by Dennis Zammit
(William Rainey Harper 1885)
What is E-Learning?
The term E-Learning may sound a new buzz word but the concept its self has been around for decades as the quote above shows. E-Learning is a catch-all term that incorporates a wide variety of instructional material that can be delivered using a range of ICT methods such as CD-ROM, Software Applications, Web Based training and other electronic devices.
It knows its origins to Computer Based Training (CBT) and today it has developed into a widely used tool in both business and academic spheres. E-Learning includes text, video, audio, animation and virtual environments to enhance the learning and teaching experience.
E-Learning has four main categories:
Knowledge databases
This is the most basic forms of e-learning, though strictly speaking not considered as training or teaching. These databases contain instructions, explanations and guidance for specific software or how to perform specific tasks on a computer system. Their interactivity is not very high, where the user types in a word or phrase and the database returns the explanation or meaning
Online Support
This can also be considered as e-learning. Online support can be in the form of forums, chat rooms, bulletin boards, e-mails or instant messaging support. It is a little bit more interactive and specific than knowledge databases
Asynchronous training
This is the kind of e-learning traditionally known. It uses CD-Roms, Networks, Internet or Intranet systems. User has the advantage of learning at his/her own pace.
Synchronous training
Synchronous training is real-time learning, involving an instructor to facilitate learning. Students can communicate with their instructor and with each other. Whole courses can be conducted using this method from a single lecture to University Degrees. This is also called distance learning, a method where geographic and travel barriers are lifted.
E-Learning is a medium for delivering learning and like any other medium used, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
E-Learning vs. Classrooms
Inevitably the debate of which is the most effective system between e-learning and the traditional classroom is always present when discussing education. However more than which is the most effective one has to focus more on the use of the appropriate format according to the learning objectives, circumstances and budget. They are not mutually exclusive and the amalgamation of both may prove to be the most effective.
How does E-Learning enhance learning?
For learning to take place there must be attention, and thus for effective teaching to take place, teaching has to attract and retain the students' attention. Unfortunately the neural system in our brain, which controls our concentration gets tired very quickly but recovers very quickly as well. Thus they need a shift until they recover again and can retain more information. Besides for more effective learning to take place, teaching should include interaction, imagery and if possible immediate feedback. E-Learning can incorporate many of the above mentioned elements. E-learning provides a variety of content such as sounds, images, text and movies which helps more in the retention of material. It creates interaction that engages attention by means of quizzes or games which creates more interest in the user and once again helps more the retention of data. When we do rather than simply read or listen we retain the information more and the concept of learning by doing is put into practice. The user gets immediate feedback which helps the user understand more the misunderstood areas and correct them immediately. If no feedback is given, the user's next step may be building upon incorrect ideas.
Above all it is motivating and being motivated to learn is half the battle.
E-learning creates more interest and curiosity in learning. Motivation in e-learning does not simply comes from the fact that it incorporates images, sounds, feedback and challenges but also from the fact that the learner is able to go through the course anytime, anywhere, or almost, and thus eliminate the problems of difficult time scheduling and traveling for lectures, though not may be so applicable in the case of Malta.
Learning takes place according to the learner's pace, with all the advantages this implicates. This is one of the main advantages and things that makes e-learning so effective.
Apart from academic advantages mentioned above, there are other factors which add value to e-learning. Flexibility and financial considerations are very much considered in today's world and e-learning affects both. Both students and companies sponsoring their employees can benefit from cost cutting by eliminating transport and lodging fees especially when attending courses abroad.
Challenges and Disadvantages
The biggest pitfall in e-learning is to think that it is the only way to go forward in education and that the above mentioned advantages and strengths will work out the miracle. One has to be fully aware of the realities and dis-advantages which e-learning pose.
One must not forget that e-learning tends to isolate students from each other and from the teacher and thus a lot of the human element, which is absolutely important in teaching, is lost.
It's also imperative to keep in mind that there are students which are more oriented towards verbal expression may find it harder in an e-environment. We can't forget people who are not I.T. oriented or tend to get easily frustrated using technology.
Though in the previous section financial benefits were mentioned, it must not be forgotten that to develop a proper e-learning course a good capital expenditure is needed.
The table below shows some myths and realities.
Myth |
Reality |
| Available at anytime | It is only available when proper technology is available |
| The use of images, sounds, animations and other tools. | True only if there is enough bandwidth and over use might have the reverse effect. |
| E-learning increases participation and immediate feedback | Only if the e-learning material is developed as it should be. |
