Types of Learning

e-Learning is nothing but the use of technology to connect teachers and students who are physically miles apart. The training can be delivered by a number of means. In the past, these have included the use of mainframe computers, floppy diskettes, multimedia CD-ROMs, and interactive videodisks. Most recently, Web technology (both Internet and Intranet delivery) are being used.Future trends are looking at training delivered on PDA's and cell phones. This new, form of education is called, m-Learning or mobile learning.It is especially useful for organizations that operate from multiple offices and require a training solution that connects people at all locations, at any time and provides a standardized set of instructions and e-Learning to foster ‘enterprise transformation’ and enhance ROI. This could mean helping executives in gaining new competencies, launching new products or services or enhancing skill sets. The additional revenue generated or the return on investment (ROI) is used as the metric to measure the success of e-Learning in such organizations.Different types of e- LearningThere are fundamentally two types of e-Learning:Synchronous trainingAsynchronous training. Synchronous, means "at the same time," involves interaction of participants with an instructor via the Web in real time. For example – VCRs or Virtual class rooms that are nothing else but real classrooms online. Participants interact with each other and instructors through instant messaging, chat, audio and video conferencing etc and what’s more all the sessions can be recorded and played back. Its benefits are:Ability to log or track learning activities. Continuous monitoring and correction is possiblePossibilities of global connectivity and collaboration opportunities among learners. Ability to personalise the training for each learner. Asynchronous, which means "not at the same time," allows the participants to complete the WBT (Web-based training) at their own pace, without live interaction with the instructor. Basically, it is information that is accessible on a self-help basis, 24/7. The advantage is that this kind of e-Learning offers the learners the information they need whenever they need it. It also has interaction amongst participants through message boards, bulletin boards and discussion forums. These include computer based training,(CBTs) modules on CD-Rom’s, Web based training accessed through intranet (WBTs) or through well written articles and other write ups. Its advantages are:-Available 'just in time' for instant learning and reference. Flexibility of access from anywhere at anytime. Ability to simultaneously reach an unlimited number of employees. Uniformity of content and one time cost of production.A new form of learning known as blended learning is emerging. As the name suggests it is an amalgamation of synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. Using both online training through virtual classrooms and also giving CD’s and study material for self study is now being increasingly preferred over any single type of training.What form of e-Learning is right for me?Asynchronous methods are used in different situations, mainly whenThe topics are generic business topics like management training, financial training, or time management etc that are not specific to a certain organisation or process. In such cases, asynchronuous training is useful and cost effective.Traditional e-Learning courses through pre-recorded CD's and write ups are used on projects with large budgetsand long lead times, like a major product release.Projects that need extensive simulations like industrial control systems; flight simulators etc are good candidates for asynchronous techniques where virtual classroon teaching is not required.Also, training which has a long shelf life - like an organisation's profile and introduction may be a good situation to use asynchronous e-Learning.Due to the high production cost of traditional e-Learning, ie making audio-visual content, CD's, Presentations etc, it is expensive to change content continually therefore it is best suited for training material that is static.Also, Process-based training is best handled through the asynchronouus method where the learner gets pre recorded study material that he studies at his own time and can post his queries to message boards, bulletin boards , discussion sited, seminars etcThe clear advantage of a self-paced course is convenience. Participants can get the training they need at any time allowing for a greater degree of flexibility.Synchronous e-Learning ( Virtual Classrooms)This type of e-Learning is essentially required in some cases where traditional methods will not deliver the desired goals, like:-Instructor-based online mentoring is best suited for students , who need concept –based training and help with their regular studies.There needs to a constant interaction between the teacher and taught to clear doubtsand make them understand comlplex concepts throuh examples and clarification of doubts.It is being successfully used in soft-skill training in interpersonal skills, diversity and teaching foreign languages.

E- Learning for Kids

E-Learning Vs Classroom Learning

E learning has been part and parcel of education and training in the western world for many years now. In recent times, since the Internet took the world by storm, online learning has become accessible to people in various parts of the world. Now e-learning has found its way into the educational system of developing nations as well. The advancement in technology and communication has made teaching and training possible anywhere, anytime.

