UNIT-1

E – LEARNING: ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND

RESOURCES

WRITTEN BY:

DR. MUHAMMAD MAHMOOD HUSSAIN AWAN

REVIEWED BY:

DR. HAMID KHAN NIAZI

1.1 Introduction

All learning theories affirm that human interaction plays a vital role to learning. The extensive
movement towards electronic learning or e-learning or e-Learning or E-learning arouse from
acceptance and implementation of these theories. Consequently, e-learning attained the status of
buzzword for educational activities that use the technically supported education or learning
through computer involving digital technologies. E-learning as viewed by Nichols, M. (2008) is
a “Pedagogy Empowered by Digital Technology”.

In short “e” in e-learning refers to the ‘how’: the course is digitized so it can be stored in
electronic form. The “learning” in e-learning refers to the “what”: the course includes content
and ways to help people learn it and the “why” refers to the purpose: to help individuals achieve
educational goals or to help organizations build skills related to improved job performance
(Clark and Mayer 2008, p.11)

The secret of e-learning rapid growth lies in advancements in digital technologies and resultant
threats to human being which created demand of lifelong learning. The race towards survival of
the fittest further accelerated the situation. This rapidly changing scenario has created challenges
for professionals as well, “when we thought we had e-learning all figured out, it’s changing
again”. (Rosenberg, 2006), so we are bound to update ourselves.

E-learning has broad meaning as compared with the terms educational technology, learning
technology, instructional technology, computer aided instruction. It well suits to distance
learning and flexible learning, however it is equally making its way in face-to-face teaching
which is termed as “blended learning” conjunction with and even from online learning or online
education which are generally refer to use of technology in learning or use of purely web based
learning. e-learning has implications beyond just the technology, it encompasses actual learning
in result of using these system. e-learning is usually designed and used to support or guide
students about taught units. e-learning based content communicate;

- information
- appropriate access to resources
- performance based skill to increase proficiency
- class communication
- support for group work
- online tests with feedback

The above list is not exhaustive; hopefully you will add more to it while going through this
course on e-learning.

Visit http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/elearning-benefits.htm , and witness

Benefits of E-Learning as described by “ WorldWideLearn”; The World’s Premier Online
Directory of Education. You may browse the remaining links as well to enhance your
understanding about basic information on e-learning, just at this initial stage of interaction with
e-learning.

 Is Online Learning For You?

 Types of e-Learning
 Learning Styles
 Benefits of E-Learning
 E-Learning Evaluation
 E-Learning Glossary
 E-Learning Essentials | e-Learning

1.2 Objectives
After successful completion of this unit hopefully, the student will be able to describe
contribution of e-learning in;
a) Promoting of new opportunities and new learning environments.
b) Raising access to community knowledge
c) Integrating learning for all
d) Prioritizing cross cultural context
e) Substituting communication tools

1.3 New Opportunities, New Learning Environment

Our fast changing world demands from us to equip ourselves with innovative and technological
advances to meet the challenges of the foreseeable future. It is a grave fact that without
empowering teachers with the information, knowledge and skills to cope with emerging trend of
tailoring learning and development to the needs of learners. The traditional base models are
under continuous threats of blended learning. The exciting technologies are leaping towards
adventures opening new vistas of enhancing opportunities to use potential. Lyn Turney and
Catherine Pocknee (2004, p.922) conclude that new technologies and ICTs provide unique and
inventive opportunities for qualitative researchers. They also mention benefits of e-learning for
teaching purposes. Being a research scholar visit this site for establishing a group or team of
having specific expertise to discuss issues involved in the research work or to prepare
presentation.
www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/perth04/procs/pdf/turney.pdf . Otto Peters has also introduced
new possibilities and opportunities in the context of digital learning environments, open this site
to view it. http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/ article/viewFile/3/23
Activity
Study the continual process of opening new vistas of knowledge and new learning
opportunities as visualised by Rosenberg browsing:
http://www.marcrosenberg.com/images/What_Lies_Beyond_E-Learning_ASTD.pdf ,
note down changes and interrelated e-learning transformations, visualized by Rosenberg.
Predict impacts of evolutionary phases on the modes and approaches of e-learning.
Discuss your predictions with your tutor and fellow students to enrich your understanding
about future of e-learning.

The convergence of learning and the internet have changed and will change scenario of content
delivery in multiple formats, management of learning experiences, faster and increased learning
at reduced costs.

At this stage study of the following material will further enhance your knowledge about new
opportunities and new learning.

Clark and Mayer 2008 e-learning and the science of 1.1

instruction pp 10-29

Finally do visit: http://www.okhighered.org/state-system/learning-spaces/brown.pdf

1.4 Personalize Access to Community Knowledge

E-learning comprised various internet and web technologies which broaden the access of an
individual or groups into targeted learning preferences available in global community. E-learning
allows people to interact any where they can find an internet connection and online activities of
their interest but it depends, how users locate, filter, access, process, synthesize, and share
information. Have a go on the activity to experience it.

