Elearning Definition: What is It?

/in /by

Elearning Definition: What is It?

Let’s begin with the definition of e-learning. Also known as Online Learning or Online Education, E-Learning is any course or training that uses digital tools (software and hardware). There are many types of e-learning, including:

  • Live one-on-one and online group lessons by teachers using videoconferencing tools
  • Students can listen to podcasts or watch prerecorded lectures.
  • Apps that teach a skill, such as a foreign language, to learners
  • Schools are introducing blended learning platforms, which allow students to take tests online and submit assignments online.

E-learning can be used to power both synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences.

  • Synchronouslearning refers to any online activity that takes place live. This could be, for example, a Zoom seminar or lecture that is taught in real-time.
  • Students can access synchronous learning online at any time. Two good examples are pre-recorded videos lessons and interactive learning game.

Is elearning the exact same as distant learning? Although the terms are often interchangeable, there is one important difference.

eLearning allows students and teachers to use digital tools in person classes. They are not physically present in distance learning. Instead, they use digital tools to cross that distance.

Global e-learning is estimated to be worth $315 billion. Its growth was accelerated by the lockdowns imposed by the pandemic. For example, approximately three-quarters of U.S. students enrolled in at minimum one online course in fall 2020. This is a 97% increase year-over-year.

E-learning is here to stay. Is online education good for you? Let’s answer that question by examining the advantages and disadvantages of online education.

Pros & Cons of Online Learning

Let’s not get into too much detail before we discuss the pros and cons to online learning. Online students won’t be able to list the exact same things as their professors.

Online learning may not be the right fit for everyone. However, some students find it to be a great option. It all depends on how autonomous they are, what learning methods they prefer, and what environment they require.

Let’s now look at the benefits and drawbacks of online school classes.

6 Benefits of Online Education

Online learning has many benefits. They are convenient, allow students to access higher education, and help them save time.

Here are six benefits that online education can offer students in terms of practicality.

They are Convenient

Online education’s main advantage is convenience.

Students can usually take courses online at their own pace. After all, learning material can be accessed from any location and at any time. Students can have a flexible work schedule, balance their personal and professional lives, and even get a job while studying.

Online learning can be accessed from multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops. Learners can access online materials and participate in interactive activities while on the move (while they commute).

It’s Easier To Participate in

Online education is as easy as a tap or click. Students can access course content anytime and anywhere they want, including online.

They have greater control over what they learn. They can, for example, choose to read course materials, watch videos or chat with other students.

Virtual classrooms don’t require social interaction. Students with social anxiety may find this a huge benefit.

All of this combined makes it easy to see why online learning is a popular option for college students.

They Make Education Easier to Access

Another benefit of online classes is that online learning makes higher education more accessible.

One, an online degree can be more affordable and takes less time than enrolling in an in person program. These degrees are increasingly being recognized by employers when students include their online education in a resume.

Online courses are accessible to anyone, no matter where they live. Online students don’t need to travel to another city in order to take traditional classes. Students with disabilities don’t need to be restricted to accessible campuses.

They are more time-efficient and flexible

Even students with full-time jobs or busy schedules can still learn at their own pace. Online education allows learners to take control of their learning.

Online students have the option to choose when they are most productive, or when they simply have the time.

Online classes are convenient because students don’t need to travel or dress up to attend. Online programs are also more efficient in terms of time.

They Facilitate Access To Resources

To paraphrase a popular expression, e-learning means that the world of knowledge is your oyster. Online education is different from traditional classrooms. There are no textbooks or printing services that limit students and teachers.

Educators have the freedom to add learning materials to any topic they choose, and to cater to students who are interested in it more deeply.

Students can then choose from many formats and delivery methods. This allows students to choose the learning style and materials that are most appropriate for them.

They Boost Creative Teaching

This is an obvious advantage of online learning but it’s a significant one.

There are some limitations to teaching in a virtual classroom. Teachers are forced to think outside the box in order to foster learning and transfer knowledge to students.

Education institutions must also consider different learning styles and preferences. When creating special education programs online students, they must remember that some people prefer reading and quizzes. Others learn better by watching videos or playing video games.

4 Advantages Online Class Comes with

There are downsides to online courses. Online courses require self-discipline, self-motivation and a lot of self-discipline. Collaboration is also more difficult than in traditional classroom settings. They rely heavily upon technology.

Let’s look closer at the four drawbacks of online classes.

It Takes More Work to Focus

Online students who lack self-discipline, focus and discipline may have trouble making the most of eLearning platforms.

It’s understandable. Students who take online classes from home or while on the move have to deal with far more distractions than they would in a classroom. It takes a lot of willpower and motivation to learn at their own pace.

This is why online students are more likely to need college paper assistance than traditional students.

They Make Collaboration More Tough

Online education is often criticized for its lack of collaboration. It canbe a serious threat to learners who need to interact with others and collaborate to learn effectively.

If people are trying to talk over each other, it can make it difficult to collaborate on a Zoom project. This lacks the spirit and engagement of in-person teamwork. Collaboration is often limited to email, messages and tools such as Trello or Google Docs.

Online programs make communication between students and teachers more difficult. It can be difficult for students to ask questions in live online courses. Talking to educators in person can also prove to be very difficult.

They rely on technology working smoothly

Online learning requires an internet connection. If the student is not able to get broadband internet access, it can be difficult to watch video lessons or take Zoom classes.

