According to Maltz et al (2005), the term ‘e-learning’ is applied from different perspectives, including distributed learning, online-distance learning, as well as hybrid learning. E-learning, according to OECD (2005) is defined as the use of information and communication technologies in diverse processes of education to support and enhance learning in institutions of higher education and includes the usage of information and communication technology as a complement to traditional classrooms, online learning or mixing the two modes. Also according to Wentling et al (2000), the term e-learning refers to the attainment and use of knowledge that is predominantly facilitated and distributed by electronic means. To them, e-learning depends on computers and networks, but it is likely it will progress into systems comprising a variety of channels such as wireless and satellite, and technologies such as cellular phones (Wentling et al., 2000). In their literature review on definitions for e-learning, Liu and Wang (2009) found that the features of the e- learning process are chiefly centered on the internet; global sharing and learning resources; information broadcasts and knowledge flow by way of network courses, and lastly flexibility of learning as a computer-generated environment for learning is created to overcome issues of distance and time (Liu and Wang, 2009). Gotschall (2000) argues that the concept of e-learning is proposed based on distance learning, thus a transmission of lectures to distant locations by way of video presentations. Liu and Wang (2009) however claim that the progression of communications technologies, particularly the internet, did transform distance learning into e-learning.
Liaw and Huang (2003) defined e-learning based on the summaries of its characteristics. In the first place, they propose a multimedia environment. Secondly, they incorporate several kinds of information. Thirdly e-learning systems support collaborative communication, whereby users have total control over their situations of learning. In the fourth place, e-learning support networks for accessing information. And fifth, e-learning allows for the systems to be implemented freely on various kinds of computer operating systems. According to Tao et al (2006), this new environment for learning that is centered on electronic networks has allowed learners in universities to receive individualized support and also to have learning schedules that are more suitable to them as well as separate from other learners. This facilitates a higher interaction and collaboration level between instructors or teachers and peers than traditional environments for learning. E-learning in academics which is characterized by the use of multimedia constructs made the process of learning more active, interesting, and enjoyable (Liaw et al, 2007). The main constructs that have made e-learning the most promising educational technology according to Hammer and Champy (2001) and Liaw et al (2007) include service, cost, quality, and speed. E-learning can empower students at higher educational levels to acquire their education while at the same time pursuing their objectives as well as maintaining their careers, with no need to be subjected to rigid schedules (Borstorff and Lowe. 2007). Kartha (2006) in support of this thought reported that the number of courses online has vividly increased as a result of the attained benefits for both learners and universities.
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Advantages of E-learning:-
- Extendibility, Accessibility, and Suitability - Users can proceed through a training program at their own pace and their place. They can also access the training at any time, receiving only as much as they need. In other words, “just in time and just enough.'
- Quicker (and cheaper) turnaround of the finished product.
- Collaborative and exploratory learning environments.
- Easy and affordable training delivery - Chances are (and you’ll want to access this before embarking on WBT) your audience has access to a browser. Validate what browser(s) your audience has and what version(s) and you can capitalize on the delivery vehicle.
- Cross Platform - WBT can be accessed by web browsing software on any platform: windows, MAC, Unix, etc. You can deliver your training course to any machine over the Internet or company intranet without having to develop a different course for each unique platform.
- Inexpensive worldwide distribution - No separate or distinct distribution mechanism is needed (i.e., distributing CD-ROMs for CBT training). WBT can be accessed from any computer anywhere in the world while at the same time keeping delivery costs down.
- Reduced technical support - Web-based training courses decrease some of the more “potent and deadly” technical support issues that often enshroud technology-based training.
- Ease of content update - The changes you make to any of your content are immediately available to your learning audience across the world.
- Installation options on private networks for security or greater bandwidth. If you opt for intranet delivery, you have more control over plug-ins and bandwidth, giving you more options for inclusion in your WBT.
- Travel cost and time savings - Learning is delivered directly to the learner instead of the other way around.
- Web browsers and Internet connections are widely available - Most computer users have access to a browser, such as IE4 or Netscape, and are connected to a company's intranet, and/or have access to the Internet.
- WBT-based development is easier to learn and pick up than CBT-based development. You should be able to draw from a larger pool of WBT developers than is available for creating traditional CBT.
- Vast, untapped market for training - The untapped WBT market is still large. If you’re looking for commercial markets, the Internet also offers a huge audience hungry for material via the Net.
- Access is controllable - You can direct and monitor who receives web training - when, how many times, and in what sequence.
- Billing options - You can bill— and collect on that bill— through Net distribution, billing by user ID, number of accesses, date/time of access, or any other means by which you want to assess usage.
- Direct access to many other training resources - The Internet gives access to the largest library in the world. Capitalize on the offerings that have already been created, and use them to enhance the learning you are distributing.
Disadvantages of E-learning:-
- Limited formatting of content in current browsers - The WBT you create will not resemble the CBT you might be familiar with because of Net bandwidth constraints. So if your content relies on a lot of media “bells and whistles,” or particular formatting, the Net might not be the best delivery medium.
- Bandwidth/browser limitations may restrict instructional methodologies - Again, you are constrained by the technology. If your content relies on a lot of video, audio, or intense graphics, and your audience isn’t on a T1 line, Net delivery will only frustrate your learners.
- Limited bandwidth means slower performance for sound, video, and large graphics. Know the bandwidth available to your audience— and what’s reasonable “wait” time for them— before you commit to the Net. On average, most mobile end-users are still running on a 28.8 Gbps connection.
- Someone must provide web server access, control usage, and bills if applicable – The Net does not magically solve all of your resource issues. Plan on having someone oversee some of these issues.
- Time required for downloading applications - Again, be very, very aware of download times— and we still recommend looking at delivery options considering a 28.8 kbps modem if you are delivering training to an external audience or over the Internet. Your training might be great, but if your audience isn’t patient enough to wait for it to download, it doesn’t matter.
- Student assessment and feedback are limited - The Internet provides a wonderful means to get all kinds of information back and forth to your audience, but it also makes it harder to assess some types of student feedback and information.
- Many, if not most, of today's web-based training programs are too static, with little if any interactivity - This is probably due to the bandwidth limitation, but if we deliver poor, page-turning training, we can’t expect stellar results from our learners.
- Cannot design and develop robust multimedia courses - The bandwidth limitations of the Net constrain what can be delivered effectively.
- Are computers replacing human contact? - The Net is not right for all training. (10) Newness - It may take longer to design and develop WBT courses, the first time around. Because of its recent emergence in the training arena, new technologies always require time, experience, and money to take full advantage of their capabilities. The great thing, however, is you’ll learn new skills and knowledge with each new course.
- Web-based training has high fixed costs - Some people assume that since you don’t need a CD-ROM drive, you have no additional costs. Not so. You must consider doing a pilot before proceeding further into the WBT game. Validate what works well, when, and at what it costs.
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