Evolution of information technology has given rise to new ways of imparting education, particularly Distance Learning, which can now be effectively enriched with computer communication technology. E-learning is basically distance learning augmented by computer communication technology. It is more effective distance learning anywhere, anytime. This new mode of learning also addresses the issue of interaction with instructor. The participants in e-learning can become a part and get the feel of a virtual classroom, where interaction with instructor and other participants is possible
Issues in e-learning
In order to understand the pros and cons of e-learning solutions, one needs to grasp the various aspects in traditional class room learning, which even today is the most effective way of learning. Once these issues are understood, one can see how these are being addressed in an e-learning solution which is being examined for adopting in the organization.
The issues involved in instructor based classroom education are listed as follows
Content Preparation Contents: Home Work Preparation Lecture delivery Delivery Student presentation Contents (Lecture, HW) Access Teacher Peer/group Between Students :: Synchronous (class, lab, telephone) :: Asynchronous (voice mail, e-mail) Interaction Between Faculty & Students :: Synchronous (class, office, lab) :: Asynchronous (voice mail, e- mail) Exams Assessment /Feedback Home Work Individual and group presentations Course information Registration Administrative Issues Assistance Library Resources
In the above list, access to teachers, peer group and interaction among them, which play an important role in the learning process are the challenges for the e-learning solution providers
Spectrum of e-learning solutions
E-learning solutions form a wide spectrum as discussed below
Self learning material: On one side, we have instructional material on CDs or retrievable through the web. The learning is totally driven by the participant.
Instructor led e-learning: Next, we have instructor driven e-learning; where the material / exercises are delivered through the web, lecture by lecture. The student browses through the material and submits the exercises for review by the instructor. Query by students of the virtual classroom are addressed by the instructor in offline mode and are visible to the entire virtual class.
On-line learning: On the other extreme, we have a virtual classroom having online session with the instructor through satellite based broadcast. The student can receive the broadcast online using DirectPC kind of equipment or other broadband medium. The student screen shows the slides as well as the instructor video in a window. The instructor can pose a yes / no question to the class, which the students can answer; the cumulative answer is immediately available to the instructor. Students can raise hands (logically) for asking on line questions. After permission from the instructor, the student can speak out the question which can then be addressed by the instructor. Questions can also be asked using e-mail, which can be compiled by the instructor assistant, and then addressed by the instructor.
E-learning Materials
E-learning material is available at a variety of levels. At the simplest level, it could be purely text oriented. The concepts are presented as text pages, which are followed by quiz to test the understanding of the learner. Next level could use product screen dumps to provide look of the product in various usage conditions. More advanced products provide a look and feel of the product to the learner. The learner is demonstrated a certain feature, and then asked to perform a simple task using the product interface. The latter provides a more effective learning experience.
Just in Time E-learning
E-learning material is organized in terms of skillets, i.e. a simple well defined skill is taught / learnt at a time. After learning the basic skills, one can start using the product. Advanced features can be learnt as and when required. Thus the need to learn all the advanced features at a time is not present. Moreover whatever is learnt, if not used, tends to be forgotten. Thus the effort spent in acquiring knowledge which cannot be immediately applied in work environment is lost. Just in time learning makes it possible to learn the required skills as and when needed. In most training programmes, which are time bound in nature (3-5 days), one is only able to gain awareness and introductory skills. The chance to learn advanced features is rare and hence usage of products remains at a low level. Possibility of learning new features as and when needed, makes it possible to upgrade one's skill on a continuous basis.
Changed Role of the Instructor :
It has been realized that in product based learning, much of the time is spent in learning the various features / aspects of the product, for which effective guidance can be provided by e-learning material. The instructor's time can thus be devoted to conceptual level input and problem discussions, reducing the demand on instructor's time.
Learning Management System (LMS):
E-learning environment in an organization or training institution providing this mode of learning requires management of the entire e-learning process. LMS should support registration of participants for various modules, keep track of sub-modules covered, quiz results etc. E-learning supporting instructor led learning, should also support delivery of modules, exercises, submission of solutions and questions and answers in virtual class mode. It should also support integration of third party e-learning material etc.
Blended e-learning solution for organisations
In an organization, e-learning solution has to be identified after studying the training requirements, ICT and other training infrastructure available and the scale of training needed. No single e-learning product can satisfy the requirements of all. E-learning solution has to be properly blended with classroom education / training.
E-learning Limitations:
Self learning has several disadvantages. Learning is left entirely to the initiative of the individual.The success of learning thus depends on the motivational level of the learner. Remote instructor involvement or monitoring of some kind or time bound registration etc can bring some level of discipline required for effective learning. Social impact of peer group in learning and personal development is also lacking.
Not all aspects of training can be covered using e-learning techniques. For examples, disciplines which required development of sensory/motor skills, like in machine operations, surgical operations etc cannot be taught using e-learning techniques. However, e-learning can help in reducing the time required on campus for practical experiments and hence the demand on the physical resources; as the academic part can be pre-delivered through the e-learning mechanism.
E-learning Status in India:
E-learning has made inroads in India. E-learning solutions are being offered by various training institutions. Several multinational products are also available through Indian tie-ups. Many organizations have opted for e-learning solutions to meet their corporate training needs.
E-learning in Govt.:
The users trained in NIC in 3-5 days training get an introductory exposure to variety of office automation products, but do not get much time to practice. E-learning CDs of these products can be prepared / acquired from outside sources and provided to the participants for later re-learning or self learning of more advanced features. Instructor lectures can be video recorded and broadcast through satellite as per pre-announced time schedule, which can be received at user locations for instructional guidance of the trainees followed by the use of e-learning material.
E-learning at NIC:
The training requirement of NIC professionals is quite large i.e around 2 weeks of training per year for each technical personnel which is required for learning at least 2 products in a year. This scale of training need can be best met by a blend of class room training at NIC HQ, a few selected state level training facilities and e-learning solutions. E-learning products are in the process of being identified to promote distance e-learning. Live satellite broadcast of technical seminars; video recording for later transmission and conversion to e-learning materials etc. are also being implemented.