E -learning

 E- Learning

E

-learning is defined by Pollard and Hillage (2001) as ‘the delivery and administration of learning opportunities and support via computer, networked and web-based technology to help individual performance and development’. E-learning enhances learning by extending and supplementing face-to-face learning rather than replacing it.

                                            Image from google.com

Training and development are essential for any organization. By investing in their employees, they ensure skills are up to date to meet the challenges of a changing environment. Putta,H. (2014).

E- Learning can be implemented totally at a distance where students can learn from anywhere and at any time using information and communication technologies. Educators and trainers need to design learning materials for delivery on these emerging technologies so that students can learn from anywhere and at any time. For an example in year 2009 over 5.6 million students were taking at least one online course in USA. (Allen & Seaman, 2010).

Since the use of E-learning in education and training continues to grow there must be standards established so that the E-learning programs can be successfully implemented In E-learning systems, the role of the teacher will change to facilitator.  As a result, we will need a new generation of teachers who are comfortable using the technology.

The different types of e-learning are

a.  self-paced e-learning when the learner is using technology but is not connected to instructors or other learners at the same time;

b. live e-learning in which by the use of technology, the instructor and the learner are together at the same time but in different locations; and

c. collaborative e-learning, which supports learning  the exchange and sharing of information and knowledge amongst learners by means of discussion forums, communities of practice, bulletin boards and chat rooms

Finally the impact of E –Learning is strongly influenced by the quality of the support provided to learners. It is the effectiveness of this support rather than the sophistication of the technology that counts.

Conclusion:

 The delivery systems must follow good practises and use standards. It is important to establish standards and best practises for the design and delivery of E-learning materials.

References

 Pollard, E and Hillage, J (2001) Explaining e-Learning, Report No 376, Institute of Employment Studies
Armstrong, M and Taylor, S. (2014)  A hand Book of Human Resource Management Practice.
Kogan Page, UK.
Allen, I. E and Seaman, J. (2010). Class differences,  Online education in the United States.
Babson Survey Research Group, MA
Putta,H. (2014) .Impact of recession on training .Journal of business and management,3 

https://www.google.com/search?q=e+learning&oq=&aqs=chrome.0.69i59i450l7.1333331689j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Please comment on my blog