Activity

Visit http://www.eBookstore.tandf.co.uk

This site have a lot of attraction for you. But make a careful market survey by visiting
other websites before shopping. I am sure you will find amazing information available
around you! Now prepare a list of books most relevant to your course and communicate
latest titles to your course coordinator and fellow students to update their knowledge on
e-learning.
The transformation of collected or retrieved information, into information relevant group of users
or an individual user, open windows for further knowledge sharing communities. To further
enrich your knowledge study this article, titled “study on knowledge sharing mechanism in open
virtual learning communities” written by Wei Leng, browsing
http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijbm/article/viewFile/580/557

1.5 Learning for All

You know people learn new things developmentally in relation to their already existing
knowledge. E-learning has the capacity to intervene according to the differing levels of expertise.
It is flexible enough to accommodate needs of all those who can interact with it. E-learning
courses are designed to provide information, knowledge and to build specific job related skills.
The instructional programmes are developed and formatted according to age and cognitive level
of the learners; even the environmental and cultural factors are also addressed. Apart from this,
the outcomes are linked with trainer which are looked after or observed by learner (what’s in it
for me). Most of our routine activities are technology based where techno-familiarity facilitates
our access. We know, every one of us wants to reach the excellence of the desired performance
level, but we fail to achieve it just because of not having immediate access to a university
campus. E-learning, through variety of forms, flexibility and convenience, provides us
opportunities to update our knowledge and skills without hindering our working, family, and
other related commitments. Apart from this, technology has provided us means or devices which
provided us convenient and flexible modes of learning. For example regardless of age sex and
educational level of the user, the cell phones allow us to communicate any time and usually
anywhere, as long as we have a properly configured phone. The cell phones, promotes mobile or
m-learning or e-learning and facilitate learners from basic schooling to university level and from
initial skill training to professional sophistication anywhere anytime if configured properly.
Human interaction is a vital source of learning, e-learning offers individual and collaborative
opportunities of interaction. Being self pacing, e-learning reduces stress and boost learner’s
confidence for understanding at all age levels.

The continuous introduction and integration of technology in our learning, education and training
has open up new avenues for children, youth and adults in formal and informal settings;
anytime, anywhere learning. The way of teaching practice are changing due to broader
continuous educational opportunities e-learning system design raises collaborative working
environment the career education and work governing web institution has contributed
significantly in capacity development.
Activity

Log on www.tonybates.ca/2009/06/19/ and study how Tony Bates addressed increased

access to learning opportunities through e-learning. Identify the possible provisions of
‘learning for all’

in Pakistan. Suggest an appropriate plan and strategies to introduce Adult education

progamme through e-learning. Discuss your plan with your colleagues and tutor during
the workshop.

Study of the following material will further help promoting your knowledge on the topic.

Mason Robin and Rennie Frank ELEARNING 1.2

The key concepts pp xiii-xvii

1.6 Cross Cultural Context

People are inherently social creatures and learning is a social activity which encourages
interaction among the participants either synchronously or asynchronously. The culture embraces
all aspects of life, the totality of meanings, ideas and beliefs shared by individuals within a group
of people. Culture includes language, values, norms and customs. The learning over the internet
not only enhances knowledge and performance but also enriched the cross cultural
understanding. E-learning creates well connected community where people become acquainted
with each other by sharing cultural experiences, traditions and values. The email has brought
about wonderful changes and expansions in cross cultural context. Through its elaborated
socially network, e-learning provides democratic cultural environment where everyone can
freely communicate, inform, involve and support knowledge sharing. This interaction
encourages building new relationship which has stretched borders virtually around the world.

Activity

Visit this website http://users.chariot.net.au/~michaelc/ccc/pres.htm Webheads

Community presents live events on cross cultural communication perspectives from
around the global. Identify at least five cultural threats embedded in cross cultural
delivery of e-learning to internet users in Pakistan. Discuss it with fellow students and
suggest at least two strategies to address each threat.
To further enrich your knowledge browsing following link;

www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/3e/36/4b.pdf

The Wong believes in power of cross-border delivery of e-learning programmes, and its possible
implications on educational policy and politics. The economic, political, cultural and educational
impacts are also analyzed in the context of changing scenario. Here is an activity for you in the
context of hype surrounding globalization.

1.7 Communication Tools

Communication is the process that allows organisms to exchange information through written
means, auditory means and physical means. E-learning platforms provide various types of
communication opportunities by using families of learning tools and devices. Remember!
Technology is a tool, not a strategy, if use improperly it can actually defeat the learning culture.
We know e-learning allows us to learn anywhere and usually at any time, as long as we have a
properly configured computer or any other tool or device either, CD-ROM- based, network-
based, or Internet-based. It may include text, video, audio, animation and virtual environments.
However, quality of the e-learning is in its content and its delivery. E-learning is an amazing
communication tool which comprises knowledge databases, online support, asynchronous
training and synchronous training.

