E-learning

From Isopedia

1 What is e-learning?
2 Technical Information
3 Historical Information
4 E-Learning Today
5 E-Learning in the Future
6 Sources
7 Team Members

What is e-learning?

E-learning, also known as “distance learning”, converges technology and education by delivering information via a network. E-learning also includes online corporate training and supplemental educational systems such as Moodle, webCT, and Blackboard.

Technical Information

Distance learning started with radio and television programs, but since the dawn of the personal computer and the internet, those mediums pale in comparison. Internet based learning has not progressed in technology needed though many e-Learning companies have grown in user-friendliness, ease of use and effectiveness. Such companies are in a constant state of flux to continually aid users. Some universities and colleges have integrated e-learning supplements into their curriculum. The technological needs have not grown since the inception of e-Learning.

However, the variety with which the information is being administered had grown a vast amount: classroom response systems, collaborative software, email, e-portfolios, discussion boards and blogs. These are called communication technologies or e-learning 2.0; the access of these tools has also increased through personal digital assistants (PDA) which is a small, handheld computer with access to the internet.

An interesting new development in e-learning is a virtual world called Second Life. For many schools abroad, Second Life is a way to start foreign language learning (English as a foreign language). Many schools have implemented this virtual world for discussion and even coursework.

Historical Information

In 1996, there was a single session of “Intranet based training” by ASTD which was followed by a lot of hype. In 1997, Elliot Masie launched TechLearn which became the first company in the e-learning industry. At the same time, Saba is founded by ex-Oracle executives. The focus of this was enterprise wide-learning. Mid 1998, NYU Online is started, a major step forward in e-learning. In early 2000, DigitalThink becomes highly successful. Cisco's John Chambers claims e-learning to be the next “killer app” shortly after DigitalThink’s success.

Without differentiation in the market and complete lack of barriers to entry, many companies begin to close in 2001. Many closed, others had massive layoffs, leaving only a few companies. Mid 2002, Smartforce and Skillsoft combine to provide hope for a future for the market. Now e-Learning as an official form of education is common among most colleges and universities. Unofficially, e-learning is even more rampant, as the internet is easily accessible and full of information.

E-Learning Today

Organizations from major corporations to universities use e-learning as an easy, cost-efficient way to educate their employers and students. E-learning can be used by businesses to keep employees up to date on the latest developments in their respective industries. It is especially useful for small companies that cannot afford to pay for expensive training seminars and travel costs. Also, employees tend to resist training programs because of the time and effort involved. With e-learning, however, the employees can learn at their own pace, on their own schedule. Most major universities offer what most people think of as electronic learning, courses. Online courses are offered through universities such as University of Phoenix, Boston University, Clemson University, Florida Tech, Indiana State University, Northeastern University, and Syracuse University. However, supplemental educational systems like Blackboard and webCT are also a part of e-learning. These supplemental systems do not educate their users, but are used to assist both the student and professor in downloading papers, viewing the syllabus for a class, uploading notes, and other logistical matters.

Not everyone is well suited to employ e-learning. It is an efficient tool for those who want to set their own pace and make their own schedule. These may be individuals who have a career and want to further their education. Ideal participants also have strong time management skills, are self-motivated active learners who do not necessarily need the social aspects of a campus. They may also be shy, non-participatory students who would prefer to work on their own. Honesty represents another important trait because e-learners must not utilize unauthorized materials during exams.

Of course, the main substitute for e-learning is the traditional, in person classroom learning, or any other learning outside of an electronic media. The traditional learning approach focuses on the transfer of knowledge from teacher to pupil, while the teacher in e-learning merely guides the student towards knowledge. E-learning advocates say that guiding the students provides them with a better education than traditional learning because the students are taught to utilize their own resources rather than to simply regurgitate facts.

E-Learning in the Future

Based on current trends, it appears that e-learning will only expand in the future. Every year, technology’s importance grows in our society by touching more and more aspects of our lives. Basic tasks like grocery shopping are now available on the internet! E-learning will experience great growth because it is efficient and increasingly necessary. Busy individuals can create their own schedule, and this Just-in-Time learning method allows people to learn what they need to when they need to learn it.

Many careers also require an increasing level of education. Jobs that used to require a bachelor’s degree now require a master’s degree, and many adults must return to school to remain competitive in their careers. Most are too busy with work and families to get to a university, so e-learning is the perfect alternative. E-learning’s popularity will also expand due to the increased return that consumers expect from the products and services that they purchase. E-learning provides the ultimate “bang for your buck” because it is learner-focused, competitive, and cost efficient. For example, a course comprable to IS100 through the University of Phoenix would cost around $1800.

Eventually, it is possible that all learning will be electronic. One potential downfall of this possibility is that social skills may suffer. We have seen that personal interaction has declined since text messaging, e-mail, and instant messaging became popular. Will our children lose all ability to communicate person to person as e-learning’s popularity takes flight? Will all education be taught electronically in the future? We will have to see.