What is E-learning?
E-learning, also known as electronic learning, or online learning refers to training courses that are web-based, or on a distance basis. E-learning
makes use of information and communications technology to provide innovative
ways to learn. E-learning, and its associate learning forms also include types
of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), where technology is used to support the
learning process.
E-learning is difficult to accurately define, as the types of courses vary depending on the training providers and education institutions themselves, and the way in which they themselves incorporate their courses with e-learning. Within companies e-learning often refers to the strategies that use the company network to
deliver training courses to employees. Universities refer to e-learning as the specific mode of studying in which students attend a course, or programme of study where the students rarely or never meet face-to-face,
nor access on-campus educational facilities, because they study online.
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E-learning IT training courses - explore the opportunities
E-learning
training courses give you the freedom and flexibility to learn when and where you want, and
at your own pace. E-learning courses are offered at a variety of training institution, and include a wide range of subjects at any level, which is ideal if the subject you're interested in isn't available
nearby. Additionally, e-learning courses are
generally designed to guide delegates through information or to help delegates perform specific tasks. There are varies sorts of ways in which the information is transerred in e-learning courses, from information-based e-learning where content communicates
information to the student, to
performance-based content, where the lessons build off of a procedural skill in which
the student is expected to increase proficiency.
In online / e-learning, a variety of media is used
to help with learning and to provide communication between students and tutors, including:
- traditional written materials, such as books and manuals
- audio tapes and CD-ROMs
- online information and online groups
- video conferencing
- email support
Benefits of e-learning in IT
E-Learning can provide for
major benefits for the organisations and individuals involved. Whilst fitting your studying in asround your work, or life, you can set your own pace, decide when suits you best for studying, and where. Ororganisations benefit greatly from online / e-learning courses as they do not lose employees to out-of-office courses, and can better apply the skills they learn to the office as they have the opportuntity to study in-office.
With e-learning courses there is often a tutor available to provide
support by phone, email, online or by post. You might also be able to communicate
with other learners by email or website discussion groups, which helps you learn
from the rest of the group and comment on each other's work. There is usually a
good range of support available to help you organise your time and manage your
learning.
Other benefits can be summarised as follows:
- Improved performance: students in online learning generally perform better than those in face-to-face courses.
- Increased access: Instructors of the highest calibre can share their knowledge across borders, allowing students to attend courses across physical, political, and economic boundaries, and it greatly reduces costs.
- Convenience and flexibility to learners: e-learning is self-paced and the learning sessions are available whenever it's convenient. Delegates are not bound to a specific day/time to physically attend classes.
Distance learning courses
Distance course, similarly and complimentary are ideally
suited to the needs of working adults, as students not need to travel to
attend any classes. As with online / e-learning courses students are able to study for specific courses or university degree
entirely online, from home, work, on the move or wherever else is convenient,
and at times to suit themselves. Distance courses also include periodic face-to-face interaction, and delegates are given the opportunity to attend classes when they need them or meet with their tutors during their online study period to assist with their learning.
Web 2.0 learning
A
recent approach to e-learning is known as Learning 2.0 or Web 2.0 Learning, which relyies more on collaboration, informal learning, and blended
learning, and uses technology to enhance learning. Web-based learning takes a information in small
pieces, and transfers content loosely to students. This form of online learning combines the use of discrete but
complementary tools and web services - such as blogs, wikis, and other
social software - to support the creation of ad-hoc learning communities.
