ICT In Language Learning: Assignment ICT in Language Learning Class (5)

E-LEARNING

· What is e-learning?

http://www.google.co.id/www.elektronikasmk.com/

The first e-learning systems were really only set up to deliver information to students but as we entered the 70s e-learning started to become more interactive. E-learning is a computer based educational tool or system that enables you to learn anywhere and at any time. E-learning offers the ability to share material in all kinds of formats such as videos, slideshows, word documents and PDFs. Conducting webinars (live online classes) and communicating with professors via chat and message forums is also an option available to users. E-learning also lets people communicate through email, forum or chat, allowing even introverts to take part in related conversations.

· How is e-learning shape in the future?

Several e-learning trends give us a view to how e-learning and learning tools will be shaped in the future:

a. Micro-learning focuses on the design of micro-learning activities through micro-steps in digital media environments, which already is a daily reality for today's knowledge workers.

b. Gamification is the use of game thinking and game mechanics in a non-game context to engage users and solve problems.

c. Personalized Learning is the tailoring of pedagogy, curriculum and learning environments to meet the needs and aspirations of individual learners.

d. The distant future: Automatic learning

In a well-known scene from the movie The Matrix, Neo lies down in a high-tech dentist’s chair and straps on a wild array of electrodes, downloading a series of martial arts training programs into his brain. Afterward, he opens his eyes and speaks the words geeks have been quoting ever since: “I know Kung Fu.”

· What is the purpose of e-learning?

The purpose of e-learning is to allow people to learn for personal accomplishment or to earn a professional degree, without physically attending a traditional university or academic setting. E-learning can be applied for all levels of schooling from grade school to graduate degrees, and is versatile enough to accommodate all learning styles.

· What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning?

The Advantages of e-Learning training includes:

1. More Flexible

e-Learning can be done in short chunks of time that can fit around your daily schedule.

2. Mobile

As eLearning can be done on laptops, tablets and phones – it is a very mobile method. Learning can be done on the train, on a plane or any other time that could normally be wasted. Whilst you used to be confined to the classroom, the whole world can now be your classroom.

3. No Travel

As just mentioned, eLearning can be done wherever you have a device capable of doing so. Therefore again you can fit it in to your schedule, but also save money on the costs of travel.

4. Lower cost

As you aren’t using a trainer’s time or any room or equipment, eLearning tends to be the much cheaper option.

5. Tailor it to you

eLearning courses aren’t confined to be fixed to try and suit the needs of the majority. Everyone is able to learn at their own pace – a massive factor that only eLearning can provide for.

6. Technological Possibilities

eLearning is fast becoming a more and more popular method and with it, so has the investment into how to improve it further. The computer based nature of training means new technology is being introduced all the time to help with the learning.

7. Global

With very few restrictions companies can be confident that their staff can receive the same content regardless of their location, and in many cases, their nationality.

The Disadvantages of eLearning Training includes:

1. Lack of Control

A lack of routine or fixed schedule can mean e-Learning becomes complicated with various deadlines often given to different people at different stages of their learning.

2. Learning Approach

It is still a challenge to make e-Learning appeal fully to these groups as different people learn better or worse using different styles. Some may prefer images, some prefer just reading words and some prefer to talk about or actually do a task in order to learn.

3. Isolated

E-Learning often doesn’t allow that with trainers often having to answer numerous questions all of the time and only doing it within working hours – where a lot of learners may prefer to do their learning out of working hours.

4. Technology Issues

With heavy reliance on computers that eLearning brings, comes the potential risks that comes with it. Poor internet connection and unavoidable general random faults also can interrupt learning and so need to be planned around.

5. Computer Competency

Some employees might not be too comfortable using computers, especially if their jobs don’t require them to. Therefore even if the software is user friendly, the very idea of using the software can be daunting and demotivating for some. Therefore these employees are likely to learn a lot less than they would from a physical course.

· What are the example of e-learning?

Some online tools and applications of e-learning:

1. Busuu (Learn Language for free)