E-learning: Definition (continued)

The term e-learning refers to any training or learning that is done with an LMS application, or that is computer based.

Learning management is a term used to define strategies that are developed to help achieve learning outcomes. A learning management system (LMS) provides the necessary tools for managing, creating, scheduling, training, or learning in an organization.

E-learning: Definition
E-learning is essentially the computer and network- enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be selfpaced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and .audio

Abbreviations like CBT .,)Computer-Based Training(

Abbreviations like CBT-Based ( or WBT have been )Web-Based Training .,)Training used as synonyms to e-learning. Today one can still find these terms being used, along with variations of e-learning such as e learning, E-learning, and e-Learning. The terms will be utilized throughout to indicate their validity under the broader terminology of E-learning

Benefits of E-learning

Benefits of E-learning with an LMS

Reduced costs associated with training fees, travel and accommodation expenses for workshop or course trainers, and lost employee work .time E-learning training can more effectively and actively engage the .student and produce better test results and higher rates of retention Larger numbers of employees can receive training in shorter periods of .time Reduced administrative hassle for course registration, and course .content, resulting in further reduced costs

Benefits of E-learning

Through online courses, students can earn their diplomas more quickly, or repeat failed courses without the embarrassment of being in a class with younger students. Students also have access to an incredible variety of enrichment courses in online learning, and can participate in internships, sports, or work and still graduate with their class.

Benefits of E-learning
General English classes designed to give experienced EFL teachers autonomy over the methodology use

To motivate learners & keep them focused, Communicative use of English is recommended

The e-learning environment

A learning object (LO) in a virtual learning environment is usually defined as any entity, digital or non-digital that may be used for learning, education or learning. It is also called as web-based interactive chunks or parts of eLearning courseware designed to explain a stand-alone learning objective. In an eLearning environment a digitized entity can be used, reused or referenced many times during the learning process [1].

Terminology used in education with IT

CALL Computer Assisted Language Learning CAI Computer Assisted Instruction ICALL Intelligent Computer Assisted Language Learning CELL Computer Enhanced Language Learning TELL Technology Enhanced Language Learning E-learning =Web based instruction Blended learning combines computer mediated instruction with face-to-face

Approaches to e-learning services

E-learning services have evolved since computers were first used in education. There is a trend to move towards blended learning services, where computer-based activities are integrated with practical or classroom-based .situations

Approaches to e-learning services

Different types or forms of e-learning can be considered as a continuum, from no e-learning, i.e. no use of computers and/or the Internet for teaching and learning, through classroom aids, such as making classroom lecture PowerPoint slides available to students through a course ,web site or learning management system, to laptop programs, where students are required to bring laptops to class and use them as part of a face-to-face class, to hybrid learning, where classroom time is reduced but not eliminated, with more time devoted to online learning, through to fully online learning, which is a .form of distance education

the status of e-learning refers to web enhanced, web ][, supplemented and web dependent to reflect increasing intensity of technology use. In the Bates and Poole continuum, 'blended learning' can cover classroom aids, laptops and hybrid learning, while 'distributed learning' can incorporate either hybrid or fully .online learning

Learning management system (LMS) and Learning content management system (LCMS
Learning management system : LMS) is software used for delivering, tracking and managing training/education. LMSs range from systems for managing training/educational records to software for distributing courses over the Internet .and offering features for online collaboration LCMS) is ( learning content management system A software for authoring, editing and indexing elearning content (courses, reusable content objects). An LCMS may be solely dedicated to producing and publishing content that is hosted on an LMS, or it can host the content itself. .

A LMS allows for teachers and administrators to track attendance, time on task, and student progress. LMS also allows for not only teachers and administrators to track these variables but parents and students as well. Parents can log on to the LMS to track grades. Students log on to the LMS to submit homework and to access the course syllabus .and lessons

The Blackboard Learning System

The Blackboard Learning System is a Web-based server software platform. Features include course management, a customizable open architecture, and a scalable design that allows for integration with student information systems and authentication protocols. It may be installed on local servers or hosted by Blackboard ASP Solutions. Its main purposes are to add online elements to courses traditionally delivered face-to-face and to develop completely online courses with few or no face-to-face .meetings

The Blackboard Learning System

Communication

Announcements: Professors and teachers may post announcements for students to read. These can be found under the announcement tab, or can be made to pop-up when a student accesses Blackboard. Chat: This function allows those students who are online to chat in real time with other students in their class section. Discussions: This feature allows students and professors to create a discussion thread and reply to ones already created. Mail: Blackboard mail allows students and teachers to send mail to one another. This feature supports mass emailing to students .in a course

Course content
Course content: This feature allows teachers to post article, assignments, videos etc. Calendar: Teachers can use this function to post due dates for assignments and tests. Learning modules: This feature is often used for strictly online classes. It allows professors to post different lessons for students to access. Assessments: This tab allows professors to post quizzes and exams and allows students to access them anywhere there is an internet connection. Assignments: This features allows for assignments to be posted and for students to be able to submit assignments online Grade Book: Teachers and professors may post grades on Blackboard for students to view. Media Library: Videos and other media may be posted under .this function

Moodle System
Moodle has several features considered typical of an e-learning platform, plus some original innovations Moodle is very similar to a .][)(like its filtering system learning management system. Moodle can be used in many types of environments such as in education, .training and development, and business settings Developers can extend Moodle's modular construction by creating plugins for specific new functionality. Moodle's infrastructure supports many :types plug-ins:

Moodle System
activities (including word and math )games resource types question types (multiple choice, true )and false, fill in the blank, etc data field types (for the database )activity graphical themes

Moodle System
authentication methods (can require )username and password accessibility enrollment methods content filters

- ATutor Management System (LCMS

ATutor is used in various contexts, including online course for teachers, continuing professional development ,management The software is ]1[.career development, and academic research cited as unique for its accessibility features, (useful to visuallyimpaired and disabled learners); and for its suitability for educational use according to software evaluation criteria established by The American Society for Training and ATutor is used internationally and ]3[]2[.)Development (ASTD has been translated into over fifteen languages with support for over forty additional language modules currently under ]5[ ]4[.development

ATutor learning management system

A Tutor is an Open Source Web-based Learning Management System (LMS), designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind. Author interoperable e-learning content, provides social networking, and adheres to standards.

