The E-learning designer’s handbook -A practical guide to the e-learning development process for e-learning designers’ by Tim Slade

 

‘The E-learning designer’s handbook -A practical guide to the e-learning development process for e-learning designers’ by Tim Slade

Chapter: 2 what is e-learning?

E-learning is primarily based on using computers and the Internet, though instruction can also take place in or outside of formal classroom settings. The delivery of education to many recipients at once or at various times is known as e-learning, which is also known as a network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. For example, if you learn something by watching a YouTube video, that’s an example of e-learning. E-Learning as any learning experience that takes place on digital devices, such as: computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or some other device.

What Are the Different Types of E-learning?

E-learning is one of the ways of teaching learning platform where teacher deliver the content using different kind of online materials. There two types of E-Learning which are given below:

v  Synchronous or asynchronous: group or individual learning at a same time or different time. Unlike traditional modalities teacher from any place link students on online at a time. And students can see recorded class too. Synchronous e learning includes live webinar with polls, chat, breakout rooms, Web conference etc. it begs the active participation with synchronization. As the class starts as a webinar, chat it needs some sort of synchronization which flows in a certain pace. Whereas, asynchronous E-learning includes Interactive scenario, System simulation, Virtual / augmented reality, Interactive video, Online discussion board and Animated explainer video, Screen recording, Podcast  Online article or blog and so on. It does not need synchronization.

v  E-learning can be interactive or passive: provides forum for discussion online. It is like students sitting in classroom. Apart from that, students can learn by looking at recorded videos blog without interacting with tutor.

E-learning is the demand of this time as we are in the age of globalization. Nowadays people are busy enough in their own work. There is no time allotment to visit academic institution or universities, so there is necessity of E-Learning. The benefits of the E-Learning may be listed as:

{  E-learning can be distributed globally.

{  E-learning is available when the learner needs it.

{  E-learning can offer a consistent learning experience and message.

{  E-learning can track learner progress.

{  E-learning can save time and money.

E-learning is convenient for all because of its nature and availability. It can be accessed by remaining elsewhere. In case of tutor teaching from America and learning from Nepal, learning is possible by ICT means. Through Google teams or zooms virtually. It can be accessed anytime when the host launch the meeting or in recorded videos. It provides the regularity to attend the class through online means. E-Learning facilitates learners learn progressively. Tutor is able to ask question about the previously held classes. It can save time and money because it can be accessed remaining at home, no necessity to visit academic institution corporally. If so then how the eLearning is developed? The question is crystal clear. For the commemoration of class it needs many equipment that may be tangible objects and intangible objects like software.

Designing eLearning is like building a home. We see raw materials like sand, stone, iron rod, concrete, cement and many more things, but does it look fancy itself without assembling it orderly? No it is not much easier, for e learning there is intense necessity of software, application, hardware and equipment like computer, laptop, and camera and so on. How many chat rooms to be included in eLearning are to be fixed? The chat rooms can be formed as per necessity as home contains different rooms for guest assembling, kitchen, bedroom etc.

So what’s the difference between design and development?

Collecting and organizing your content is design however development is development of the complete, learner-ready course. Research can be done in different phases like ADDIE and SAM. Analyze, develop, design, implement and evaluate are the processes included in ADDIE however SAM includes start, analyze and end. It is fast track model.

The ICT means is not easy as physical classes running. It is vast and it needs many things to complete the process. Though it tries to transmit the information easily it needs trainings and skills to conduct the ICT classes. In overall in 21^st century the eLearning is more effective because of busy lifestyle.