, e-mail, computer-aided assessment, and other related methods. The most attractive feature of e-learning is that it is student-centered. It accommodates individual preferences and needs. At the same time, it empowers students of various backgrounds to have equal access to the best resources and referral material, lecture sessions, tutoring and experienced teachers.

Education ERPs

Components of

E-learning Learning Management System

Online Testing Systems

Simulators

Learning Content Management Systems

Learning in Administrative system

Fig. 2: Components of E-learning

The services and format of e-learning allow for the following listed benefits, to name only a few:-

The e–learning format allows students to speed up and slow down as they deem necessary. Students can choose the subjects according to their interest level. There is more flexibility in terms of time limit or age barrier. There are an immense lot of opportunities and a host of variety to choose from. In other words, the online environment allows for a learning environ where there is a better focus on study due to the effect of saved efforts, time and lesser hassles. E-learning opens up a new world of studying comfortably and with better results.

E-LEARNING: IMPORTANCE

E-Learning empowers learners to manage their own learning and in the most appropriate way for each learner.  E-Learning means that you no longer need to spend long periods travelling to a location to attend a course; you can now have access to learning when you want it, at the time you want it - day or night, wherever you want it - at home, at work, in your local library.  In other words, there are now no longer any geographical constraints to learning; e-learning brings learning to people, not people to learning.  So, for example, if you´d like to attend a lecture at Imperial College in London, you don´t have to go there, you can watch it live on the Internet, or if you can´t make the time, watch a recording. E-Learning means that learning no longer needs to be a passive experience, with the learners all sitting in front of the teacher and "learning by telling", e-learning makes learning an active experience.  The emphasis is on interactivity or "learning by doing". 

E-Learning has helped organisations with their bottom line.  Many organisations have reported improved time to competency and faster time to market, and a reduction in learning times has meant savings on salaries and opportunity costs, and increased customer and staff satisfaction has led to higher customer and staff retention rates.  For organisations, e-learning is playing a major part in helping keeping them agile and competitive in their market. These are just some of the reasons why e-learning is becoming so important. But are there any downsides to e-learning?  Well, you have to have the appropriate technical infrastructure in place, learners also need to be fairly proficient with computers and the Internet too, to benefit from online learning opportunities, and within organisations, the corporate culture can determine whether e-learning (and m-learning) works or not.

E-LEARNING: SOCIAL BENEFITS

E-learning offers significant economic and social advantages over traditional classroom training. E-learning imparts various benefits to the different parts of the society i.e.,

Academic Institutions

Government

Corporate sector

Community

General consumer sector

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 are listed below:

Cost and Time reduction

There is a strong argument that e-learning is more cost-effective because there is a reduction in training time known as learning compression. This is because the single largest cost of training in organizations is the cost of staff attending the training course, rather than the direct delivery costs in terms of trainers, course materials, travel and accommodation. The time taken to learn the information is significantly reduced because of the nature of e-learning and auditory reinforcement, and individualized feedback mechanisms. It reduces travel time and travel costs for off-campus students. Rosenberg (2001), argues e-learning ‘can take anywhere from 25 to 60 percent less time to convey the same amount of instruction or information as in a classroom.’

Anywhere, Anywhere, Any Place

E-Learning’s key benefit is its capacity to overcome the digital divide and extend digital literacy to ordinary citizens, overcoming geographical, time and social barriers. This meant connecting effectively with isolated communities in rural, remote or mountainous regions or to key groups that currently suffer from exclusion, particularly disabled people. E-learning can be delivered on-demand, when and where it is needed, both on-site and off-site by using CD-ROM or internet technologies. Companies retain valuable employees longer, because they can be trained on the job.

Flexible Access

E-learning accommodates individual styles of working and learning, and allows learners to access and review the lessons they need at times convenient to them. This self-directed approach puts people in control of their learning. This equality of access by all involved in the training is one of the important and appealing aspects of e-learning. "E-learning gives the students a flexible way of learning. It enables studying independently, at any time, at any place."

Driving the digital literacy/key skills agenda

The use of "e-learning methods", whether in the classroom or in distance courses, implicitly required students to increase key skills as well as ICT proficiency. E-learning is seen as a key method for promoting digital and traditional literacy amongst the general population, providing the necessary tools to participate in the "knowledge society". E-learning-based courses provide a comfortable environment for citizens who were technology shy, learning to engage properly with ICT for the first time.