Accessibility features
Two, of many, accessibility features in the system are text alternatives for all visual elements, and keyboard access to all elements of the program. With these features, a blind person can listen to the entire interface of the system with the help of a screen reader, and he or she can access the system without needing a mouse. These features also allow ATutor to adapt to a wide variety of technologies including cell phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), and ]13[.text-based Web browsers, to name a few .

Accessibility features
ATutor includes a content authoring tool that prompts content developers to create accessible learning materials. Such prompts encourage authors to add a text alternatives if they forget to include one when adding an image, for instance. The authoring tool also includes a Web service that evaluates the accessibility of authored content against various international standards. In addition to creating accessible content, the tool is itself accessible, allowing a blind user to create content themselves

Technology issues
Communication technologies are generally categorized as Asynchronous or synchronous Asynchronous activities such as blogs, . discussion boards and ,wikis.

Technology issues
The idea here is that participants may engage in the exchange of ideas or information without dependency of other participants involvement at the same time . Electronic mail (Email) can can be asynchronous in that mail be sent or received without having both the participants involvement at the . same time

Technology issues
Asynchronous learning also gives students the ability to work at their own pace. This is particularly beneficial for students who have health problems. They have the opportunity to complete their work in a low stress environment.

Technology issues
or more participants during the same period of time. A face to face discussion is an .example of synchronous communications Synchronous activities occur with all participants joining in at once, as with an online chat session or a virtual classroom or .meeting.

Synchronous activities involve more than one

Technology issues
Virtual classrooms and meetings can often use a mix of communication technologies. Participants in a virtual classroom use icons called emoticons to communicate feelings and responses to questions or statements

Other communication technologies available in a virtual classroom include text notes, microphone rights, and breakout sessions. Breakout sessions allow the participants to work collaboratively in a small group setting .to accomplish a task

asynchronous online courses

In asynchronous online courses, students proceed at their own pace. If they need to listen to a lecture a second time, or think about a question for awhile, they may do so without fearing that they will hold back the rest of the class. Through online courses, students can earn their diplomas more quickly, or repeat failed courses without the embarrassment of being in a class with younger students. Students also have access to an incredible variety of enrichment courses in online learning, and can participate in internships, sports, or work and still graduate with their class.

but can also be used distance learning is naturally suited to E-learning in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in which case the term is commonly used. E-Learning pioneer Bernard Luskin Blended learning argues that the "E" must be understood to have broad meaning if eLearning is to be effective. Luskin says that the "e" should be interpreted to mean exciting, energetic, enthusiastic, emotional, extended, excellent, and educational in addition to "electronic" that is a traditional national interpretation. This broader interpretation allows for media psychology 21st century applications and brings learning and ]citation needed[.into the equation especially, the increasing tendency is to create a higher education In VLE) (which is sometimes combined with ( Virtual Learning Environment Managed to create a )Management Information System (MIS a in which all aspects of a course are handled )Learning Environment through a consistent user interface standard throughout the institution

The Blended learning approach

The Blended learning approach for English combines compute mediated instruction with face-to-face instruction within a complimentary theoretical and pedagogic framework without negatively affecting language acquisition rates

The Blended learning approach

Blended Approach

multimedia computer provides optimal input practice activities classroom provides the human element where the language models come to life and are extended in a social context

Course Planning & Syllabus Design

The creation of an e-course requires: Needs analysis Situation analysis Planning goals and learning outcomes Course planning and syllabus design

Course Planning & Syllabus Design

Requirements Deciding whether the target group is mono linguistic or not. Deciding the Daily use of English
Deciding the Attitude of management

Assessment of Language ability Assessment of mandatory language tuition Availability of computers Existing processes in place for language learning

Course Planning & Syllabus Design

Planning goals and learning outcomes

Structure of the course provides inbuilt goals Time set for advancement from one level to another 3 month period Within this time frame smaller forth nightly goals are set Progress on CALL program measure by:

Course Planning & Syllabus Design

Use of speech recognition Playback of voice Use of text Comprehension score Mastery test score Completion time Classroom assessment includes: Teacher assessment Academic progress Attendance Time keeping Work completion rate

Course Planning & Syllabus Design

Difficulties dictated by: Theoretical underpinning of the e-course program Low boredom thresholds associated with computer instruction High drop out rates Lack of interaction with native speakers Lack of monitoring within the e-course program

Blended Approach

General English classes designed to give experienced EFL teachers autonomy over the methodology use However scope & sequence of the language are set by the e- course program To motivate learners & keep them focused,communicative use of English is recommended This helpes further personalize the language To give validity to this - these classes are delivered by former EFL experts who are trained in EFL To Give students time to practice communicative English and interact with Subject Matter Experts (SME)

Subject Matter Experts (SME)

Careful consideration given to this Use of SME twofold Help design language lessons with an authentic English Provide an interface for the learners with native speaking peers Interaction with SMEs carefully spaced Intervals of four weeks Reason increases motivation in general English classes SME lessons designed to provide communicative framework for the instruction of standard phraseology Our belief is standard phraseology is imparted to the studens by those who have used it in a real setting