You're not the only one wondering what e-learning is. It's an alternative method to traditional educational methods that is more cost-effective, accessible, and fun. There are many reasons why e-learning should be your preferred method of training. In this article you will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of this alternative learning system.
E-learning is a traditional method of education
The traditional method of education has students attending classes at a specified time and place. The teacher expects that students will be present in class and takes an active role in their learning. Distance learning allows students to get the same education as a faculty member without having to travel. Distance learning allows students to be more flexible and not have to plan their schedules.
Traditional learning involves interaction between students, teachers, and their thoughts. They can also get feedback from each other. Online learning is more impersonal and sterile than traditional learning. Students may hesitate to share their doubts. Teachers should encourage student participation when using e-learning.
It's more affordable
In comparison to traditional education, e-learning is cheaper, faster and more flexible. This is true for both students as well as educational institutions. In addition, e-learning allows you to learn on your own time, from anywhere in the world. You can view videos or portions of lectures as many times you wish. You can save the videos and lectures for later use.
Another reason that e-learning costs less is the fact that education providers don’t have large classrooms to maintain. They are able to create content only once and not multiple times. Additionally, they don't have support staff to do so. Although initial costs for elearning platforms are higher, operational costs will soon be affordable. This allows students from all socioeconomic classes to afford education.
It's great fun
Whether you are teaching in a classroom or online, fun is a powerful motivator for learning. Fun lowers mental barriers, promotes creativity, and encourages change. Fun can also reduce stress levels, which can lead to a decrease in memory. When students are stressed, their brain releases chemicals that can damage the prefrontal cortex as well as the hippocampus. Learning can be fun, which will help increase memory retention.
Participants have the option to choose the units and topics they would like to learn more about in an eLearning class. They may also choose to have the course guided. There are optional online seminars available that promote discussion and solutions. These events have a more casual tone which makes it easier to engage. Participants are more likely return to a course if they feel part in a vibrant community.
It's easier to access
E-learning has become more accessible. This allows people to learn at their own pace and in their own time. It's also easier to use virtual reality experiences with elearning software. This makes e-learning more accessible to people with various disabilities. It can be difficult for blind people to attend classes every day so online courses may be an option.
Although some people may not have the opportunity to attend a face–to-face learning environment in person, elearning offers numerous benefits. E-learning also gives you access to resources that may not be accessible in an offline environment. Disabled learners are also less likely to face travel barriers, making online courses more accessible to them. Moreover, e-learning is easier to customize for individuals with learning disabilities and requires fewer course modifications than face-to-face learning.
FAQ
What is the equipment needed for eLearning?
When you begin an online course, the most important thing is to make sure everything is set up properly on your computer. You'll probably want to use Adobe Captivate as well as a webcam and microphone.
You should also ensure you have all the necessary software installed on your computer. This includes Microsoft Office (Word Excel PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat Reader Flash Player Java Runtime Environment QuickTime 7 and Shockwave Flash 10.0.
Camtasia Studio from TechSmith is another screen capture tool you may want to consider. It allows you monitor what is happening on your computer screen, even while you are doing other things.
The final step is to download a web conference tool like WebEx, or GoToMeeting. These programs let you connect with others who are viewing the same presentation simultaneously. They allow you to share your computer with others.
Where is e-learning used?
It is a way for people who are unable or unwilling to go to classes face-to-face to learn at their own pace. It can be used to teach another person how to do something.
E-Learning is also very popular with businesses because they can use it in their training programs.
E-Learning in schools is growing in popularity because it saves time and money.
What should an eLearning program look like?
Your eLearning course should be designed in such a way that it encourages your learners to interact with the material.
This means the design must be simple to navigate and the content should be clear.
This also means that content must be engaging and interesting.
To ensure that your eLearning course meets these requirements, you need to focus on three things:
Content
It is important to determine what content you would like to include in an eLearning course. In addition to the content itself, you also need to decide how long each section of the course should be. To teach someone how you write letters, for example, you must decide how long each topic will take.
