EDUCATION
THROUGH ONLINE LEARNING
Online Learning
The effectiveness of any educational
system is achieved only when its education process results in true learning in
the individuals and as a result leads to human resource development in its true
sense. In the 21st Century, a
teacher is not the only source of knowledge or information because of
globalization. The advances in technology are changing the whole nature and
philosophy of education and by this it is forcing us to get reformed
thoroughly.
With
the emergence of World Wide Web (WWW), the world of teaching and learning has
adopted it as one of its main innovations.
However, in spite of extensive use of the web in education, a variety of
terminologies are used to depict this new field of knowledge. Most of the advanced countries have already
adapted these kinds of learning methods.
Some of the terms mostly used interchangeably are as follows:
Web - based instruction
It
is a “hypermedia based instructional program which utilizes the attributes and
resources of the World Wide Web to create a meaningful learning environment
where learning is fostered and supported”.
Virtual learning
The
educational process of learning over the Internet without having face - to - face
contact is known as virtual learning.
E-learning
“The
term e-learning covers a wide set of applications and processes including
computer - based learning, web - based learning, virtual classroom and digital
collaboration”.
Online
learning
It
is synonymous with web - based learning where learning is fostered via the WWW
only, in an Internet or intranet. Mishra
(2001) calls it as the new generation in the evolutionary growth of open,
flexible and distance learning.
Components of Online Learning
1. Content delivery methods
Contents
of traditional learning system are mostly based on text. But as in the case of online learning content,
audio or video materials may accompany texts.
There are three methods of online learning process.
a) Live broadcasting:
It
is like live television broadcasting.
Unlike television broadcasting, online learning can be a two - way
system that allows participants to take tests, ask questions, or respond to
questionnaires.
b) Video on demand (VOD) :
This technology is being introduced
via cable television (CATV) systems. A
large number of learners can access video content whenever they like. As with live broadcasting, it can function as
a two - way system.
c) Interactive communications:
Interactive
online learning system takes advantage of two - way capabilities of the
technology. (Instructor and learner in
separate locations interact by using shared files like a blackboard)
2. Authoring tools
Authoring tools are software
products to create content.
Ø
Software
to convert documents, image and charts created on word processors, spreadsheets
and presentation software into online learning content.
Ø
Software
designed to synchronize audio and video materials worth presentation content;
authoring tools also are used to incorporate learning management function that
allows the process and performance of learner to be monitored.
3. Learning management systems
Ever since the CAI era, the most
important component of online line learning system has been the Learning
Management System (LMS). This system allows learners, managers and operators to
check and assess individual progress and performance.
Resources
of Online Learning
The electronic journals are through CMC (computer
mediated communication) networks. They are increasingly important resources for
information and learning. Additional online resources for educational use
include international networks, database, library catalogues, computer
conferencing and electronic mail.
Learning methods
(a)
Online teaching:
The
instruction happens between the teacher who is the domain expert and the
students. The methods of choice are instructor-centered, such as online
lectures, online symposium, or teacher-oriented dialogue. The teacher has an
active role and learners are guided and receive precise instruction as to what
they are to learn. During this learning process, prepared knowledge and
thinking schema are imparted.
(b)
Online tutorials:
The
interaction takes place between students and a learning system. Feedback is
given by the system implemented in the program. Guided tutorials and drill and
practice systems are more teachers/system-oriented enabling a low degree of
flexibility for the learners. Hypermedia and simulation systems provide a
higher degree of flexibility and are more learner-centered.
(c)
Online assignments:
The
instruction happens between students and tutors communicating via an Internet-based
learning platform.
(d)
Online discussion:
The
focus is upon group learning and interaction among learners; work in group
leads to critical reflection and can thus contribute to the building and
maintenance of values.
(e)
Online seminars:
Papers
may be presented online followed by discussions.
(f)
Project work:
May
easily be conducted and guidance be provided through online supervision.
Preparation
of Online Learning Program:
We
can now use the widely available global Internet to design and implement online
learning.
Ø
Floor
control to allow classroom coordination and content synchronization for both
instructor-led and student-centered learning.
Ø
Compatibility
with industry standard authoring tools for multimedia courseware including audio
and video clips, animation and simulation exercises.
Ø
Question
and answer tools to verity content retention.
Ø
Shared
white boards to add spontaneous material to courseware.
Ø
Text
chats for group communication.
Ø
Course
administration tools for scheduling, registration, and resource management.
Ø
Flexible
delivery modes to accommodate a variety of infrastructure, such as local and
wide area networks, and Internet.
(The most important characteristics of
the contemporary online learning environments are the availability of virtual
places; auditoriums, workshop rooms, cafes, libraries, etc. where students from
different locations can meet, interact and work together, as if they were face
to face.)
Advantages of Online Learning:
§
Meets
the needs of the individual learners.
§
There
could be round the clock access to learning.
§
From
an educational standpoint, learners have wider choice what, when, and how to
learn.
§
Access
to educational resources from outside the institution on a global and instant
basis.
§
Increased
and flexible interaction with student through e-mail and discussion forums.
§
Opportunities
for international cross-cultural and collaborative learning.
§
Ability
to serve a large number of students at a potentially reduced cost.
§
Spreads
education to remote places, maximum reach to remote learners.
§
Location
and time independent delivery of course materials such as course notes,
diagrams, reading list, etc.
§
Enabling
to combine text. Graphics and a limited amounted of multimedia, enabling
instructional designers to prepare quality-learning material.
§
Interactive
and dynamic learning experience through online assessment tools, simulations
and animated learning objects.
§
Makes
learning highly individualized and self-dependent.
Conclusion
The online learning method will definitely help teachers
in harnessing technology to make teaching-learning program more effective.
Every learner should not only be a computer literate but also develop
competencies in the effective usage of computers and all the technologies that
are related to learning. Age-old method of chalk and talk in classroom should
be dead and gone. The younger generation should be able to face all newer life
situations on earth or any other planet so as to be proudly called men of
universe. This should be our life’s vision.
“Education
builds a man;
In
turn man builds a nation.”
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