Ansari Mohammed Farhan Mohammed Sultan

Roll No. 49
Topic : E-learning, Web based learning

E-learning :E-learning is the use of electronic media, educational technology and

information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. E-learning is an
inclusive term that describes educational technology that electronically or
technologically supports learning and teaching. E-learning includes numerous
types of media that deliver text, audio, images, animation, and streaming video,
and includes technology applications and processes such as audio or video tape,
satellite TV, CD-ROM, and computer-based learning, as well as local
intranet/extranet and web-based learning. Information and communication
systems, whether free-standing or based on either local networks or the Internet
in networked learning, underly many e-learning processes.E-learning can occur in
or out of the classroom. It can be self-paced, asynchronous learning or may be
instructor-led, synchronous learning. E-learning is suited to distance learning and
flexible learning, but it can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching,
in which case the term blended learning is commonly used.
E-learning includes, and is broadly synonymous with multimedia learning,
technology-enhanced learning (TEL), computer-based instruction (CBI), computer
managed instruction, computer-based training (CBT), computer-assisted
instruction or computer-aided instruction (CAI), internet-based training (IBT),
flexible learning, web-based training (WBT), online education, virtual education,
virtual learning environments (VLE) (which are also called learning platforms), mlearning, and digital education. These alternative names individually emphasize a
particular digitization approach, component or delivery method, but conflate to
the broad domain of e-learning. For example, m-learning emphasizes mobility,
but is otherwise indistinguishable in principle from e-learning.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-learning
encyclopedia.html)

-Wikipedia,

the

free

Definition and scope of e-learning:In this report we have chosen the term e-learning (120 million hits13) to
signify all forms of technology-supported learning, such as distance learning,
online learning, online education, distance education, technology-enhanced
education, flexible learning, flexible education and IT-supported education. The
concept of e-learning is relevant both in distance education and campus-based
learning: E-learning is naturally suited to distance learning and flexible learning,
but can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in which case the
term blended learning is commonly used.
(http://www.hsv.se/download/18.8f0e4c9119e2b4a60c800028057/0811R.pdf
from the book E-learning quality Aspects and criteria for evaluation of e-learning
in higher education. Report 2008:11 R )

The Nature of E-Learning :Electronic learning, or e-learning, is education based on modern methods
of communication including the computer and its networks, various audio-visual
materials, search engines, electronic libraries, and websites, whether
accomplished in the classroom or at a distance. Generally speaking, this type of
education is delivered through the medium of the World Wide Web where the
educational institution makes its programs and materials available on a special
website in such a manner that students are able to make use of them and interact
with them with ease through closed or shared, networks, or the Internet, and
through use of e-mail and online discussion groups. The definition of e-learning
centers on its being a learning method and a technique for the presentation of
academic curricula via the Internet or any other electronic mediainclusive of
multimedia, compact discs, satellites, or other new education technologies. The
two parties participating in the educational process interact through these media
to achieve specific educational objectives.

(http://www.icde.org/filestore/Resources/Handbooks/eLearningAnd
DistanceEducation.pdf)

Features of E-Learning:-

Now the word E-learning has transcended the traditional definition of

education through internet only. The E-learning process is like an umbrella,
under which lots of things are arranged to make the global educational system
more uniform, cost-effective and quality-rich. Broadly speaking e-learning is a
process of training for all types of learner in their required fields through IT
Techniques. The E- learning process includes courses from technology to art of
living. There are a number of e-learning companies working around the world.
The scope and objective of e-learning for all theses companies vary and it largely
depends upon the types of service offered by the e-learning company. However,
to get a clear knowledge about the scope and objective of the E-learning process
we are going to discuss about some features of this process
1-Cost effectiveness
The E-learning process does not need more investment. This process is
beneficial both for personal and group learning. In corporate sectors, companies
need to invest lots of money to train their staffs with new technologies. Likely in
big institutions the cost of investment also increased in hiring professionals of
international repute. In this situation by following the e-learning process these
institutions can save their money significantly. People who want to take a
technical degree have to invest a large amount of money. However, by joining an
online course he/she can get a degree with a very small investment.
2-Time saving
The E-learning process saves the time of learner .Through e-learning
process a number of students can be learnt at the same time, what is not possible
in face to face learning process. There are lots of short term courses offered from
the E-learning companies. The learner has also the flexibility to design the
required course according own requirement. However, there are a number of
experts are working with these companies to develop user-friendly content.
3-Rich media support

The e-earning websites offers advance media support to their e learners.

These media applications are easy to operate and also come with full instructions.
Flexibility of using these applications in different context is another key feature of
e-learning modules. One of the media applications is Web Object feature of
Presenter which can help the user to incorporate different types of rich media
web content.
4-Test engine
These e-learning websites not only offer different courses but also offer
test engines to test the learners knowledge. These test engines are full with all
types of questions, which can help the learner to assess his/her own ability.
5- Accessibility
The e-learning process is highly accessible in nature. One can take the
benefit of these courses from any where. Once you get entry in an e-learning site
then you can access your courses content from any place and at any time. The
pace may be your office, your home or the near by cyber cafe.
Besides all these common features there are a number of other features
attached with this e-learning process. All most all e-learning sites and providers
come with novice friendly formats. The user can complete his/her course
through online study or through the CDS and cassettes available from the
websites.

(From http://www.e-learning.in/)

Educational Application of E-learning :-

E-Tutor Learning Management System :-

E-Tutor is an Open Source Web-based Learning Management System

(LMS) used to develop and deliver online courses. Administrators can install or
update E-Tutor in minutes, develop custom themes to give E-Tutor a new look,
and easily extend its functionality with feature modules. Educators can quickly
assemble, package, and redistribute Web-based instructional content, easily
import prepackaged content, and conduct their courses online. Students learn in
an accessible, adaptive, social learning environment.

(http://idrc.ocad.ca/index.php/research-and-development)
Flexibility, Accessibility, Convenience:Learners can proceed through a training program "at their own pace and at
their own place." They can also access the e-Learning course at any time, and only
as much as they need. This is also known as "Just in time and just enough."
Cross-platform Support :E-Learning courses are accessible by Web browsers on any platform:
Windows, Mac, UNIX, OS/2, Amiga, etc. You can deliver your training program to
any machine over the Internet or intranet without having to author a program
specifically for each platform.
Browsers and Internet Connections are Widely Available :Most computer users have access to a browser, such as Netscape or
Internet Explorer, and are connected to a company's intranet and/or have access
to the Internet.
Inexpensive Worldwide Distribution :No separate distribution mechanism is needed. E-Learning courses are
accessible from any computer anywhere in the world, which keeps delivery costs
low.
Ease of Updates :After the e-Learning course is released, any changes can be made on the
server hosting the program and everyone worldwide can instantly access the
update. Courses can be designed to access designated current information, such
as the latest new product specifications, from any other server worldwide for an
on-the-fly update whenever the e-Learning course is run.
Savings in Travel Cost and Time :There are no travel costs for bringing remote employees to a centralized
workshop because the Web is available from all desktops. According to some
analysts, the actual time required for training by computer averages about 50% to
that of instructor-led training, further saving money.

(http://home.teleport.com/%7Ejrab/index.html)