Assignment 1 E-Learning

Assignment 1: E-Learning

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Assignment 1: E-Learning

Definition of E-Learning

E-learning refers to a learning system that is undertaken with the aid of electronic resources. Teaching may be undertaken inside or outside the classroom. Computers and the internet are the main components of e-learning. Previously, e-learning faced stiff resistance from various parties who thought that it did not have the required human element in learning. E-learning has different interpretations in business, education, and training sectors. In education, e-learning refers to the learning process that is undertaken using software-based and online learning solutions. On the other hand, in higher education, business, and training, e-learning refers to online learning (King & Boyatt, 2015).

Significant Developments of E-Learning Over the Past 10 Years

E-learning has evolved significantly in the past 10 years. Between 2006 and 2010, e-e-learning experienced rapid development. The “anyone can build” functionality provided all people with an opportunity to learn. Advances in technology in addition to less money and the ability to work without being limited by geographical boundaries provided people with additional learning opportunities. The introduction of several methods of e-learning, which include podcasting, learning analytics, mobile internet, and augmented reality led to a significant increase in thirst for online learning.

Blended learning is also a common phenomenon of e-learning. It refers to a learning process that combines two or more teaching methods. For instance, it may involve the combination of instructional technologies, web-based technologies, and pedagogical approaches. Blended learning may combine traditional teaching methods with digital teaching to ensure the methods complement each other to meet the needs of the course.

Gamification of the learning process is also one of the common developments in learning over the past ten years. It refers to the incorporating gaming elements into the learning process. Designing the player experience is the most challenging part of gamification. Player/learner experience may be divided into two parts, which include designing the gaming application and organizing the tasks involved in the game in a logical manner. Gamification helps in achieving the objectives of the learning using less time. It makes the learning process become enjoyable to the learner and instructor (Wlodkowski & Ginsberg, 2017).

Microlearning refers to the learning process when the time is limited and the content of learning is small and simple. In such a situation, the learning material is provided in the form of modules. The micro unit that aid in learning are referred to as nuggets. Microlearning strives to meet one specific objective. Subscription learning is also regarded as microlearning. The learner should complete a certain sequence to be provided with access to further information on the area of study.

Continuous learning is also one of the common developments in e-learning in the past decade. It extends the process of learning beyond the traditional educational facilities. Work-based learning and life-based learning are the two main types of continuous learning. Work-based learning endeavors to train employees in the short-term to enable them acquire certain skills. On the other hand, life-based learning strives to train an individual in the long-term.

Personalized learning provides students with the opportunity of being co-producers of the learning process. They can choose the content and structure of the learning process. Personalized learning has novel modes of assessment. It helps in building authentic interests in the field of study. The learning modules are developed according to the needs of the learner. Personalized learning is expected to become more popular in the future.

Primary Benefits of Providing and Offering High-Quality Online Training, Courses, and Programs

Some of the primary benefits of providing and offering high quality online training courses is that it is has a flexible schedule, reduces costs and the learners have more choices on the course topics. Studying online provides the learners with an opportunity to choose the learning environment that meets their needs. They can study from the comfort of their living rooms, bedroom, or café, or even the gym. They can listen to the podcast of the lecturer while performing other chores. Pursuing online courses also implies that the learner does not have to commute to class. This makes them have more time to study.

Online training programs also reduce the costs of learning. Online learning only requires the learner or business to pay the tuition fee, online application fees, and book suppliers. The learner does not have to pay housing fees transportation. This reduces the cost of learning (Clark & Mayer, 2016).

Online training programs also provide learners with a wider variety of course topics to choose from. They are not limited by the class location and courses offered by a single provider of the online course. It would be difficult for a student to enroll in a traditional course in different colleges or institutions. However, this is not the case in online learning, as the learner does not have to worry about moving from a class located in one area to another in a distant location. The learner can access all the course material online.

