NEETHU D

Commerce

Reg. No. 19014303009

Mount Tabor Training College

Pathanapuram

ONLINE LEARNING

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INTRODUCTION

We live in the era of Information Technology. We have to learn where we

are? Andequip us suitable to the changing scenarios. „Learning that is

supported by information and communication technologies (ICT) is the new

technology. Online-learning is, notlimited to „digital literacy‟ (the acquisition of

IT competence) but may encompass multiple formats and hybrid

methodologies, in particular, the use of software, Internet, CD-ROM, online

learning or any other electronic or interactive media.‟

Online Learning is defined as all forms of electronic supported learning

and teaching,which are procedural in character and aim to effect the

construction of knowledge withreference to individual experience, practice and

knowledge of the learner. Information and communication systems, whether

networked or not, serve as specific media to implement thelearning process.

Online learning is essentially the computer and network enabled transfer

of skills andknowledge. E-learning refers to using electronic applications and

processes to learn. E learning applications and processes include Web-based

learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration.

Content is delivered via the Internetintranet/extranet, audio or video tape,

satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It is used by the educational Institutions to enhance

and support the class room teaching and offering course to a larger population

of learners across the Globe. It can be self-paced or instructor led and includes

media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.

Online learning is a product of modern technological advancements.it

provide a wide range of opportunities to the learner and give a new meaning to

the process of learning. It envisages the scope of learning.

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ONLINE LEARNING

Online learning is a process of learning with the assistance of the internet

and allied online facilities. The term online learning is often used

interchangeable with e- learning. In other words, online learning is a way of

studying for an internationally recognised qualification without needing to

attend classes on campus. The most important benefit of online learning is that,

it can span time and distance

Online learning is a computer based educational tool or system that

enables you to learn anywhere and at any time. Today e-learning is mostly

delivered though the internet, although in the past it was delivered using a blend

of computer-based methods like CD-ROM.

Technology has advanced so much that the geographical gap is bridged

with the use of tools that make you feel as if you are inside the classroom. E-

learning offers the ability to share material in all kinds of formats such as

videos, slideshows, word documents and PDFs. Conducting webinars (live

online classes) and communicating with professors via chat and message forums

is also an option available to users.

Online learning provides the learners with the ability to fit learning

around their lifestyles, effectively allowing even the busiest person to further a

career and gain new qualifications.

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The history of e-learning

The term “e-learning” has only been in existence since 1999, when the

word was first utilized at a CBT systems seminar. Other words also began to

spring up in search of an accurate description such as “online learning” and

“virtual learning”. However, the principles behind e-learning have been well

documented throughout history, and there is even evidence which suggests that

early forms of e-learning existed as far back as the 19th century.

Online learning today

With the introduction of the computer and internet in the late 20th

century, e-learning tools and delivery methods expanded. The first MAC in the

1980′s enabled individuals to have computers in their homes, making it easier

for them to learn about particular subjects and develop certain skill sets. Then,

in the following decade, virtual learning environments began to truly thrive,

with people gaining access to a wealth of online information and e-learning

opportunities.

By the early 90s several schools had been set up that delivered courses online

only, making the most of the internet and bringing education to people who

wouldn't previously have been able to attend a college due to geographical or

time constraints. Technological advancements also helped educational

establishments reduce the costs of distance learning, a saving that would also be

passed on to the students - helping bring education to a wider audience.

In the 2000′s, businesses began using e-learning to train their employees. New

and experienced workers alike now had the opportunity to improve upon their

industry knowledge base and expand their skill sets. At home individuals were

granted access to programs that offered them the ability to earn online degrees

and enrich their lives through expanded knowledge.

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TOOLS OF ONLINE LEARNING

Email

o Every teacher should have an e-mail account

o Communicate with students

o Communicate with parents

o Students can submit assignment

o Can have attachments

o Create a paperless environment

o Simple but effective

o Efficient and cost effective

Chat

o Synchronous communication tool

o Communicate with students

o Communicate with parents

o More students participate

o Collaborative learning

Online forums

o Teacher can create discussion groups

o Teacher could post a question and request students to comment

o Students can post their comments

o Can encourage community participation

o Collaborative learning can be fostered

o Feedback from diverse culture

Web

o Wide range of materials available

o Teacher will need to narrow down

o It is a resource Centre

o Sharing of resources

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o Supported by images, audio, simulation and multimedia

Management systems

o Management of content

o Tracking students

o Administrative features

o Integration with various tools such as chat, forum, e-mail, etc.

o Reporting

Video conferences

o Can conduct a live lecture

o Communication with students

o Communication with parents

o Support by audio, chat and whiteboard

o Support sharing of applications

o Can be recorded and later be used for on demand lectures

ELEMENTS OF ONLINE LEARNING

Text: The alphabet, words, sentences, paragraphs. Text processing refers

to the ability to manipulate words, lines, and pages.

Pictures/images: A picture or image is data represented in a two-

dimensional scene

Animations: An animation is a simulation of movement created by

displaying a series of pictures, or frames.A cartoon on television is one

example of animation.

