E-Learning: What, Why, How

What is E-Learning?

E-learning is by simple definition, learning with the use of technology, more commonly the Internet and computers. When the traditional learning process (where books and classrooms are the delivery norms) is supported or replaced by technology, then the term “e-learning” can be used instead of just learning in general.

We at Rezzen like to look at e-learning as a new way to learn (and to teach). It is not a big leap into the unknown but a progression, even evolution, of the way we learn into a smarter more efficient platform. This change is a reflection of the technological progress we are experiencing that is brought into the ways we learn, and this is vital to keep up with the changing needs of today and tomorrow.

E-learning could be the “wave of the future”, it is an eventuality that e-learning adoption will be widespread and universal. This is why Rezzen is a strong proponent of blended e-learning, where e-learning is utilized together with existing traditional learning modes as we slowly grow into full-scale e-learning adoption.

E-learning is reshaping how we learn and teach and making it not just more effective and efficient, but also more accessible to many more people. It is a learning process that crosses all boundaries and it will allow education to be a truly global component.

Why E-Learning?

E-learning is the next big thing in learning. It won’t be difficult to see how e-learning is gradually seeping into the learning process for almost everything from classrooms to degree programs and corporate training. We have listed the top 5 reasons why we think e-learning is the way to go.

1. Effectiveness

If e-learning isn’t effective, it wouldn’t be of much use. The key to any good learning process is how effective it is. To gauge effectiveness, traditional learning depends on exams and/or periodic assessments as a guide. With e-learning however, you can have assessments ongoing with tests as many times as you please (no papers to set nor to mark), continuous tracking of learner activity, and the ability to ‘teach’ to individuals rather than a class, all contributing to increased effectiveness in acquiring knowledge.

2. Up-to-date

One key drawback of traditional learning is that the dispersion of new knowledge or the update of old ones require vast knowledge dissemination, large reprinting of materials and sometimes retraining of teachers. With e-learning, both teachers and learners have access to the most up-to-date knowledge content at all times without the costs and difficulty in dispersion and updating of resource materials.

3. Accessibility

E-learning is accessible by everyone the world over. Whether it’s delivered via the Internet or on CD-ROM’s, digital knowledge knows no boundaries. With e-learning, you can have a teacher-led class via virtual conferencing. Global accessibility also means you have a learner base that is not geographically limited. The possibilities are endless and the results truly rewarding.

4. Affordable

Do not be misled into thinking that e-learning is expensive. Depending on the technology adopted, e-learning costs are usually reasonable, more so when you take into account the potential returns on investment. The bulk of the costs however will lie with the provider. From the learner’s point of view, in most cases, the only hardware you need (and even this could be provided for) is a personal computer with Internet access. Also, you don’t normally need printed materials like expensive books, no need to attend class, one virtual conference with just 1 teacher can reach thousands of learners, and exams can be designed, delivered and marked with the computer.

5. Customisable

E-learning can be designed for the individual. It can be delivered to the masses yet still be customized to suit individual needs. Customization can be done at all learning levels and the depth of it will depend on the technology used. A class of twenty may be learning just one subject, but during the learning process, everyone in the class could have their learning process paced to their needs and understanding.

How does E-Learning work?

No two e-learning approaches are similar and neither are the technologies. New technology and approaches are constantly being introduced and existing solutions are constantly revised and modified. The key component of how an e-learning solutions works will be the delivery and we have listed the main modes below:

Internet

The Internet is the most popular and the most functional delivery medium for e-learning. Outside of global accessibility, better technology has made the Internet affordable, easily accessible, and increasingly able to sustain higher bandwidths for added multimedia elements like video and virtual conferencing. It also has by nature of the medium, a host of community features like chatrooms, bulletin boards and emails as well as a vast array of resources.

E-learning that is delivered online usually has an access portal for learners to log in with their unique user profiles. They then have access to the learning areas of the portal for viewing their courses, taking assessments, and submitting assignments. Community features allow for interaction between the teacher and other learners as well.

E-learning content that is delivered online can range from very simple text-only content to multimedia intensive narrated videos. Online delivered e-learning however may be hampered when Internet access is erratic and unstable.

Intranet/ Network

An Intranet or a local network is an ideal platform for e-learning delivery when the infrastructure and delivery model permits. Situations such as lab-based learning and inter-corporation training makes Intranet based e-learning an excellent model for e-learning delivery.

Very similar to the Internet model, the key differences will be that the Intranet model resides in a closed network and experiences higher more stable bandwidths that can allow more multimedia rich features. An Intranet network can also benefit from most other Internet based features and when Internet connection exists, an Intranet system can ride on the best of both networks.

One key drawback of the Intranet will be that unlike the Internet, users can only have access to the Intranet within a limited location, usually within 1 building or a lab.

Portable Storage Media

E-learning can also be delivered statically via portable storage media particularly CD-ROM’s. This medium of delivery is useful for instructional and video rich e-learning which requires very little user interactivity. Portable storage medium are also easily transportable making learning possible wherever a computer is available without requiring an Internet connection.
Portable storage media does not usually allow communication between peers or with facilitators and will not be easily update. Merging this media with Internet connectivity can resolve such issues.

Supporting E-Learning

E-learning can be supported in a myriad of ways, conventional or otherwise. We specialize in blended learning where e-learning and conventional learning comes together. Depending on the learning goals, we can target learners and provide access to required technology, we merge e-learning with face-to-face sessions, study guides, resource materials and etc.

New Technologies

New technologies will make e-learning increasingly portable true to the any time anywhere concept. Among the key areas will be wireless networking on a metropolitan scale, mobile technologies such as WAP and SMS, and also better Internet connectivity across a wider user spectrum.