ELENI TSAROUCHA

ABOUT E-LEARNING

WHAT IS E-LEARNING?

• Electronic learning or E-learning is a general term used to refer to computer-enhanced learning. It is used interchangeably in so many contexts that it is critical to be clear what one means when one speaks of 'eLearning'.

HISTORY OF e-Learning

• Computer Based Learning, sometimes abbreviated CBL, refers to the use of computers as a key component of the educational environment. While this can refer to the use of computers in a classroom, the term more broadly refers to a structured environment in which computers are used for teaching purposes. The concept is generally seen as being distinct from the use of computers in ways where learning is at least a peripheral element of the experience (e.g. computer games and web browsing

history• The first general-purpose system for computer-assisted instruction

from which e-learning evolved, was the PLATO System developed at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.The Plato system evolved with the involvement of Control Data who created the first authoring software used to create learning content. The authoring software was called Plato. The Science Research Council then wrote the first CAI system of Math for K-6. Wicat Systems then created WISE as their authoring tool using Pascal and developed English and Math curriculum for K-6. The very first complete CAI classroom for K-6 students was set up at the Waterford Elementary School in Utah using the Wicat system. The first public CAI classroom with its own layout and design was implemented with the Wicat System by Baal Systems (later known as Virtual Systems) in Singapore as a joint operation between Wicat and Baal. It is from this design that all the computer learning centers globally evolved and which were the forerunners of eLearnig.

Main characteristics of e-Learning

• Computer-based training (CBT) services are where a student learns by executing special training programs on a computer relating to their occupation. CBT is especially effective for training people to use computer applications because the CBT program can be integrated with the applications so that students can practice using the application as they learn. Historically, CBTs growth has been hampered by the enormous resources required: human resources to create a CBT program, and hardware resources needed to run it. However, the increase in PC computing power, and especially the growing prevalence of computers equipped with CD-ROMs, is making CBT a more viable option for corporations and individuals alike. Many PC applications now come with some modest form of CBT, often called a tutorial.[citation needed] Web-based training (WBT) is a type of training that is similar to CBT; however, it is delivered over the Internet using a web browser. Web-based training frequently includes interactive methods, such as bulletin boards, chat rooms, instant messaging, videoconferencing, and discussion threads. WBT is usually a self-paced learning medium, however some systems allow for online testing and evaluation at specific times.

Didactical models• It is clearly possible to apply any specific pedagogical approach to eLearning, however some

approaches are more common than others.[3].• Two of the most common are those of instructional design and social-constructivist pedagogy.

The latter in particular is particularly well afforded by the use of discussion forums, blogs, wiki and on-line collaborative activities. Adaptability to different learning styles is also still in vogue in certain circles.[4]

• Laurillard's Conversational Model[5] is also particularly relevant to eLearning, and Gilly Salmon's Five-Stage Model is a pedagogical approach to the use of discussion boards [6].

• There are four fundamental pedagogical perspectives which historically have influenced the approach to computer based pedagogy, distance education and continues to provide guiding principles for the pedagogy of e-learning:

• The Cognitive perspective focuses on the cognitive processes involved in learning as well as how the brain works.[7]

• The Emotional perspective focuses on the emotional aspects of learning, like motivation, engagement, fun, etc.[8]

• The Behavioural perspective focuses on the skills and behavioural outcomes of the learning process. Role-playing and application to on-the-job settings.[9]

• The Contextual perspective focuses on the environmental and social aspects which can stimulate learning. Interaction with other people, collaborative discovery and the importance of peer support as well as pressure.[10]

dictionary• CBT - Computer Based Training. Also called E-learning (see definition above). CBT is a general term that relates to all training that is delivered with the

assistance of a computer. Delivery of CBT can be via CD, the Internet, or shared files on a network. • WBT - Web-based Training. Training that is delivered with the assistance of the Internet. • LMS - Learning Management System. A system for management and tracking of the involvement of participants with specific content, usually with the

assistance of a database. Typically the system tracks who is scheduled to participate in specific training programs, who has begun the program, who has completed the trainings, and what were the participants’ test scores.

• LCMS - Learning Content Management System. A system for collaborative development of E-Learning content with inbuilt resources sharing and project management processes.

• content - What is taught in a course, class, or lesson. The training objectives are often a list of the content of a course. • synchronous e-learning - Computer-assisted training where the instructor and participants are involved in the course, class or lesson at the same time (

synchronized). Web conferencing is an example of synchronous e-learning. Participants can log on with a trainer and interact with participants at multiple facilities or locations. Using LCD projectors and conference telephones, the audience of a web conference can be increased to include many staff at any location.

• asynchronous e-learning - Computer-assisted training where the instructor and participants are involved in the course, class or lesson at different times (not synchronized, or ansychronous). Examples include job aids and programs on a shared drive, web-based training (WBT), electronic bulletin boards, blogs, and email listservs. Asynchronous methods allow participants to access training materials 24/7, even when other students and/or the instructor are not present.

• electronic bulletin board - A method of communication where topics or questions are posted to a website and participants can respond. • blog - Web log. Similar to an electronic bulletin board, except that only one individual or group can create the initial post and participants can only

respond to the post. An example is http://www.blogger.com. • electronic mailing list - Also [incorrectly] called a "listserve." Members send email to the list, which the list service then mails to all members individually.

Members can then read and respond (called a post), or email the member directly. An example is http://groups.google.com. • ASP - Application service provider. Some LCMS products are available in a format that is Internet-based or network-based. This means that there is

little or no software to install on the local computer to deliver and track the training. The information is tracked totally at the remote or server location. Service is generally subscription-based, and password protected.

• ILT - Instructor Led Training. Traditional training that is facilitated by a trainer who is there in person. • educational animation - depictions that support the learning of dynamic content by providing direct information about how changes occur over time. • page turner - Computer Based Training which requires the participant to simply read and move from screen to screen to turn pages and read some

more. • courseware - Software that is designed for an educational program. • NLT - National Learning Time (or Seat time) - It is the time taken for completing an e-Learning course. This is an approximation of the amount of time

@80-90 percentile of the target audience will take to complete the course. • European Computer Driving Licence - Known as ECDL within Europe and ICDL outside of Europe, it is a computer skills certification programme.

The ECDL / ICDL tests practical skills and competencies and consists of seven separate modules covering computer theory and practice.

My vision on e-Learning

• Internet and e-Learning is very important for teachers and students!

• I study usually after midnight because I have three children and I work in the morning, I am German teacher in a Greek high school. E-Learning offers an opportunity for people, who don’t have time.