This brings us to the question of how relevant traditional methods of teaching like classroom teaching are in the modern world. Will a teacher or a trainer eventually become dispensable? Will textbooks and other reference books cease to exist? Will there be no schools and colleges in future? Will e-learning companies replace traditional publishing companies?

Before we attempt to answer these questions, it is important to understand what it takes to make teaching or training effective? Whether it is traditional classroom instruction or e-learning, the key areas of designing a course and implementation remain the same.

How to bring about effective learning?

A systematic approach is mandatory to any type of instructional design. The major phases of Instructional Systems Development (ISD) are analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Walter Dick and Lou Carrey in their book ‘The Systematic Design of Instruction’ greatly advocate the systems approach model. “A system is technically a set of interrelated parts, all of which work together toward a defined goal. The parts of the system depend on each other for input and output, and the entire system uses feedback to determine if its desired goal has been reached.”

Let us take the simple example of an air conditioner in your home or office. It is made of many components that work together to produce either hot or cool air. The thermostat in an air conditioner acts as a feedback mechanism and once the desired temperature is reached the system shuts itself off. In the same way, the test administered at the end of the course is the feedback mechanism that helps the instructors to determine if the present method of teaching is effective or not.

(The Systematic Design of Instruction, (Fifth Edition), Walter Dick and Lou Carrey, Copyright Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2001)

Crossing the Classroom Boundaries

Classroom courses represent the type of learning called formal learning because the learning has stated objectives and is supposed to yield predetermined results.

Formal e-learning

Some forms of e-learning – online education and online training recreate the formal learning experience online.

Online education provides adults with limited literacy skills with a safe and patient place to develop basic skills such as reading and mathematical skills. Universities such as Phoenix University and San Diego State University offer online degree and certificate programs. Online training is also a structured event like online education. The only factor that separates online training from education is that the skills and knowledge taught via training are expected to be used immediately.

Informal e-learning

E-learning allows us to explore the potential of informal learning such as Knowledge Management and Electronic Performance Support.

Knowledge Management is basically recorded pieces of corporate information such as

1. policies, procedures and product information
2. documents, reports, presentations and proposals
3. expertise, often recorded in the form of documents like lessons learned, stories and case histories and online interaction with colleagues
4. and can also include online chats, discussions and symposia during which participants can exchange information not yet been recorded.

Electronic Performance Support (EPS) refers to a work environment on a computer in which performers receive assistance. EPS is used in providing information, training, coaching and monitoring needed for support to customers. (Designing E-learning, Saul Carliner, 2002)

Why companies prefer e-learning?

Web Based Training (WBT) is a viable option for many international companies over instructor-led training. Many companies, especially IT ones, prefer online training because they consider it cost and time effective as otherwise people have to meet half way across the world for training

On the other hand, classroom training is a very costly business venture, particularly for IT training courses. It requires a staff of highly paid instructors, fully equipped labs, and full-time staff to co-ordinate scheduling of students, instructors, and lab facilities. No-shows, students that don't show up for class, are very common. Printed course materials like textbooks and lab manuals are very expensive, often representing 10-30% of the course cost.

Loose ends in e-learning

E-learning is however not without its weaknesses. WBT places most of the responsibility for learning squarely on the shoulders of the student. Motivated learners do well with online training because it is a stimulating efficient alternative to classroom training, which is often perceived as a waste of time. Unmotivated students either never start or do not finish their online training course. High initial costs, lack of IT infrastructure, lack of adequate computer knowledge in students, little or lack of personal interaction with instructor and other participants are some of the weaknesses of e-learning.

Solution – the blended approach to learning

Many people still consider classroom training as one of the most effective training methods available. In blended learning the strengths of both classroom training and e-learning are utilized.

Blended learning

The ideal classroom experience should be preceded by successful completion of a web-based course of study to introduce the material so that everyone will be prepared for full participation and no one slows down the rest of the class. Some major corporations conduct part of their management education online. Participants are assigned to work groups online who meet for few hours for several weeks preceding a classroom course to familiarize themselves with the background and policies and work through cases of actual management problems.

The traditional classroom protocols should be abandoned in favor of activities that provide practical application of concepts learned through self-study. There should be very little or no lecture. Classroom time should be dedicated to organized case study, team problem solving, and labs that reinforce concepts learned through self-study.

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