Essay Example on E-Learning: An Interactive, Online Learning Method

Introduction

E-learning can be defined as the type of learning that is usually carried out via electronic media or the internet. It is an online learning method whereby an individual uses electronic technology to acquire education. It is different from conventional learning in that the course is usually conveyed purely on the online platforms and therefore the learner does not have to engage directly with his or her professor. However, it is interactive learning since the student can be able to communicate directly with the lecturer through the use of electronic devices like the laptops or desktop computers and it can also be done live (Nguyen, 2015). The success of e-learning is usually determined by how individuals are motivated to study through the use of the internet.

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Five (5) significant developments in e-Learning over the past ten (10) years.

First, quick service delivery: the mode of content delivery has significantly been impacted by technology. For instance, there was a development of the personal web in 2009 which enhanced the tremendous use of mobile technology like the tablets and smartphones during online lecturers. This enabled various people to prefer using mobiles to access online education since they are more flexible in terms of transport as compared to desktop computers. Second, advancement in technology: there are significant changes which have happened in the technology sector over the last ten years. There has been a gradual established of new technology trends now, and then some of which are still there and others have already been replaced by more advanced ones. The impact of mobile technology is one of the significant changes in e-learning in the past ten years( Rice, & Gregor, 2016).

Third, creativity and innovation: technology advancement have promoted creativity in various ways in which individuals can access online education or deliver different learning materials via the internet. Forth, online learning: development of online learning has opened more opportunities for various individuals to access online training from any place around the globe. Fifth, research enhancement: over the past ten years, there has been an advancement in research data preservation. For instance, the gesture-based computing and social software standard have enabled students to quickly access their courses via the online platform. Other developments which have impacted students include; 3D virtual assistant, flipped classrooms and learning analytics (Arkorful, & Abaidoo, 2015).

At least three primary benefits of providing and offering high-quality online training, courses, and programs to employees and learners in businesses, K-12 schools, or institutions of higher education.

First, increased productivity: for employees, online training leads to increased production of at their place of work which in turn increase the earnings and profits in their organizations. This can motivate their employers to reward them in various ways like promotions or increased wages. As for the learners, this training can enhance their use of information technology to helps them to access online learning materials with ease as well improve their communication skills ( Clark, & Mayer, 2016). Second, a final word: online training acts as a saver for individual and organizational costs; this is because most of the certification courses came with very high price tags as compared to online learning which is often free. It is the best investment an institution or a business can make for itself. Third, professional and ethical development: the employees are enabled to deliver quality works and duties this is because they keep up with the latest professional and business trends.

At least three primary reasons some businesses, K-12 schools, or institutions of higher education are hesitant or choose not to offer fully online courses and programs.

First, poor internet connection: having slow internet connections is one of the reasons for resistance to adopting e-learning. This is because it can be very detrimental to the institutions and businesses hence affecting their productivity, it can also affect learning in higher education and k-12 schools because accessing the information will be very slow as compared to the traditional forms of learning ( Clark, & Mayer, 2016). Second, technicalities in managing online programs: problems such as electricity shortages lead to distractions during learning. Some institutions and businesses may not have the proper network adapters; hence they tend to be hesitant in choosing online programs. Third, lack of motivation: most institutions associate online programs and courses with loneliness and isolation, even though they have the desire to gain the knowledge they do not want the boredom that comes with it since it leads to decreased motivation.

Predict the extent to which e-Learning will replace the traditional face-to-face learning in K-12 and higher educational settings.

The traditional form of learning will significantly be replaced by e-learning. This is because of it a flexible method of learning which is free from the restrictions of time and place associated with traditional learning. The student can access the information he or she wants from any location at any time without having to worry about been late and skipping lecturers as long as you can do your assignment before the deadline. It also makes education to be accessible to anyone interested in learning and offers a wide range of information like videos with the necessary information needed by the students (Nguyen, 2015).

At least three ways technology will be needed to support and sustain the e-Learning process.

First, technology will provide digital models and simulations: this will enable students to quickly grasp a concept since it will offer a helping hand to lecturers who sometimes face challenges in explaining an idea directly to their students. Second, technology will provide a wide range of research for the students which help them save the time of going to libraries to search for a pile of books to get the needed information for projects and assignments. Third, technology offers effective assessment methods through software in which the lectures can give and receive an assessment from the students, and this will enable the teachers always to be updated with all the necessary records(Kearns, 2016).

References

Arkorful, V., & Abaidoo, N. (2015). The role of e-learning, advantages, and disadvantages of its adoption in higher education. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 12(1), 29-42.Retrieved from http://itdl.org/Journal/Jan_15/Jan15.pdf#page=33

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. John Wiley & Sons.

Kearns, S. K. (2016). E-learning in aviation. Routledge.

Nguyen, T. (2015). The effectiveness of online learning: Beyond no significant difference and future horizons. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 11(2), 309-319.Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/Vol11no2/Nguyen_0615.pdf

Rice, S., & Gregor, M. N. (Eds.). (2016). E-Learning and the Academic Library: Essays on Innovative Initiatives. McFarland.