E- Learning

E-learning:

Learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the Internet.

"Successful e-learning depends on the self-motivation of individuals to study effectively"

E-learning is an abbreviation of the term electronic learning. Electronic learning in its literal meaning stands for the type of learning carried out, facilitated or supported by some or the other electronic gadgets, media or resources. Judging in this sense, the learning facilitated by the use of an electronic media or means like microphones and listening devices or audio and visual tapes can be termed as e-learning. In this sense, e-learning calls for the services of the advance electronic information and communication media and means like teleconferencing, video-conferencing and computer based conferencing, e-mail, live chat, surfing on the Internet and Web browsing, online reference libraries, video games, customized e-learning courses etc.

E-learning: in Modern era:

The Internet is a marvelous tool when it comes to fostering education and learning because it is a treasure trove of information. Children who take to the web for more than just entertainment are bound to find that their schoolwork becomes easier and exams simpler to prepare for and top quality. And this is because as connection speeds increase and the ubiquity of the Internet pervades, digital content reigns. And in this era, free education has never been so accessible. The Web gives lifelong learners the tools to become autodidacts, eschewing, very expensive tuition and joining the ranks of other self-taught great thinkers in history such as Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell, Paul Allen and Ernest Hemingway.

“Learning is not a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” -Albert Einstein.

Nature and Characteristics of E- Learning

E-learning is pedagogy empowered by digital technology.

E-learning is a term which is used to refer computer enhanced learning.

E-learning includes all types of technology enhanced learning (TEL), where technology is used to support the learning process. Use of e-learning is generally confined to “on-line learning” carried out through the Internet or Web-based technology, with no face-to-face interaction.

E-learning conveys broader meaning than the terms CBL (Computer based learning) and CAI (Computer assisted instruction). E-learning is broader in its meaning that they conveyed through the simple terms like “on-line learning” or “on-line education”.

E-learning should not be considered as synonymous to audio- visual learning, multi-media learning, distance education or distance learning. Although the audio-visual and multimedia technology and distance education programmers are based on the Internet and Web services provided through the computers, yet these are not identical but complementary. The use of the term e-learning should be confined to the type of learning carried out, supported or facilitated through Web enhanced instruction and the Internet based communications like e-mail, audio and video conferencing, mail list, live chats and telephony.

All types of non-Internet and non-Web technology are not included in e-learning. Taking a clear stand on this issue Kumar and John (2008) write, “Though computer is used for instruction and learning, the non-Web technologies thus not come under technology. The entire computer based instructions, computer managed instructions, integrated learning systems, multimedia, interactive video, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, etc. which are not delivered through the Internet but are still used for learning and instruction cannot be included in e-learning. However, these techniques, when delivered via Internet for instruction and learning, become e-learning.”

Modes and Styles of E- Learning

E-learning can play a more supporting role to the teaching-learning activities organized in the class. As a result, a teacher may make its use for his better teaching and a learner for his needed learning, e.g., they may use multimedia, Internet and Web services for their teaching and learning to enhance their class room activities.

Blended learning: In this mode, attempts are made for making use of a combination of traditional and ICT enhanced e-learning practices. The program and activities are so planned and executed as to present a happy combination of both the traditional class room teaching practices and e-learning based instructions. Thus, one can reap the benefits of both the practices of traditional and e-learning.

Complete e-learning: In this mode of learning the traditional class room teaching-learning is totally replaced by the virtual classroom teaching-learning. There is no existence of class rooms, schools and teaching-learning environment as happens in the traditional setup of school education. The learners are free to take the learning tasks independently with the help of properly designed e-learning courses.

Most of the learning activities are carried out entirely on-line, but at the same time, they may have also access to the well stored information and learning packages available in the form of recorded CD-ROM, DVD, etc. Such type of e-learning activities may be found to adopt the following two distinctive communication styles narrated:

Asynchronous communication style: In this style, the course information or learning experiences are passed to the learners through e-mail, discussion forum, Web pages, Web logs, wikis or through the recorded CD-ROM and DVD. As a result, the teachers and learners do not interact simultaneously.

Synchronous communication style: Here the communication between the teacher and students directly occurs in an online chat room or through live audio-video conferencing. It allows them properly together at a specified time for communicating with each other regarding the course material. As a result, a teacher can provide valuable information, lecture or share one or the other learning experiences with his students.

E-learning is the demand of the time. We have to prepare our students and bring suitable modification and improvements in the prevailing system of our educational institution to face this challenge. The following steps for promoting e-learning are,

The first and foremost thing that needs to be done is to develop a positive attitude towards the processes and products of e-learning. The students should be made to appreciate the fruits of e-learning.

Provide the need facilities for training and equipping the students and teachers with the essential technical knowledge and skills related to the operation.

Provide proper orientation to the staff and students not only in terms of making them technologically capable for engaging in e-learning but also to have full awareness about all the possible advantages and gains drawn from such ventures. 4. Make provision of the Internet facilities and class room Websites for giving opportunities to the teachers and students to carry out the teaching-learning tasks using the mechanism of e-learning.

Last but not the least, make adequate provision for the availability of the technical support services to train and provide online support to both the teachers and students in reaping maximum benefits from e-learning program.

Advantages of E- Learning

Class work can be scheduled around personal and professional work

Reduces travel cost and time to and from school

Learners may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interest

Learners can study wherever they have access to a computer and Internet

Self-paced learning modules allow learners to work at their own pace

Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms

Different learning styles are addressed and facilitation of learning occurs through varied activities

Development of computer and Internet skills that is transferable to other facets of learner's lives

Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning.

Disadvantages of E- Learning

Unmotivated learners or those with poor study habits may fall behind

Lack of familiar structure and routine may take getting used to

Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction

Instructor may not always be available on demand

Slow or unreliable Internet connections can be frustrating

Managing learning software can involve a learning curve

Some courses such as traditional hands-on courses can be difficult to simulate

We need a professional LMS system, which is compliment with all e-learning relevant standards.

We need money and peoples, and lot of optimism

CONCLUSION: From the above discussion we conclude that e-learning is a technique or a form of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) used in providing learning experiences to the students on-line through the use of Internet services and Web technology of computers on the same lines as witnessed by us in the form of e-mail, e-banking, e-booking and e-commerce in our day-to-day life. E-learning is also having some disadvantages which are discussed earlier. In spite of certain defect, e-learning is very useful and it is becoming more and more popular.