Best practices for eLearning

ELearning is an educational method that uses technology to teach and learn. It can be delivered to learners in a variety of ways, such as face-to-face instruction (in person or online), interactive computer-mediated communications (online only), self paced instruction with automated feedback, or any combination of these methods. Elearning has the potential to be more efficient and effective than traditional methods; it is usually low cost and requires less physical space for meeting space, fewer materials for storage and inventory purposes, lower overhead costs for facility rentals, minimal travel expenses, etc. While eLearning is a more recent development, it is rapidly growing in popularity as a viable alternative to traditional methods for many types of educational opportunities.

The learner is being educated or trained in the field(s) of their choice and will be able to apply their skills and knowledge in the real world once they complete their course. The best example of this would be a graduate student who completes a degree program but isn't able to get one immediately. This person would become an active member of the workforce after obtaining their degree and applying what they learned in their courses. This kind of learning model is the most common when considering eLearning as an educational tool.

The idea behind the term "eLearning" is that it provides learning material that is generally accessible and at the same time modifiable. A learner can access eLearning materials at any time and can alter them to their own desired learning style. There are two major modes of access to eLearning materials: (1) web based with network access, and (2) computer based with a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.  Many learners have different preferences in either structure or delivery depending on their preferred mode of access. In order to help guide learners in their choice, educators must utilize proper content design for each individual learner and convey the information effectively.

One of the biggest obstacles in using eLearning as a method of education is a lack of long term commitment. Generally learners will no longer be interacting with the university through eLearning after their course has been completed, or even after graduating. With this kind of technology providing only short term learning solutions, educators must also provide ways to encourage long lasting commitment to learning and developing new skills.

ELearning usually makes use of online or networked software or hardware that allows students to interact with the instructor, other students and displays the information in real time. This type of technology is often referred to as Web 2.0 (http://web2.0canada) (see definition below). Some of the most popular eLearning resources include web sites, downloadable applications or software, and multimedia products. Organizations that offer these kinds of materials often have large communities of registered users.

Web 2.0 is a term used for those technologies designed for online use that are based on a collaborative approach to development and management. This concept is based on principles such as user participation, networking and design involving a number of people in choosing the content. It allows people to contribute and assist in the design process by adding additional content, replacing broken elements and increasing functionality as required by their community.

Examples of Web 2.0 tools include wikis, blogs, social networking sites and free software like Open Office or Firefox.  These tools are gaining in popularity as they provide more effective ways to gather and share information.  They have become effective communication tools that allow others to leave comments on websites or answer questions on a forum.

The World Wide Web Consortium has made new guidelines for the 2.0 principles of user participation, networking and design involving multiple people in choosing the content available on their website. The W3C's aim is to refine the principles and make it easier for Web 2.0 developers to be consistent in their applications of these principles and therefore create a better user experience for all involved through consistent implementations (http://www.w3.org/2000/01/w3c/)

The most successful eLearning programs encourage learners to become active members of the community. Learners can either stay connected to the program or move on, but they will build a history of their participation in the program that remains on the digital memory and can be used in future applications, such as employment applications. Managers are able to research and employ their preferred employees based on their activities in applied eLearning programs.  It is important for learners not only to take part in successful eLearning activities but also to provide feedback and questions concerning their experiences, so other users can benefit from it as well.

Another example of eLearning can be found in the realm of education, when taking a calligraphy class. Taking a class is akin to eLearning because you are giving yourself the education and life experience that you want. You are also able to choose how you want to interact with your environment, allowing for a more personal experience, as opposed to being in a classroom where there is less choice for how things are run. 

eLearning can also allow people to study at their own pace, allowing for more learners or students to be educated at any one given time. This allows for more effective and timely education if certain information is learned at different speeds by different learners.

Most eLearning can be accessed through the internet, on a desktop or laptop computer. However, some eLearning are also accessible via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. This is sometimes referred to as mLearning (mobile learning).

According to Lippman (2009), online learning has three major aspects: The course, the interaction between students and the instructor and student interaction with one another. The course includes all of the information that will be included within the online learning setting. That information can be in written word or multimedia form. For example, a PowerPoint presentation might be used to allow students to learn visually rather than reading large amounts of text on a web page. 

The interaction between students and the instructor includes all of the relationships within the online learning environment. For example, if an instructor does not respond to student queries, then that relationship is broken. If there is no discussion board for students to interact with one another, then that relationship is also broken. Finally, if a student interacts with another student in a way that can be perceived as rude or inappropriate, then that relationship is also broken. If a student has a poor showing of communication skills over an extended period of time, then a relationship can also be considered broken. When relationships are broken within an online learning environment it will negatively impact the future success of eLearning material being learned by learners.

Conclusion

As noted by Creswell (2010), “the number one reflection of effectiveness of e-learning is its potential to foster new practices around learning designs, models, and processes”. The implementation of eLearning can directly impact the design and delivery of educational programs. Therefore, it is imperative that the use of eLearning be carefully planned from the inception to ensure the final product does in fact meet all relevant expectations.

There are a number of different aspects involved in designing an effective eLearning course, including: 

Building an effective course requires a clear purpose and assessment plan. This plan should be based upon specific learning outcomes that align with your goals for your learners.