Importance of E-Learning

Atif Chauhdary

What is E-learning?

The use of Internet The use of Internet technologies to deliver a technologies to deliver a broad array of solutions broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge that enhance knowledge and performanceand performance Rosenberg, 2001Rosenberg, 2001

E-learning is Internet-enabled E-learning is Internet-enabled learninglearning

http://www.cisco.comhttp://www.cisco.com

E-learning has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach and how we learn.

What is E-learning?

A number of acronyms are used widely in connection with e-learning, most notably IT, ICT and ILT.

 

IT Information Technology - the computer infrastructure, hardware and

software used to process data and deliver information

 

ICT Information and Communication Technologies - the combination of

computing and communication technologies (including computer

networks and telephone systems)

 

ILT Information and Learning Technologies - this is used to refer to the

use of information and communication technologies to support the

core activities of educational organizations

Truth of e-learning

Internet has started reshaping education. Education will not be the same in the next decade

There is no going back. The traditional classroomThere is no going back. The traditional classroomhas to be transformedhas to be transformed

Web-based Education Commission, USWeb-based Education Commission, US

Many universities/colleges may not surviveMany universities/colleges may not surviveby the end of this decadeby the end of this decade

Why is it important?

E-learning will contribute a wide range of the objectives contained such as achieving higher levels of skills for the labor market targeting relevant learning for lower skilled adults, improving integration of existing forms of outreach and motivating adults to develop new skills.

E-learning is particularly important because people are finding that it can make a significant difference in so many areas, e.g. to how quickly they master a skill; how easy it is to study; and, of course, how much they enjoy learning. It has the capacity to contribute for learning: to raising standards; improving quality; removing barriers to learning and participation in learning; preparing for employment; up skilling in the workplace; and ultimately, ensuring that every learner achieves their full potential.

Teacher’s Obligation

incorporate‘old’ & ‘new’

Lay foundation

forLifelonglearning

Encourage collaborative

learning

use allavailable

technology

Teacher’sObligation

E-learning tools: E-mail

Every teacher should have an e-mail account

Communicate with students

Students can submit assignment

Can have attachments

Create a paperless environment

Simple but effective

Efficient and cost effective

E-learning tools: Online communication

Synchronous communication tool

Communicate with students

Communicate with parents

More students participate

Collaborative learning

E-learning tools: Online Groups

Online discussion forum

Teacher can create discussion groups

Teacher could post a question and request students to comment

Students can post their comments

Can encourage community participation

Collaborative learning can be fostered

Feedback from diverse culture

E-learning Tools: Web

Wide range of materials available

Teacher will need to narrow down

It is a resource centre

Sharing of resources

Supported by images, audio, simulation and multimedia

E-learning tools: Video Conference

Can conduct a live lecture

Communication with students

Support by audio, chat and whiteboard

Can be recorded and later be used for on demand lectures

Demo…

Tools: Learning Management System (LMS)

Management of content

Uploading assignment, quizzes, lessons, handouts

Tracking students

Administrative features

Integration with various tools such as chat, forum, e-mail, etc.

Reporting

Conclusion

E-learning offers opportunity to raise educational standards in schools

Large range of tools are available for teaching and learning

Closes the gap of “Digital Divide”

Involvement of teachers and student is important