E- learning is the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. E- learning is broadly inclusive of all forms of educational technology in learning and teaching. E-learning includes numerous types of media that deliver text,audio, images, animation and streaming video , and includes technology applications and processes such as audio or videotape, satellite TV, CD-ROM, and computer based learning as well as local intranet/extranet and web based learning. Information and communication systems, whether free standing or based on either local networks or the internet in networked learning,underlie many e-learning processes.
Educational Approach
The extent to which e-learning assists or replaces other learning and teaching approaches is variable, a variety of descriptive terms have been employed to categorise the extent to which technology is used. For example, blended learning may refer to classroom aids and laptops or may refer to approaches in which traditional classroom time is reduced but not eliminated and replaced with some online learning. Distributed learning may describe either the e-learning component of a blended approach, or fully online distance environments.
Advantages and Disadvantages of e- learning
Many facilitators have a harder time keeping their students engaged in an e-learning class. A disengaged student is usually an unmotivated student, and an engaged student is a motivated student. One reason why students are more likely to be disengaged is that the lack of face to face contact makes it difficult for teachers to read their students' non verbal cues, including confusion, boredom or frustration. These cues are helpful to a teacher in deciding whether to speed up , introduce new material, slow down or explain a concept in a different way. If a student is confused, bored or frustrated, he or she is unlikely to be motivated to succeed in that class.
Other advantages and disadvantages
Advantages include:
1 improved open access to education, including access to a full degree program
2 better integration for non full time students particularly in continuing education
3 improved interactions between students and instructors
4 provision of tools to enable students to independently solve problems
5 Acquisition of technological skills through practice with tools and computers
6 no age based restrictions on difficulty level students can go at their own pace
Disadvantages include:
1 Ease of cheating
2 Bias towards tech savvy students over non technical students
3 Teachers' lack of knowledge and experience to manage virtual teacher- student interaction
4 Lack of social interaction between teacher and student
5 Lack of direct immediate feedback from teachers
6 Asynchronous communication hinders fast exchange of questions
7 Procastination
Conclusion
From the definition of e-learning above of interest to me is the blended learning because of the way it complements the face to face traditional delivery method. This is essential in the electro- technology trade which mainly focuses on the traditional delivery method, by introducing blended learning students will have the opportunity to go beyond content and become accomplished problem solvers and it gives the facilitator much needed feedback from each student through interactive activities.
My next blog I will be exploring blended learning and also it's advantages and disadvantages.
References
(Tavangarian D., 2004)_(Bates, 2003)_(Baker, 2014)_(Cull, 2010)_(Dalsgaard,2013)
No comments:
Post a Comment