Audio: Audio is sound within the acoustic range available to humans. On

a computer an audio file is a record of captured sound that can be played

back.

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Video: Video refers to displaying still images, in such a high speed that

our mind interpreters the sequence of images as a movement.

BENEFITS OF ONLINE LEARNING

1. No Boundaries, No Restrictions-Online learning facilitates learning

without having to organize when and where everyone who is interested

in a course can be present.

2. It is economical in nature, because it reduces material cost, travel and

accommodation

3. It is convenient in nature as it is provided on demand

4. It is more flexible

5. It is available at anywhere, at any time

6. It attracts learners through different learning opportunities and activities

DRAWBACKS OF ONLINE LEARNING

1. Though online learning offers ease, flexibility and the ability to remotely

access a classroom in the student‟s own time, learners may feel a sense of

isolation. That means it is a solo act.

2. Online learning requires the use of a computer and other such devices;

this means that eyestrain, bad posture and other physical problems may

affect the learner.When running an online course it‟s a good practice to

send out guidelines about correct sitting posture, desk height, and

recommendations for regular breaks

BLENDED LEARNING

Blended learning is a combination of offline (face-to-face, traditional

learning) and online learning in a way that the one compliments the other.

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It provides individuals with the opportunity to enjoy the best of both

worlds. For example, a student might attend classes in a real-world

classroom setting, and then supplement the lesson plan by completing

online multimedia coursework. As such, the student would only have to

physically attend class once a week and would be free to go at their own

pace.Blended learning is often also referred to as “hybrid” learning, and

can take on a variety of forms in online education environment.

ONLINE LEARNING SYSTEMS

Learning management system

Learning management system is software that deploys, manages,

tracks and reports on interaction between learner & content and between

learner & instructor. In particular, LMS performs student registration,

tracks learner progress, records test scores, and indicates course

completions and finally it allows trainers to assess the performance of

their learners.

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Main features of an LMS:

o Registration - enroll and administer learners online for web-based,

instructor-led, and all other learning activities.

o Scheduling - schedule courses and define curricula to address

individual and organizational learning needs. Also off-line

resources can be included (classrooms, books, coaches etc.).

o Delivery - deliver online courses and assessments or schedule

instructor-led courses.

o Tracking - track the progress of the learners and create reports.

o Communication - communicate by chat, discussion forum, mail,

screensharing and e-seminars.

o Testing - test and assess competency, learning styles and student

committee

General requirements for LMS system

o Support of different possibilities of learning.

o Integration of solution in the context of IS firm.

o Wide administration range.

o Compatibility with standards.

o The support of the applications of the other suppliers.

o Possibility of using new technologies so called mobile

communication.

o An access thanks web client.

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LMS consists of three basic type application

applications for learning (documents, examples)

testing applications (test, checking of tests)

support applications (notepad, discussion forum, chat)

IMS (Instructional Management System)

The IMS (Instructional Management System) Global Learning

Consortium is developing and promoting open specifications (no

standards) for facilitating online distributed learning activities such as

locating and using educational content, tracking learner progress,

reporting learner performance, and exchanging student records between

administrative systems.

IMS has two key goals:

Defining the technical standards for interoperability of applications

and services in distributed learning

Supporting the incorporation of IMS specifications into products

and services worldwide. IMS promotes widespread adoption of

specifications that will allow distributed learning environments and

content from multiple authors to work together.

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CONCLUSION

Online learning is one of the fastest growing trends in educational users

of technology.Online learning is the internet enabled learning. The use of

internet technologies to deliver a broad array of solutions that enhances

knowledge and performance. Here the traditional classroom has to be

transformed. Now internet has started to reshape our education system. In

online learning the process of learning is one to one which means it is

individualised in nature. E learning is changing and we will see new models,

new technologies and designs emerge. So, let‟s drop the “e” or at least give it a

new wider definition.

Online learning has become popular because of its potential for

providingmore flexible access to content and instruction at any time, fromany

place. Frequently, the motivation for online learning programs entails,

increasing the availability of learning experiences for learnerswho cannot or

choose not to attend traditional face-to-face offerings, assembling and

disseminating instructional content more cost-efficiently,and/or providing

access to qualified instructors to learners in placeswhere such instructors are not

available. Online learning advocates arguefurther that additional reasons for

embracing this medium of instructioninclude current technology‟s support of a

degree of interactivity, socialnetworking, collaboration, and reflection that can

enhance learning relativeto normal classroom conditions

Thus online learning offers a new idea to the field of teaching. that is, we

must teach tomorrow‟s skills today

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REFERENCE

Retrieved from http://www.elearningindustry.com dated on 23-10-2015

Retrieved from http://www.frostburg.edu.orgdated on 23-10-2015

Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/blended_learning dated on 23-

10-2015

Retrieved from http://www.study.com/academy dated on 23- 10-2015

Retrieved fromhttp://www.slideshare.net/IASLonline/elearning-project-

9665683?next_slideshow=1 dated on 23-10- 2015

Retrieved fromhttp://www.english.heacademy.ac.uk/explore dated on

23-10-2015