Navigation
You must also decide how your learners will navigate your course. Do you want them scrolling through all pages at once? Or do you want them to jump directly to specific parts of the course?
Design
The final step is to decide how your course should look. This includes deciding how long each screen is going to take to load and how large the font size should be. You also need to decide whether you want to have graphics included (such as pictures).
Once you have made all these decisions, test your course to ensure it works.
How do you choose the right eLearning platform to use for your business?
Today, there are many eLearning platforms. Some are completely free, others more expensive.
You need to ask questions when deciding between these options.
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Do I want to design my own learning materials If so, then there are plenty of free tools available that allow you to create your own eLearning courses. These include Adobe Captivate. Articulate Storyline. Lectora. iSpring Suite. and Camtasia.
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Do I want to purchase ready-made eLearning courses? Many companies offer pre-packaged courses. They cost from $20 to $100 for each course. Mindjet, Edusoft and Thinkful are the most popular.
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Do I want a combination of both? Many people find that using a combination of company materials and their own material produces the best results.
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Which option is best for me? It depends on your situation. You might want to create your own materials if you're new to eLearning. You may also want to consider buying a pre-designed course once you've gained some experience.
How do I get started with eLearning?
If you don't already know how to create online courses, then it's best to start small. A tutorial or quiz could be a good idea.
This will allow you to move on to more difficult projects once you have mastered it. It is better to create lessons using pre-built templates, if you don't have any knowledge of HTML.
Why do many prefer taking eLearning courses?
These are the reasons. Firstly, they offer flexibility. They don't require you to be present at certain times or places. Second, online learning is possible. These courses allow you to learn with no distractions. Lastly, they are cost-effective.
Is eLearning efficient?
E-learning is a powerful tool to provide learning content wherever you are. It offers learners easy access to information at any time and from anywhere.
E-learning makes it possible to deliver training programs anywhere you are without having the space or cost of travel.
Statistics
- Hedonism incorporates intrinsic motivation, including novelty, challenge, excitement, and pleasure (Schwartz et al., 2012), which is likely to predict user perception of e-learning enjoyment. (sciencedirect.com)
- E-learning is intended to enhance individual-level performance, and therefore intend to use of e-learning should be predicted by a learner's preference for self-enhancement (Veiga, Floyd, & Dechant, 2001). (sciencedirect.com)
- The UK sample was relatively balanced in terms of gender (56% male) compared to the Gambian group (77% male). (sciencedirect.com)
- India's PC market clocks 9.2% growth to 3.4 million units in the September quarter (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
External Links
How To
How has eLearning changed since its creation?
In the 1980s, the first e-learning courses appeared. These courses were created to assist adults in learning new computer skills. E-learning has evolved significantly since then. There are many kinds of e-learning nowadays. These include:
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Computer-Based Training (CBT) - CBT is usually short and involves using computers to deliver information.
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On-Demand (ODT), - ODT can be compared to CBT. However, the course is only available when it is necessary.
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Self-study - Self-study allows students to study on their own, without any assistance.
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Web-Based Training - WBT (Web-Based Training) is an eLearning option that allows students to do their learning online. While the tutor is unable to see what students are doing, they can track their progress using the system.
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Video Lectures - A video lecture is a recorded presentation that can be viewed on screen or television.
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Online Tutorials-These tutorials provide step-by, detailed instructions on how certain tasks can be performed.
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Interactive Whiteboard - An interactive whiteboard is like a normal whiteboard except that it has touch-sensitive areas which allow users to interact directly with the image displayed on the board.
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Simulations - Simulations are computer-based games that involve role-playing. Students will be able to act out possible scenarios during their job.
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Games – Games are computer-based exercises that aim to improve problem-solving skills.
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Collaborative Learning – Collaborative learning encourages students to work together.
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Problem Solving: This is a type e-learning which aims to help students develop critical thinking skills.
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Virtual Environments are 3D representations of real-world objects. In this example, it would be the 3D model a building.
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Social Networking - Social networking is a way of communicating with others via the internet.
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Mobile Learning – Mobile learning is a form of eLearning which can be done while you are on the road.