Online class attendance can also be characterized as dependent on devices.

Imagine that you are an online student. Imagine your laptop suddenly going down and that you have to meet a deadline. To avoid failing your online class, you may not have any other option but to use a dissertation-writing service.

They Require Certain Computer Literacy Skills

For the technically-skilled, this may not seem to be a problem. However, the quality of an online learning experience depends on both the digital skills of the learner as well as the educator.

You’ve probably been in an online class that was taught by someone who is not tech-savvy and you’re familiar with how frustrating it can be to be there. This can make online classes a waste of your time.

This can also be a barrier to education if you are the only one who doesn’t know how to use computers.

Tools of E Learning

E-learning can include a variety of digital tools such as quiz platforms, language learning apps, videoconferencing tools, and learning management system.

All tools for elearning can be divided into four different categories. Let’s take a look at each one.

Communication tools

Communication is vital, whether you want to contact a research writer or your teacher. Communication tools are essential in online courses, which is why all e-learning platforms offer them.

Two goals can be achieved with communication tools

  • Encourage teamwork and build a sense community among learners by encouraging collaboration
  • Facilitating student-teacher exchanges

These are just a few examples from communication tools that can be used for online learning.

  • Chats and forums online;
  • Zoom and Skype are videoconferencing apps.
  • Instant messaging apps such as Slack and Discord, including email and instant messaging.

Learning Management Systems

Learning management software is the software that allows teachers to easily create, upload and manage online courses. These systems allow for the delivery of online courses and tracking learners’ progress.

These are the five main features of any LMS.

  • Teachers and learners can use social learning and communication tools;
  • Analytics and reporting for tracking individual and group progress
  • Course management allows you to create online courses, enroll students, set deadlines and much more.
  • Video conferencing and virtual classrooms
  • Gamified learning activities and quizzes

Some educational institutions use a custom LMS to manage their online courses and programs. Some others use the standard off-the-shelf systems that dominate the eLearning industry, such:

  • Coursera;
  • Khan Academy
  • Udemy;
  • Udacity;
  • EdX.

Digital Learning Games

Gamification improves student engagement, motivation, and retention of knowledge. How? It’s fun and easy to play games, which draws in learners and helps them be more attentive.

It’s easy to see why gamified learning is so important for any e-learning platform.

These are just a few games that you can use in online programs.

  • Funbrain;
  • Prodigy Math Game
  • Kahoot! ;
  • Duolingo;
  • Quizlet.

Online Learning Materials

This is the “miscellaneous” category of e-learning software. This category includes materials that do not fit within the above categories. These are not standalone apps. They are educational content that students can use for distance learning.

These contents can be delivered in a variety of formats such as:

  • Videos;
  • Reading materials (articles and e-books), etc. );
  • Activity notebooks and workbooks;
  • Printables.

PBS Kids and Sesame Street are good examples of online learning material for children. These can be topic-specific YouTube channels or prerecorded videos lectures (e.g. MIT OpenCourseware) and websites such as Open Culture.

5 Studying online tips

Online learning has its benefits, but it also comes with some challenges. Online learning requires students to be in control of their learning process. This can prove difficult for some.

These five tips will help you succeed in online courses.

Stay Laser-Focused

Many factors can affect your ability to focus. You can concentrate on your physical needs (hungry students who are sleepy or tired are less productive), your mood and the environment.

There is no magic trick that can make you laser-focused in e-learning. Think back to the times when you were most focused. What are they in common? Which is easier to focus on?

Your answers will help you develop the right habits. You can focus if you choose the right playlist. Make it a habit to listen to your headphones while studying. If you prefer to learn in the late evening, schedule your study sessions accordingly.

Polish Your Digital Skills

Do you not want a lack of digital skills to stop your online education?

They won’t be difficult to learn as you have probably used a smartphone and a laptop since childhood. It’s still worth looking into if you have the digital skills to learn online.

These skills include:

  • Effectively using online learning tools
  • Online collaboration and building relationships;
  • It is important to have the right online security and data security habits
  • Troubleshooting common hardware and software issues

You should prepare time to learn about any new tools you will need for your online classes.

Search for the Right Study Space

You don’t have access to a classroom to tell your brain it’s time for study so you will need to locate an online study space. This space should only be used to study.

You can use your study space as a living room, library, or coworking space. Before you decide on it, ensure it is:

  • It is quiet and comfortable.
  • Spacious enough;
  • You will be able to connect to the internet with confidence
  • Clean and tidy.

Avoid Common Distractions

This advice is often found on online study tips lists. By definition, distractions can interrupt your concentration. To be a productive learner, it is important to keep your eyes open for distractions.

These are three tips that will help you avoid common distractions.

  • Place your phone where you won’t be able to see it, and if possible, remove your smartwatch.
  • If you find it difficult to resist opening YouTube or any other website that isn’t related to your studies, install an impulse-blocker on your computer.
  • To drown out the sound, put on noise-canceling headphones

Where can you turn for help

Reach out to other students if you are unable to manage online learning. Talk about your difficulties with your teacher and fellow students. You can also use a’write essays for me service.

Online education is good or bad? It all depends on whether you are a learner, or an educator.

Online learning is possible if you as a student can stay focused and motivated. Your students will be more productive learners if you as an educator can foster collaboration and engagement in spite of the limitations of virtual learning.