Reinforcement

Research indicates that 20% of information is retained after six weeks in a traditional classroom setting, but up to 70% is retained, because e-learning approaches allow learners to ‘see, hear and do’. E-learning can result in a deeper understanding and positive attitude towards the subject area.

Motivating teaching/learning environments

Interactive lessons are advantageous for skill building because the computer has the ability to provide immediate feedback to the learner’s questions or responses, and take the learner through the steps to find the right answer. Media elements, such as video, animation and sound, get the learners involved more quickly and keep them motivated to continue. Apart from it, e-learning has opened up new sources of attractive, dynamic material which could be mixed and matched, downloaded, individually designed or re-purposed and presented in motivating presentations, whether for distance students or within the classroom. This includes stimulating graphic material, video and other interactive material. The technology enables teachers to provide more personalized student support and systematic monitoring. "Interactive elements such as animation and video can present things in different ways and can be repeated as many times as the student requires."

Community Building

Virtual learning communities can share vast knowledge and experiences that exist within their company or a field, as well as motivate each other. Within an organization, an e-learning program can be used to reinforce the culture and values of that organization.

Monitoring of the learning process

Most e-learning allows instant and easy monitoring of the progress of learners, particularly when it is combined with a learning management system. Such monitoring may be critical for areas where there may be legal implications, such as induction training and occupational health and safety training.

Promoting Global Opportunities and Interactivity

The global learning community is at your fingertips with online learning. The technologies used give online instructional designers the ability to build in tools that take you to resources you may never see in a traditional classroom. Whether through distance learning or in the classroom, regions highlighted the potential for increased communication between the teacher and the student, as well as student-to-student communication. Teachers could more easily monitor and support individual students’ work, whilst connectivity between students was being dynamically used to promote team work, joint projects and student information exchange.

Increased Payback

E-learning is an investment that increases its payback during its lifetime, as its primary costs are incurred during development. Delivery and maintenance costs are relatively low. Therefore, unlike instructor-led learning or paper-based communication, the per user costs for e-learning decrease.

Greater Collaboration- Technology tools make collaboration among students much easier. Since many projects involve collaborative learning, the online environment is far easier (and often more comfortable) to work in since learners don't have to be face-to-face.

Higher Retention

It can lead to increased retention and a stronger grasp on the subject. This is because of the many elements that are combined in e-learning to reinforce the message, such as video, audio, quizzes, interaction, etc. There is also the ability to revisit or replay sections of the training that might not have been clear the first time around. Online learning will draw you to topics you like and enjoy. Studies show that because of this and the variety of delivery methods used to reach different types of learners, retention is frequently better than in a traditional classroom.

Consistency- Effective instruction depends upon a clear, consistent message delivered to learners when they are receptive to learning. E-learning ensures that all learners receive a consistent message. By using audio, visuals, interactivity, and simulation, eLearning can accommodate the various learning styles to communicate the message more effectively.

Success

According to a recent report by Bersin & Associates, companies who employ training and development best practices through e-Learning significantly outperform their peers:

 • Revenue generation per employee in these organizations is 26 percent higher.

 • Turnover rates are 40 percent lower; and,

 • These companies are 24 percent less likely to have had layoffs during the last recession.

Easily and Quickly Updating

Online e-learning sessions are especially easy to keep up-to-date because the updated materials are simply uploaded to a server. CD-ROM-based programs may be slightly more expensive to update and distribute, but still come out cheaper than reprinting manuals and retraining instructors.

E-learning: is it environmentally better?

E-learning can also save trees by saving paper. Many e-learning courses are entirely self-contained, presenting all learning content online, or providing alternatives to paper-based forms of communication through such tools as email, PDF manuals, synchronous classrooms, and other web-based tools. Online learning is an effective way for organizations to reduce their carbon footprint. A study by the Open University, "Towards Sustainable Higher Education: Environmental Impacts of Campus-Based and Distance Higher Education Systems," found that on average, the production and provision of distance learning courses consumed nearly 90 percent less energy and produced 85 percent fewer CO2 emissions per student than conventional campus-based university courses. The main savings were due to a reduction in the amount of student travel, economies of scale in the use of the campus site, and the elimination of much of the energy consumption of students’ housing. In other words, studying from home and using a home computer was far more energy efficient.