Activity

Visit, http://www.tlcentre.net/resource_files/resources/312/Communication_Tools_in_
E-learning _Systems.pdf . Bučko et al; describe communication tools, which were
implemented in the project titled ‘eEDUSER’ “Efficient E-Learning Network Services
Establishment for Education without Borders”. This will help you to understand the
communication tools which enable teachers to deliver content in befitting manner. Select
a lesson from the textbook of any subject and chose appropriate tools for brainstorming,
teamwork, and searching on internet; note down students’ interest in learning of the
content while sharing of information.

Following material will help you to establish an understanding of e-learning as communication tools.

Holmes Bryn and Gardner e-learning concepts and 1.3

John practice 113-132

Holmes and Garden viewed e-learning as an effective form of communication which enables
confrontation of ideas and exchange of materials for sharing of information. e-learning system comprised
synchronous (a real time event) and asynchronous (performed in different time) communication. This
communication takes place in the forms of one to one, broadcast somebody to somebody and everybody
to everybody through plenty of communication tools operative in e-learning. Hopefully you will further
study these tools in unit no.
Self Assessment Questions

To check your understanding answer these questions:

Q.1. Describe the significance of e-learning and its scope in education and training.
Q.2. Analyse the perceived benefits and harms generated through e-learning. What would be
possible implications for our educational system?
Q.3. How use of e-learning is better than traditional instructional methods. Give at least
five examples to support your answer.
Q.4. Predic what the e-learning will be in the year 2020. You must explore how these
technologies will influence learning and the job market.
Q.5. What characteristics are required for successful e-learning?

Compulsory Reading:

Anderson Terry Ed (2008).The Theory And Practice Of Online Learning. 2nd Ed.
Canada: Athabasca University Press

Bryn, Holmes and John, Gardner (2006). e-Learrning. Concepts and Practice. New Delhi :
SAGE Publications.

Clark, Ruth Colvin and Mayer, Richard E. (2008). e-Learning and the Science of Instruction(2 nd
ed). U SA :John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Pfeiffer

Kaye Thorne (2003) Blended Learning:How to Integrate Online and Traditional Learning.
United States: Kogan Page Limited.

Mason Robin and Rennie Frank (2006). ELEARNING:The Key Concepts USA: Routledge

References
Anderson Terry Ed (2008).The Theory And Practice Of Online Learning. 2nd Ed. Canada:
Athabasca University Press

Clark and Mayer (2008). e-learning and the science of instruction .

Clark Ruth Colvin and Mayer Richard E. (2008) e-learning and the science of Instruction, San
Francisco: Pfeiffer www.pfeiffer.com.

Downes Stephen (2004). e-learning Magazine. Canada: National Research Council.

Holmes Bryn and Gardner John (2006); e-learning concepts and Practice, London: SAGE
Publications.
Marian Bučko, Igor Sivý, József Gáti, Gyula Kártyás, Ladislav Madarász (2005)
http://www.tlcentre.net/resource_files/resources/312/Communication_Tools_in_E-learning
_Systems.pdf

Nicols M. (2008) e-learning in context. http://akoaoteayok.ac.nz/sites/default/files/ ng/group-

661/n877-1—elearning in contxt.pdf

Otto Peters (2000). Digital Learning Environments: New Possibilities and Opportunities.
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning Vol. 1, No. 1 (June 2000)

Rosenberg Marc J. (2006) Beyond e-Learning London: Pfesffer

Rosenberg Mark and Associates. (2005) beyond e-Learning: New approaches to Managing and
Delivering Organizational Knowledge. San Francisco: e-Learning Producer

Turney, L. & Pocknee, C. (2004). Virtual focus groups: New technologies, new opportunities,
new learning environments. In R. Atkinson, C. McBeath, D. Jonas-Dwyer & R. Phillips (Eds),
Beyond the comfort zone: Proceedings of the 21st ASCILITE Conference (pp. 905-912). Perth, 5-
8. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. Vol. 1, No. 1 (June 2004)

Vones, S. and Madden, M; (2002). The Internet goes to college PEW Internet Report 71.
Available at : http://www.pewInternet.org/PPF/r/11/report-display.asp.

Wei Leng (2009). Study on Knowledge Sharing Mechanism in Open Virtual Learning
Communities International Journal of Business and Management.Vol.4,No.1 January2009. pp,
104-108.www.ccsenet.org.(visited on 13.6.2009)

Wong Andrew Lap-sang (2007) Cross-cultural Delivery of e-learning Programmes: Perspectives

from Hong Kong in the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning Vol.8,
No.3 (2007) http://www.irrodl.org/ indes.phpirrodl /article/ view/426/937. Retrieved on
14.6.2009.