ICT in Language Learning

E-Learning


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What is e-learning?

E-learning (also called electronic learning) is any type of learning that takes place through or with a computer. E-learning is primarily facilitated through the Internet but can also be accomplished with CD-ROMs and DVDs, streaming audio or video and other media. The purpose of e-learning is to allow people to learn for personal accomplishment or to earn a professional degree, without physically attending a traditional university or academic setting. E-learning can be applied for all levels of schooling from grade school to graduate degrees, and is versatile enough to accommodate all learning styles.

There is a plethora of different e-learning systems (otherwise known as Learning Management Systems, or LMSs for short). LSM is a global term for a computer system specifically developed for managing online courses, distributing course materials and allowing collaboration between students and teachers. A LMS will allow you to manage every aspect of a course, from the registration of students to the storing of test results, as well as allowing you to accept assignments digitally and keep in touch with your students. LMSs are built on various platforms, commonly PHP, .Net or Java and they will hook up to a database such as PostgreSQL, MySQL or SQL Server. There are many LMSs out there, both commercial and open source.

Technologies used in e-learning

E-learning makes use of many technologies. Communication technologies are also widely used in e-learning. Starting with the use of email and instant messaging, message forums and social networks, we see a plethora of tools that any internet user would use in any case. There are also some technologies that work in a complementary manner to other software and enable new features, for example software that adds a whiteboard on your video conferencing tool to allow you or your peers to make changes on other people’s work for review, or screen-sharing which allows someone to make a presentation while still making comments and giving input using the microphone.

The benefits of online learning

1. No Boundaries, No Restrictions

2. More Flexible

3. Mobile

4. No Travel

5. Technological Possibilities

6. Global

7. More Fun

8. Cost Effective

9. It Just Fits!

The drawbacks of online learning

1. Isolation

2. Health Related Concerns

3. Lack of Control

4. Learning Approach

5. Technology Issues

6. Computer Competency

How to make e-learning effective

An effective course takes a good deal of time, hard work, and a commitment to high quality content. Here are some tips that can help you create a highly effective e-learning course regardless of the material or curriculum:

1. Know your subject material well!

2. Online courses provided should appeal to all learning styles

3. Facilitate Contact

4. Platform should be easy to navigate and fully functional

5. Course documents should be available to every student enrolled

6. Set and communicate clear goals

E-Learning Trends

1. Blended learning

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Blended learning is a combination of offline (face-to-face, traditional learning) and online learning in a way that the one compliments the other. It provides individuals with the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds. Blended learning is often also referred to as “hybrid” learning, and can take on a variety of forms in online education environments. Tools and platforms that complement blended learning include LMSs and mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.

2. Social and collaborative learning

Collaborative learning is an e-learning approach where students are able to socially interact with other students, as well as instructors. It is based upon the principle that students can enrich their learning experiences by interacting with others and benefiting from one another's strengths. In collaborative learning situations, students are responsible for one another's actions and tasks which encourages teamwork as well.

3. Gamification

Gamification is the use of game-based mechanics, aesthetics and game thinking to engage people, motivate action, promote learning and solve problems. Basically it's the use of gaming technology to solve problems outside of the games sector.

4. Micro-learning

Micro-learning involves learning in smaller steps, and goes hand-in-hand with traditional e-learning. Activities that are micro-learning based usually feature short term lessons, projects, or coursework that is designed to provide the student with ‘bits’ of information.

5. Video learning

Faster internet connections and the increasing use of mobile phones and tablets with video capabilities means that using video in the e-learning process has become commonplace. Video brings a whole new dimension to teaching methods. It also helps to add a feeling of personalization to a course. A video of the tutor giving a lecture helps the students to feel a connection, to put a face to a name.

6. Rapid e-learning

Rapid e-learning is generally used to describe the pace at which an e-learning course is developed.

7. Personalization and e-learning

Personalized Learning is the tailoring of pedagogy, curriculum and learning environments to meet the needs and learning styles of individual learners. Personalization is broader than just individualization or differentiation in that it affords the learner a degree of choice about what is learned, when it is learned and how it is learned.

8. Continuous learning

On a personal level, continuous learning is about the constant expansion of skills and skill-sets through learning and increasing knowledge.

E-learning tools and applications

1. MuchEnough - Use your Webcam to Teach and Learn

MuchEnough is an online marketplace and meeting place for online instruction in any topic.

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2. Sympoz - Lifelong Learning Evolved
Sympoz offers a truly great educational experience online. Courses cover a wide range of topics including: Wine, Cooking, Personal Finance, Parenting.

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3. CapAlly - The Student Loan Marketplace

CapAlly has created a way for individuals, corporations, and educational institutions to invest in a student's future through a peer-to-peer micro-finance investment opportunity.

Source : http://site_screenshot.pressabout.us/t/336x280/27deab4ae83dbbf816da16553c2f2e1c423fb5d0.jpg?uri=capally.com

4. GradeGuru - Note Sharing for Students

GradeGuru is a free knowledge sharing network where college students can share their study materials, engage in collaborative learning and get peer-feedback while building their online academic profiles for internships and career opportunities.