E-Learning has brought education right at the fingertips of many that can access the internet making it easier for students to carry out assignments and research without the hustle of going through piles of books and hoping from one library to the next.
E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The information and communication systems, whether networked or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process.
The term is utilised to reference out-of-classroom and in-classroom educational experiences through technology, even as advances continue in regard to devices and curriculum.
E-learning is essentially the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. E-learning applications and processes include web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom opportunities and digital collaboration.
Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.
Let’s face, e-learning represents the best form of acquiring an education for the working individual willing to progress further with their education. It represents a route to self fulfillment yet at the same time being able to put food on your family’s table.
A lot of Zimbabweans are taking this route through distance learning institutions like Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) and University of South Africa (UNISA).
One reader of Techno Talk noted, however, that e-learning might be the reason why a seemingly educated individual fails to carry out their job efficiently because they may have acquired a degree but not knowledge because of the tendency to copy and paste whatever they may have researched.
Last year, ZOU officially launched a new Learning Management System website, ZOU Online. The system uses the open source eLearning and eWorking platform, Claroline. This platform allows lecturers to build online courses and manage learning and collaborative activities on the web, unfortunately, Techno talk could not access the website this week.
Research shows that e-learning advantages and disadvantages are important to consider when making instructional and learning decisions. Many organisations and institutions provide different forms of training and instruction to their employees or learners. Typically they provide needed training by sending people to school, holding in-house training classes, or providing manuals and self-study guides.
In some situations it is advantageous for them to use e-learning or other forms of e-learning instead of the traditional training. Other times it is disadvantageous. As with anything else, there are benefits and limitations, as well as pros and cons. There are many advantages to online and computer-based learning when compared to traditional face-to-face courses and lectures. There are a few disadvantages as well.
One cannot discount the impact e-learning has especially in an improving economic environment like the one Zimbabwe is currently witnessing. We are seeing the digging of trenches for optic fibre while some have already gave “the world a handshake” making communication faster and in the end it all bodes well for e-learners as they are likely to spend less time online yet complete a whole lot more work at a cheaper rate.
Most e-learning programs are scheduled in such way that they can be studied when needed. The “books” have a module-based design which allows the learner to learn more from the site and move along when they require.
It moves faster and even up to 50 percent faster than traditional courses. This is mainly because of individualized approach helps the learners to skip material they already know, understand, and henceforth move onto new courses.
The information delivered will also be consistent to all users, therefore possibility for misinterpretations can be easily eliminated.
However, e-learning makes it easier to procrastinate as there is no one to tell you to get to class on time. There is no one reminding you that assignments are due or that exams are coming. There is no one to preach to you, beg you, and plead with you to stay on top of your coursework. It is easy to put off reading and assignments in the online environment. An internet-based course demands that you develop personal time-management skills. As with most things, if you don't manage your time properly, you will find yourself buried beneath a seeming insurmountable mountain of coursework.
Online courses require the self-discipline to set aside chunks of time to complete your studies. This means that you have to make online coursework a priority and not let other activities interfere. Sometimes, it means making difficult choices.
At times you may feel like you are alone with only your computer. This makes some students quite uncomfortable. The online environment is a much different atmosphere that takes some getting used to. Your online instructor is sensitive to this problem and can help you overcome those feelings.
E-learning can be used for on the job training in instances where organisations seek to develop their employees further. It may be to do with employees acquainting themselves with a new method of doing things, however, some organisations find it hard to implement this route to training.
A report from Ashridge business schools found that while 86 percent of organisations interviewed believe e-learning is an effective training approach, 82 percent also said that it is difficult to introduce.
The main barriers to e-learning amongst the organisations interviewed were technology problems, lack of time for training, underestimation of resources required and resistance of staff to engage in e-learning as well as a negative image of e-learning, often created by suppliers.
Despite this, the research shows that in the right conditions, many organisations were using e-learning effectively.
In these organisations, cultural change tended to have taken place about how training and learning happens. Their e-learning initiatives tended to be closely aligned to the needs to the business and 'blended' with other types of training such as classroom activities and their learning needs drove the technology rather than the other way around.
In addition, successful e-learning programmes had ongoing support from a senior level and were marketed effectively throughout the organisation
No comments:
Post a Comment