What is E-Learning?
A learning system that is based on formal education but with the help of electronic resources is known as e-learning. Although lessons can be conducted both inside and outside the classroom, the use of computers and the Internet is a major component of e-learning. E-learning, also known as the network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge, delivers education to a large number of recipients at the same time or at different times. Previously, this system was hypothesized to lack the human elements necessary for learning and was therefore unacceptable.
However, due to the rapid advances in technology and advances in learning systems, it is now accepted by the masses. The introduction of computers has been the cornerstone of this revolution, and over time, obsessed with smartphones, tablets, etc., these devices now have an important place to learn in the classroom. Books are gradually being replaced by electronic educational materials such as optical discs and pen drives. Knowledge can also be shared via the internet. The internet is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere.
Types of E-Learning
Computer Managed Instruction (CMI)
Computers are used to manage and assess the learning process. The computer management learning system operates through an information database. These databases contain the information that students need to learn and some ranking parameters that allow the system to be personalized to each student’s preferences. As a result of the two-way communication between the student and the computer, you can determine if the student has achieved the learning goal at a satisfactory level. If not, the process can be repeated until the student achieves the desired learning objectives.
Computer-aided learning (CAL)
Computer-aided learning (CAL) is another type of e-learning that combines traditional education with computers. This could mean interactive software for students or the type of training software used by Patrick Suppes at Stanford University in 1966. The main value of CAI is interactivity. A variety of methods, such as quizzes and other computer-aided teaching and testing mechanisms, enable students to become active learners rather than passive learners.
Synchronous Online Learning
Synchronous online learning allows groups of students to participate in learning activities simultaneously from anywhere in the world. Real-time synchronized online learning often includes online chats and video conferencing. These tools allow training participants and instructors to quickly ask and answer questions while communicating with other participants.
This kind of community-oriented online learning is made possible by the rapid development of online learning technology. Before the invention of computer networks in the 1960s, it was virtually impossible to implement truly synchronous e-learning. Today, synchronous e-learning is considered to be very advantageous because it eliminates many of the common drawbacks of e-learning, such as social isolation and poor teacher-student and student-student relationships. I will. Synchronous e-learning is currently one of the most popular and fastest-growing types of e-learning.
Asynchronous Online Learning
With asynchronous online learning, groups of students study independently at different times and locations, without real-time communication. Synchronous e-learning techniques are often considered more student-centered than synchronous e-learning techniques because they provide students with flexibility.
For these reasons, asynchronous e-learning is preferred by students who do not have a flexible schedule because they can learn at their own pace. They can set their own timeframe for learning and do not have to study with other students at specific time intervals.
Fixed E-Learning
Defined in this context means that the material used during the learning process does not change from its original state and all participating students receive the same information as all other students. The teaching materials are predetermined by the teacher and do not adapt to the student’s preferences.
This type of learning has been standard in traditional classrooms for millennia but is not ideal in an e-learning environment. This is because fixed e-learning does not make use of valuable real-time data obtained from student input. Analyzing each student individually through the data and modifying the material according to this data will improve learning outcomes for all students.
Adaptive E-Learning
Adaptive eLearning is a new and innovative type of eLearning that allows learning materials to be adapted and redesigned for individual learners. Considering many parameters such as student performance, goals, qualifications, skills, and traits, adaptive e-learning tools can make learning more individual and student-centered than ever before.
We are now at the point where laboratory-based adaptive teaching techniques can be used for the mathematical sequencing of student data. When done correctly, this could mean a new era in educational science. While this type of e-learning can be more difficult to plan and achieve than traditional teaching methods, its potential value and effectiveness are often expressed sparingly.
Linear E-Learning
Linear communication, when referring to human-computer interactions, means that information is passed from sender to receiver without exception. For e-learning, this is a very limiting factor, as two-way communication between teachers and students is not allowed. While this kind of e-learning occupies its place in education, it is less relevant over time. Sending training materials to students through television and radio shows is a classic example of linear e-learning.
Interactive Online Learning
Interactive e-learning enables senders to become recipients and vice versa, effectively enabling bidirectional communication channels between interested parties. From messages sent and received, teachers and students can change teaching and learning methods. Because of this, interactive e-learning is much more popular than linear. This will allow teachers and students to communicate more freely with each other.
Individual Online Learning
Personal learning in this context refers to the number of students who are involved in achieving their learning goals rather than being centered on the material. This type of learning has been standard in traditional classrooms for thousands of years. Individual learning practice requires students to study the teaching materials themselves and to achieve their learning objectives.
This type of learning is not ideal for developing students’ communication and teamwork skills, as it focuses primarily on students learning independently, without having to communicate with other students. Therefore, replacing modern communication of skills and abilities requires a more modern approach.
Collaborative Online Learning
Collaborative e-learning is a modern type of learning method in which multiple students work together as a group to learn and achieve learning objectives. Students must work together to practice teamwork to achieve common learning goals.
This is done by forming effective groups. There, each individual student must take into account the strengths and weaknesses of other students. This improves students’ communication skills and teamwork skills. Collaborative e-learning expands on the idea that knowledge is developed within a group of individuals and can interact and learn.
Benefits of E-learning
Cost-Effective
This is one of the most important benefits eLearning offers and is probably the most welcome. Traditional training is often expensive and cumbersome to maintain. E-learning eliminates the need for costly printed training materials and even field instructors. If you need to change a module in your content, you can easily change it via LMS without having to print and distribute updated training material.
Save Time
Time is valuable, especially in the work environment, so why not save as much time as possible? As an employer, eLearning keeps all the updates you need to communicate easily. If you need to implement changes to your training content or company policy, eLearning makes it easy to add them to your LMS. This can save you a lot of time when organizing reprints. Learners can also save time by accessing content when and where they need it, instead of relying on scheduled training. You can also use LMS to automate manual tasks and improve training management time efficiency.
Increase Performance and Productivity
With e-learning, learners can complete training quickly and easily, improving performance and increasing productivity. Learners appreciate the ability to participate in training at their convenience. The flexibility to learn from your chosen location at your own pace will increase your motivation to drive your professional goals through e-learning.
Reduces Environmental Impact
More and more organizations are taking conscious efforts to reduce their carbon footprint as part of their corporate responsibility strategy. E-learning is an effective method when the goal is to reduce the impact on the environment. It provides an alternative to paper-based learning and contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly workplace.