Lecture N 01 Date: …/01/2021

Module: Study Skills Dr: Seddiki yousra

Success in E-Learning (03 pages)

What is E-Learning?

E-learning is a computer based educational tool or system that enables you to learn anywhere and at any time.
Today e-learning is mostly delivered though the internet, although in the past it was delivered using a blend of
computer-based methods like CD-ROM.

Technology has advanced so much that the geographical gap is bridged with the use of tools that make you
feel as if you are inside the classroom. E-learning offers the ability to share material in all kinds of formats
such as videos, slideshows, word documents and PDFs. and communicating with professors via chat and
message…etc

Some of the most important developments in education have happened since the launch of the internet. These
days learners are well versed in the use of smartphones, text messaging and using the internet so participating
in and running an online course has become a simple affair. Message boards, social media and various other
means of online communication allow learners to keep in touch and discuss course related matters.

With the introduction of the computer and internet in the late 20th century, e-learning tools and delivery
methods expanded. The first MAC in the 1980′s enabled individuals to have computers in their homes,
making it easier for them to learn about particular subjects and develop certain skill sets. By the early 90s
several schools had been set up that delivered courses online. In the 2000′s, businesses began using e-learning
to train their employees.

Therefore, we define E-Learning as courses that are specifically delivered via the internet to somewhere other
than the classroom where the professor is teaching.

It is commonly referred to the intentional use of networked information and communication technology in
teaching and learning. A number of other terms are also used to describe this mode of teaching and learning.
They include; Online learning, Virtual learning, Distributed learning, Network and web based learning. It is
not a course delivered via a DVD or CD-ROM, video tape or over a television channel. It is interactive in that
you can also communicate with your teachers, professors or other students in your class. Sometimes it is
delivered live, where you can “electronically” raise your hand and interact in real time and sometimes it is a
lecture that has been prerecorded.

The importance (Benefits) of E-Learning

1. Online learning accommodates everyone’s needs: The online method of learning is best suited for
everyone. This digital revolution has led to remarkable changes in how the content is accessed, consumed,
discussed, and shared. Online educational courses can be taken up by office goers and housewives too, at the
time that suits them. Depending on their availability and comfort, many people choose to learn at weekends or
evenings.
2. Lectures can be taken any number of times: Unlike classroom teaching, with online learning students
can access the content an unlimited number of times. This is especially required at the time of revision when
preparing for an exam.
3. Quick delivery of lessons: E-Learning is a way to provide quick delivery of lessons. As compared to
traditional classroom teaching method, this mode has relatively quick delivery cycles. There are some of the
reasons why the learning time is reduced by eLearning:
 Lessons starts quickly and also wrapped up in a single learning session. This enables training programs to
easily roll out within a few weeks, or sometime even days.
 Learners can define their own speed of learning instead of following the speed of the whole group.
 Saves time as a student does not need to travel to the training venue. You can learn at the comfort of your
own place.
 Students can choose to study specific and relevant areas of the learning material without focusing on each
and every area. For example, they can skip certain areas they do not want to learn.
4. Scalability: E-Learning helps in creating and communicating new training, policies, concepts, and ideas.
Whether it is for formal education or entertainment, eLearning is very quick way of learning!
5. Consistency: E-Learning enables educators to get a higher degree of coverage to communicate the message
in a consistent way for their target audience. This ensures that all learners receive the same type of training
with this learning mode.
6. Reduced Costs: E-Learning is cost effective as compared to traditional forms of learning. The reason for
this price reduction is because learning through this mode happens quickly and easily. A lot of training time is
reduced with respect to trainers, travel, course materials, and accommodation.
7. Effectiveness: E-Learning has a positive influence on an organization’s profitability. It makes it easy to
grasp the content and digest it:
 It results in improved scores on certifications, tests, or other types of evaluation.
 Higher number of students who achieve ‘pass’ or mastery’ level.
 Enhanced ability to learn and implement the new processes or knowledge at the workplace.
 Help in retaining information for a longer time.
8. Less impact on environment: As E-Learning is a paperless way of learning, it protects the environment to
a lot of extent. A study done on eLearning courses, it has been found that distance-based learning programs
consumed around 90% less power and generated 85% less amount of CO2 emissions as compared to
traditional campus-based educational courses. With e-learning, there is no need to cut trees for obtaining
paper. Thus, eLearning is a highly eco-friendly way of learning.

Disadvantages of E-Learning

1. Lack of self-discipline: If an individual lacks this, they will not be motivated to study bringing about
procrastination. This is where traditional classroom learning is handy whereby; you are tracked if you are
falling behind in your studies.

2. Health problems: This normally occurs when an individual is always on their computer or tablet; it brings
about training problems, poor vision and the like. It is, however, advisable to relax for at least 10 minutes an
hour, walk around and even do some wrist exercises to prevent pains.

3. Inability to access technology :This is a problem that is faced by individuals who want to take part an
online course but cannot since they cannot access a device with internet connection or rather an environment
that has hard access to an internet connection

4. Also not all fields or discipline can employ the e-learning technique in education. For instance the purely
scientific fields that include practical cannot be properly studies through e-learning. Researchers have argued
that e-learning is more appropriate in social science and humanities than the fields such as medical science
and pharmacy, where there is the need to develop practical skills
Characteristics of a Successful E-Learner

Participants’ characteristics needed to succeed in e-learning process are (Robinson and Bawden, 2002; Bose,
2003; Learning Online, 2008) :

1. Level of skills and knowledge for working with computer and ICT – since e-learning is supported
with modern ICT and computers, participants need sufficient/appropriate level of skills and knowledge for
working with computers and modern ICT.
2. Self – motivation and motivation for learning – due to the nature of e-learning (i.e. physical distance
among participants and educator), participant need to independently direct their learning.
3. Self-discipline – participants in e-learning process must be aware, that they are responsible for
their performance. They have much freedom, with certain limits (e.g. semester), to set their own pace of
study. Participants in e-learning must also be very autonomous and be able to act independently
4. Attitudes towards e-learning – participants must be interested in participation in such a way of
education
5. Attitudes towards usage of e-literature – participants must have positive attitudes towards usage of e-
literature, because almost all materials are online and in electronic version. Also tests and assignments must
be done with computer and submitted via internet.
6. Felling of isolation – participants with positive attitudes towards home working (or in general at
distance) will perceive e-learning as excellent way of learning. On the other hand participants with higher
needs for social interaction and personal contact may experience e-learning as very boring.
7. Independence – participants must have ability to work well with minimal structure (e.g. few instructions
are offered to participants)

8. Good thinking skills – participants must be able to use higher-order thinking (e.g. synthesis, evaluation),
especially due to the lack of interaction with lecturer and peers.
9. Good problem solver – participants must be able to resolve problem mainly on their own, because it is
difficult to get a tip from a peer whom you do not know (trust could become an issue). On the other hand
participant has possibility to get in contact with lecturer but it is maybe very time consuming.
10. Good time manager – participant in e-learning process must manage its time very well. Participant must
be able to develop a schedule, establish goals and meet due dates.