Types of e-Learning:
There are different terminologies and types for elearning. Defining these terminologies will help us understand elearning in a better way. Below are the main ones.
- Synchronous vs asynchronous elearning:
Synchronous elearning is real-time learning, in other words, learning happens at the same time regardless of geographical location/s. There are different tools for synchronous elearning, like video conferencing, phone calls, chatting, VoIP tools, the Internet, etc.
There are many advantages of synchronous elearning, i.e. learners can discuss and get immediate feedback (which means more personalized learning experiences). This provides a socialized way of learning as people can interact, see, and listen to each other. However, some learners might face disadvantages like the quality of communication channels, different time zones (2PM in US = 2AM in China!), time and availability restrictions and so on.
On the other side, asynchronous elearning is not-real-time learning, which means learning doesn’t happen at the same time. Different tools are used for asynchronous learning, i.e. the Internet, blogs, emails, videos/audio materials, forums, etc. Advantages of asynchronous learning include, but are not limited to, the flexibility of learning which isn’t restricted by time or place, depends on the learner and his ability to move faster, to stick with material for longer periods of time, and so on. There are some disadvantages too, which include wasting considerable time waiting for response or feedback, learning experiences that are impersonal and hence might not be very useful, no social interactions between learners, etc.
- Online vs offline elearning:
Online elearning refers to the availability of the content on a network that could be an intranet or the Internet. Obviously, learners need a connection to access the content. This connection can be cheap or expensive depending on many factors, which can be considered a disadvantage. The shiny side of online elearning is that content can be theoretically uploaded to and distributed to anywhere in the world.
Offline learning doesn’t add any connectivity cost as the content is available in the learning device (computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc.). The difficult part is related to the process of distribution and control of the content which might be an easy or difficult task.
To combine advantages of both online and offline elearning, instructors tend to mix both formats.
- Instructor led vs self-study elearning:
Historically, instructors lead and control learning processes, regardless of whether it's synchronous or asynchronous elearning. In such cases, learning speed, the quantity of information, and materials provided are also decided by teachers. However, there is a good chance for feedback, discussion, and customized learning. A negative side of this approach is that some students might get frustrated if the pace is too slow/high.
Unlike instructor led elearning, the self-study approach is more flexible and depends on learners’ speed, capacity, and allocated study time. Most of the current online courses and content providers, i.e. Khan Academy, Edx, Coursera and others are following this approach, giving more control to learners. In major cases, there is no instructor at all. The self-study approach can be encouraging for many students, but it highly depends on learners’ commitment and enthusiasm. Support, feedback, and discussions might not be as available as in the previous approaches. Technology, artificial intelligence, and educational software can help provide some feedback, tests, and semi-customized experiences.
- Interactive vs passive elearning
Lecturing (one-way) is the shortest and easiest way to instruct, but the least effective. Effective learning happens only when instructors stimulate students’ sensors. Having an interactive environment (different activities) helps learners not only to memorize information but understand and apply knowledge.
Simulations, projects, virtual or real experiments, MCQs, and true/false questions are some techniques that can bring life to instructional material.
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Thank you for breaking down these fundamental approaches to education, Abu!
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I have been thinking about is how to maximize interactive learning within a classroom environment. As a simple law of logistics, people tend to intuitively understand how lectures fall short of teaching students: with its uninteractive, singularly-paced style, it guarantees that a particular percentage of the class disengages and therefore loses out on learning.
"Pair up and discuss" provides almost the opposite, allowing students to be almost 100% engaged with the content (whether they are speaking or listening). However, this has its downsides as well, since students would likely be unable absorb new content if they spent all of their class time simply discussing things they already know.
What is the best balance for this type of learning? Does a rotation of activities optimize this learning? All classes will vary on this of course, but is there a strong formula for yielding this kind of engagement?
I will continue to read in hopes of learning more about this type of pedagocial craftsmanship.
Hi Nathan
DeleteThis is a very good question and I have been looking for an answer for long time. Please read below lines which I copied from Salman Khan’s TED talk:
“He shows the power of interactive exercises, and calls for teachers to consider flipping the traditional classroom script -- give students video lectures to watch at home, and do "homework" in the classroom with the teacher available to help.”
I personally think that all schools should adopt such models, please check the video for more information, and do let’s drink a cup of coffee and talk about it!
Thanks
https://www.ted.com/talks/salman_khan_let_s_use_video_to_reinvent_education
Hi, Abu! Thank you for providing us with these types of e-learning. Actually, To create an interactive environment is a significant and difficult task in education. For many years, classes have been teacher-centered. Students are more likely to receive knowledge instead of constructing it. Nowadays, technology can help build more interactive learning environment through e-tools. For example, interactive smart blackboard can be connected with the iPads used by students in class so that students can upload their answer or production onto the blackboard immediately.
ReplyDeleteHi Yi
DeleteI personally think education should move to student/learner controlled rather than teacher centered. elearning is the right and most supportive tool in my opinion to do this transformation.