Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Types of e- learning

Training in key business and professional skills in today’s competitive environment cannot be ignored if you want your employees to develop and help drive the growth of your company.

Types of e-learning

There are fundamentally two types of e-learning: synchronous training and asynchronous training.

Synchronous, means "at the same time," involves interaction of participants with an instructor via the Web in real time. Asynchronous, which means "not at the same time," allows the participant to complete the WBT at his own pace, without live interaction with the instructor. A new form of learning known as blended learning is emerging. As the name suggests it is an amalgamation of synchronous and asynchronous learning methods.

Asynchronous Methods.

Embedded learning Embedded learning is information that is accessible on a self-help basis, 24/7. It can be delivered to the place of work, or to mobile learners. Electronic performance support system (EPSS) is a type of embedded learning. The advantage is that embedded learning offers learners the information they need whenever they need it.

Courses The clear advantage of a self-paced course is convenience. Participants can get the training they need at any time. This can include just-in-time training where a participant gets exactly the training he or she needs to perform a task.

Discussion groups A discussion group is a gathering of conversations that occur over time. They are also called message boards, bulletin boards and discussion forums. Discussion groups can be used to support a group of participants taking the same class or can be used to support participants performing related tasks. A discussion group is a very competent way to supply expert answers to a large group people. A single answer to a common question can help many.

Synchronous Methods

Virtual classroom Virtual classroom duplicates the features of a real classroom online. Participants interact with each other and instructors online .instant messaging, chat, audio and video conferencing etc.

Blended Method Most companies prefer to use custom e-learning solutions of both synchronous and asynchronous e-learning methods according to their requirement.

Conclusion

All in all e- learning is here to stay and only you can decide the degree of involvement in e- learning your company may require and the best methods applicable to you and your employees

Friday, November 16, 2007

E-learning Via YouTube

E-learning Via YouTube


Just as blogging and other social software’s the YouTube phenomenon is casing a revolution amongst the web users. E-learning organizations especially are following YouTube with amazement and a certain amount of enchantment. YouTube's hundreds of thousands of video clips reveal many educational videos, from popular How To guides to K12 teacher groups focused on recorded lessons and instructional videos.


What is YouTube


YouTube is a video-sharing service that lets users upload files to YouTube servers, where they are available online. With the exception of content that is offensive or illegal, videos can be animations, footage of public events, personal recordings of friends—practically anything can be posted. YouTube ties into several popular blogging applications, giving users a quick way to blog about a particular video and include a link to it. Users can view profiles of individuals who have posted or commented on videos, see their favorite videos, and contact them.


YouTube is absolutely free, though people who want to post videos or comments must register with the site, creating a profile. Videos include tags, a category, and a brief description and can be public or restricted to members of specified contact lists. Several tools allow viewers to sort through videos to locate those of interest.


YouTube and E-learning


Watching and sharing videos, combined with the fact that the site is free, opens the experience of online video to a wide range of users. YouTube is finding a foothold in academics as well as in corporate trainings.


Many organizations are beginning to realize the power of Web audio and video to get their messages across to customers, members, investors, and employees. This includes training classes, executive speeches, product demonstrations, video news releases, shareholder meetings, and coverage of corporate events.


This social networking tool further engages users, drawing them in to an environment that encourages them to meet new people, read and share opinions, and be part of a community.


YouTube also draws users into the experience of viewing videos and engaging with the content as commentators and creators, activities that heighten students’ visual literacy.


Many educators believe that the act of creating content, in virtually any form is a valuable learning exercise, helping develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the tools used to create that content. It has the potential to expose students to new insights and skills, as well as link them to various online communities.


YouTube facilitates creation such as;



  • making content available

  • opportunities for experimentation with new media

  • opportunities for creative self-expression

  • engaging with content as creators and commentators

  • replacing passive learning with active participation

  • interactive sharing of ideas and opinions

  • heightening visual literacy


YouTube videos enrich lessons and bring lessons to students who are home sick, and capture the learner’s imaginations.


Conclusion



While YouTube huge library of videos isn't always educational, a smart usage can have a positive impact on the learners.