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IV- Digital media :

-E journals :

It is an electronic version of a journal that is found and read on the web.

(source : Glossary Library research)Electronic journals or electronic serials are scholarly journals or intellectual magazines that can be accessed via electronic transmission. They are usually published on the web. Their purpose is to provide material for research and study. Their formats are like journal articles in traditional printed journals. Being in electronic form, articles usually contain metadata that can be entered into specialized databases, such as DOAJ (directory of open access journals) as well as the databases and search-engines for the academic desciplines concerned. Many universities subscribe in bulk to packages of electronic journals, in order to provide access to tutors and students.

(source : wekipedia)

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-E books : It is also known as digital book and it is equivalent of a conventional

printed book, sometimes restricted with a digital rights management system.

An e book as defined by the Oxford dictionary of English, is ‘an electronic version of a printd book which can be read on a personal computer or hand-held device designed specifically for this purpose’.

Numerous e book formats emerged and proliferated, some supported by major software companies such as adober’s PDF format, and supported by independent and open source programmers.

Many Ebooks publishers began distributing books that were in the public domain. At the same time, authors with books that were not accepted by publishers offered their works online so they can be seen by others.

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The electronic books have many advantages and drawbacks :

Advantages : Availibility. Portability and stockage. Language accessibility : E books websites can translate books in

different languages.

Disadvantages : Changing technologies : the formats and file types change over time

whereas printed books remain readable for many years. Availability of works : not all the time available. Durability : it can be damaged or dropped. Costs : they cost too much money. Limitations of readers.

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E learning :

E learning is commonly referred to the intentional use of networked information and communications technology in teaching and learning. There are many other terms which are used to describe this mode of learning and teaching. They include online learning, virtual learning, distributed learning, network and web based learning. They refer all to educational processes that utilize information and communications technology to mediate asynchronous as well as synchronous learning and teaching activities.

As the letter ‘e’ in e learning stands for the word ‘electronic’, e learning would incorporate all educational activities that are carried out by individuals or groups working online or offline, and synchronously or asynchronously via networked or standalone computers and other electronic devices.

(sourse : E learning : a guide book of prnciples, procedures and practices)

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1- Advantages :

V- Advantages and drawbacks of distance learning :

Alexander (2001) identified three factors determining the quality of the students’ experience :

Communication and support from tutors and other students. The time available to be devoted to the course. The students’ own level of experience and expertise with information

and communication technologies. There are other advantages cited as bellow : Distance learning does not require commuting. It gives you the chance to study at your conveniences : most of the

classes are asynchronous and this helps in attending the lecture at your free time.

Live anywhere, study anywhere.

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Gain extra knowledge by transfering the computer and internet skills you will gain while distance learning to other facets of your life.

Self-paced learning : for slow and quick learners. It increases satisfaction and reduces stress.

Accessibility : in this case, you do not have to worry about gaining access to a classroom or sitting or uncomfortable desks. You can use your comfortable furniture to further your education.

Class work can be schedualed around work and family. Students may have the option to select learning materials that meet

their level of knowledge and interest. Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion

areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat room.

It allows more interaction among students and instructors. Computer based courses builds self-confidence and self knowledge,

and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning.

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2-drawbacks :

Price et al.(2007) found that students who received online tutoral support reported poorer experiences than those receiving face-to face tuition.

Distance learning is costy and it needs complex technology. on line communication requires careful planning of the equipement and facilities. It requires a computer and access to the internet. sometimes learners may also be afraid (technophobic) of technology.

It requires advanced planning, both instructors and students need to make sacrifices at time to make things done in time.

Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback. The student must wait until the instructor review the work and then respond to it.

It does not always offer all the necessary cources online. It is not suited for all subjects.

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It does not give students the opportunity to work on oral communication skills. Students do not get the practice of verbal interaction with professors and other students.

Social isolation : most of the time, you are studying alone ; because of this students miss the social physical interaction that comes with attending a traditional classroom. However, this impersonality is reduced by the use of communication technologies such as bulletin board, threaded discussions, chats, e-mail, and conferences.

Learners with low motivation may fall behind. Slow internet connections or older computers may make accessing

course materials frustrating. To sum up, in order to make online tuition successful, both tutors and

students need training in how to communicate online in the absence of the paralinguistic information that are available in face-to face communication.

(source : -face-to face versus online tutoring -Distance learning college guide -E learner : computer based learning)

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