E-LEARNING: FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

The past decade has been a time of rapid change as E-learning has replaced traditional learning methods. The future of E-learning is very bright, indeed. This concept has been expanding at a very rapid rate as more and more uses for the computer in education have been discovered and attempted. It can be expected that we have not peaked out and the future is going to bring innovations that can hardly be anticipated. On the traditional college campus, there is a trend toward the development of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE concept integrates the full range of electronic enhancements into the classroom setting. Under the VLE idea, the instructor is not replaced by the computer but rather uses the computer to reach more students and to reach them more effectively. With job descriptions and daily tasks evolving faster than schools can produce qualified job candidates, many employers rely on constant, on-the-job training to remain competitive.

Human beings love to learn through experience. Many e-learning providers have discovered that they can use video game technology to develop fun, engaging, effective simulations. Industrial employers can train workers to handle sophisticated tasks without risking injury or production quality. In addition to the obvious business uses for e-learning, governments around the world have discovered that e-learning programs can dramatically improve the quality of life for citizens while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. Local schools in underserved rural areas or dangerous urban neighborhoods can rely on e-learning to offset the lack of skilled teachers in their districts. State university systems can keep talented students from crossing borders by importing highly specialized programs from other schools. Governments in developing countries have invested heavily in e-learning programs to build eager, talented, work forces.

Figure. 3, below shows the % usage of various training delivery method in which self-paced online method gains the highest percentage.

http://www.leadingswmaniacs.com/images/elearning_surveys/elearning_survey_2012_q1.png

Fig.3: E-learning survey by leading software

E-learning makes extensive use of images, animations, audio and video, and not just text, as an aid to learning. Audio-visual mediums reaching out to the learners are, in fact, a key feature and the subject of focus in e-learning development.

Following this trend, the future of e-learning could be developments like Personal Learning Environment, based on the approach in educational psychology that learning is an ongoing process. The concern of future e-learning experts thus is to provide tools to support this ongoing process of learning. In one line, the future of e-learning is social learning. As the learners want more and more control over the learning process, interactive media caters to that demand. Such media provides the learner the advantage of interactive games, scores and instant feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

E-learning is learning through the use of technologies. It is growing at a rapid pace. Today more organizations are taking up e-learning. While e-learning technology has matured considerably since its inception, there are still many problems that practitioners had when come to implementing e-learning. One of the main problems is the complexity of integrating these systems with content and with other business systems. If e-learning is to be successful, it is important that we must provide greater access to education and support educational programs that reflect broader strategic business goals. It is our belief that the e-learning industry should learn key lessons from e-business. In order to increase student’s learning motivation and to develop practical skills, problem based learning is considered to be one of the most appropriate solution. The art of designing good E-learning systems is difficult and is of great challenge for the human mind. The way this is done is also dependent on the learning culture in each country. The key issue is to facilitate new learning modalities for younger generations. Future Investigating methods in an E-learning system are to support students with special needs such as super intelligent, retarded, etc. In other words, the online environment allows for a learning environ where there is a better focus on study due to the effect of saved efforts, time and lesser hassles. E-learning opens up a new world of studying comfortably and with better results.

REFERNCES

www.worldwidelearn.com, "Features of e-learning"

Amit Agarwal, "Future of e-learning 2012 and beyond", Triumph India Blog

Natalie Aranda, "Future trends of e-learning",

Oyedavid, Mazleena and Noorminshan Iahad, "The Impact of e-learning in workplace : Focus on organizations and health care environment"

Positive Impact of e-learning-2012 update, intel

Mukta goyal, Divakar Yadav, Alka choubey, "E-learning: Current State of Art and Future Prospects", IJCSI International Journal of Computer Science, Vol.9, Issue3, No 2, May 2012

Bryn Holmes, John Gardner, "E-learning: Concepts and Practice"

Robin Mason, Frank Rennie, "E-learning: The Key Concepts

www.wikipedia.com, E-learning concept