Learning Process: E-Learning

In today’s world most of the people are comfortable working with computers. The proliferation of Internet-based information has made it possible to search for information from innumerable sources.

Moreover, a lot of courses are available online, which is a boon for working professionals who can now enhance their competencies and have access to education in different areas.

So if you are pursuing a course online – or even studying otherwise – you can do a lot of things in order to learn systematically, as you can have access to all types of resources e.g. eBooks, PowerPoint presentations, instructional videos, online practice material etc.

E-Learning is the use of technology to connect teachers and students who are physically far apart. This is particularly beneficial to working people who can continue their further education or training from their homes or offices.

-TYPES OF E-LEARNING

There are basically two types of e-Learning:

1. Synchronous: This involves interaction of learners with an instructor via the Web in real time. Interaction can be done through instant messages, chat, audio/video conferencing; it can also be recorded for future reference. Advantages are:-

• It can be used for tracking learning activities.
• It is possible to have continuous correction.-Learners can connect and collaborate globally.

2. Asynchronous: This allows the learner to complete Web-based training at their own pace – without involving interaction with the instructor. Advantages are:

• t is available 24/7.
• It can be accessed from anywhere.

A new form of learning – blended learning – is emerging. It makes use of both synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. If you have the time to engage yourself in both types of e-Learning, this will probably be good for you.

-E-LEARNING RESOURCES

The development of e-Learning has progressed rapidly to encompass a wide range of both formal course-based e-Learning packages and products together with a huge variety of complimentary or alternative e-Learning packages. In order to support learning, these packages may include:

• Links to resources
• Online lectures
• Webinars (web seminars)
• Podcasts or blog posts
• Gaming technology

-BENEFITS

E-Learning could do a lot of things for you:

• The interactive computer could be used to give you an alternative to writing as a form of active participation in knowledge-building.
• It can model real-world systems and transactions, and can therefore create an environment in which you can explore, manipulate and experiment.
• The features of the digital environment are fully controlled by the program and so it gives you freedom as appropriate to your level of mastery.

Micro- learning is a modular delivery approach to online training where content is presented in a series of short, concise and dynamic learning moments.

You can integrate Micro-eLearning techniques into your eLearning course.It offers you an opportunity to more easily absorb and retain the information that is being offered. It breaks down the educational process into lessons that typically last no longer than a few minutes, and enables you to collect and recall learning material more efficiently and effectively.

There are a number of sites on the Internet where you can access eBooks for your reference, download them to your PC and refer to them whenever you want. Since these eBooks are available in pdf format, you can use various tools and highlight the sections you want, or even make notes then and there. When you are done with it, you can remove these notes and highlighted portions.

Even though there are various sites for downloading eBooks, the site that is most popular around the world is google-books. Here you can find eBooks on almost all subjects, and in many areas, multiple titles on the same subject. A lot of eBooks on this site are free to download. However, some are paid publications but the price is reasonably low. You can even create your own e-Library at low cost and park your downloaded books there, and read them at your own time and pace.

Several sites have PowerPoint presentations on topics covering various subjects, and these can be very helpful, particularly when you want to make a revision of what you have already learned.

Typically, these slide shows can provide a micro-lesson in a short time, and allow you to grasp the concepts of each slide before moving on to the next. Hence it is an ideal technique for learning subjects that may require more in-depth explanations or illustrations, ensuring that you fully understand each one of them.

The most popular site for this purpose is slideshare.When you have made your notes and are quite confident of what you have done, you may turn your notes into PowerPoint presentation, and you can use them for your revision. If you are confident about the material, you can even upload your presentation on this site.

Getting information about how to do certain things – mechanical, electrical, or any other such activity involving practical component – is easy by watching relevant instructional videos which are freely available on various sites. You can either learn new things or even reinforce your existing learning with the aid of such videos.

Various free websites have practice tests covering various areas like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, Aptitude, engineering, medical, and many more. You can make use of them very effectively. These practice materials offer you the chance to determine how you are progressing along the way. They can also prove to be a good source of motivation, which always leads to enhanced learning.