Primary Reasons Some Businesses, K-12 Schools, or Institutions of Higher Education Are Hesitant or Choose Not To Offer Full Online Courses and Programs

Online learning requires little human interaction. This is one of the main reasons as to why various people claim that online learning creates a monologue instead of dialogue, which is vital in communication. When learning from a teacher in a traditional classroom, the teacher can monitor the body language of the student and ensure the student remains focused or determine whether the student is disinterested on a certain topic or subject. This is not possible in online leaning.

Online learning requires the student to be highly self-disciplined. In a traditional classroom, there are set guidelines and rules that students have to adhere to. The rules and guidelines give students a sense of purpose. However, in online learning, the student has so much freedom to do whatever they want without the teacher having to worry about the student attending lectures. This freedom may ruin the focus of a student. It requires the student to balance his priorities in life and study times. Failure to do so leads to the failure of the student. This requires students to be self-disciplined and not to procrastinate (Beale, Tarwater, & Lee, 2014).

The importance of student interaction in a learning institution is underrated. Students can help in boosting the interest of a certain student on a certain topic. Other classmates also motivate a student to work hard. The classmates may also become good friends who help the student in his future career. This would not be possible in online learning where there is little student interaction.

Traditional learning programs require students to meet with advisors to plan their career path. If the student is pursuing a full online course or program, the student should be proactive in finding all the information required to ensure he or she is pursuing the right classes for the course or degree program. Guiding students pursuing full online courses or programs on their career path is a very difficult undertaking. This is one of the main reasons as to why learning institutions do not provide full online courses or programs lest the students blame them for pursuing wrong career paths, which would tarnish the image and reputation of the learning institution.

Extent to Which E-Learning Will Replace the Traditional Face-To-Face Learning in K-12 and Higher Educational Settings

Online learning is expected to become more prevalent as the main mode of learning in the future. It is expected to gradually replace some courses. The fact that e-learning is cheaper than traditional-face-to-face learning would make it be used for certain courses. However, I do not expect it to replace the traditional face-to-face learning in K-12 and higher educational settings. It would be difficult to teach certain subjects and topics using online learning.

Ways in Which Technology Will Be Needed To Support and Sustain the E-Learning Process

Technology can help in improving accessibility of e-learning. E-tech solutions can reach many people at a relatively low cost. For instance, smartphones, cellular coverage, and broadband can improve the number of people who use e-learning. Technology can also increase the convenience of e-learning. It would lead to asynchronous learning. For instance, tablets and smartphones would enable working adults learn during their work breaks. Technology can help in improving the motivation of students using online learning (Anshari et al., 2017). For instance, apps may provide feedback on what the student has learnt. Learners can check their progress and stay motivated.

Technology would also increase the cost effectiveness of learning in the future. For instance, drafting textbooks, printing exam prep guides, and other physical materials is very expensive. The costs of undertaking these activities is passes down to the learners. This makes increases the cost of learning in a traditional classroom environment. E-learning would help in reducing the costs of learning since it would reduce the need to print exam prep guides and other physical learning materials. Students would use soft copies of the learning materials that they can access at a lower cost than the physical resources required in learning. In so doing, technology would help in reducing the costs of learning in the future.

References

Anshari, M., Almunawar, M. N., Shahrill, M., Wicaksono, D. K., & Huda, M. (2017). Smartphones usage in the classrooms: Learning aid or interference?. Education and Information Technologies, 22(6), 3063-3079.

Beale, E. G., Tarwater, P. M., & Lee, V. H. (2014). A retrospective look at replacing face‐to‐face embryology instruction with online lectures in a human anatomy course. Anatomical Sciences Education, 7(3), 234-241.

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

King, E., & Boyatt, R. (2015). Exploring factors that influence adoption of e‐learning within higher education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 46(6), 1272-1280.

Wlodkowski, R. J., & Ginsberg, M. B. (2017). Enhancing adult motivation to learn: A comprehensive guide for teaching all adults. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.