The Second Elearning Workshop Elearning An Overview Luai M. Malhis The Second Elearning Workshop An-najah N. University 29/4/2009

Outline Definition of elearning Elearning system Developing elearning course Requirements What is offered Elearning team Types of Elearning Pros and Cons of elearning Summary

Elearning can be defined as: the use of processes and technologies to create, distribute, manage, and enable learning via an electronic network. Other synonymous terms: Web-based Training Online Learning Distance Education

ELearning System The learner must always be the center of an eLearning system. As we design eLearning classes, we should always keep the learners’ needs and interests in mind as we create all the supporting elements. Learning system Resources: Instructor, course material, web resources, E-tutors and other support services.

What eLearning offers… “just in time” training: information when a person needs it 24 / 7 / 365 accessibility accessible at all hours and from all locations bridges the time and distance gap self-paced, self-directed Synchronous and asynchronous delivery “real time” training and discussion “archived” training and discussion.

Requirement of Elearning Technology computer systems connections (networks, internet, intranet) bandwidth Technique computer skills communication skills self discipline time management patience.

The Development Process The development process for an eLearning course is a cycle of analyze, design, build, and test. You continue this iterative process until the final product is completed. The course needs to updated after each offering The course may also be rebuild for later offerings

Learning process Learning Materials: Lesson may include: printed documents, and manuals visual images , videos and audio interactive (animations) Communications: may be done using Forum, discussion groups, email, and chat Progress tracking is accomplished by online testing , task and activity recording , record keeping and reports

Elearning Players Elearning involves many players Subject matter expert, instructional design, Technology experts, and teaching strategies. Subject matter expert: responsible for course content. Instruction Design: decides on learning objectives, and pedagogy. Technology experts: decides best technology methods used to achieve learning objectives Teaching strategies: Teaching and learning behaviors.

Types of e-learning Self-directed e-training, common in corporate training, the purpose-built content (or “courseware”). Used in Training and Further education. The goal is to design a complete course. Blended and facilitated e-learning, common in public education, the learning materials may be just part of the design mix along with online activities and collaboration tools, so the content is likely to be a flexible combination of materials in different formats from a range of sources

Advantages of Blended Learning Reduce the time students may have to attend class Increase shy students participation on line Access to materials 24/7 Still get more motivation in face-to-face meetings Access to extra material Submit homework's on line Do quizzes and exams on line Post discussion on the subject with teaches and other students

Disadvantages to blended learning Expensive: servers, computers, internet bandwidth Time consuming: developing online materials is time consuming and involves many man hours of work Students/teachers need riiable access to internet which many not be possible to all students Students must be highly motivated to this type of learning

Summary ELearning is complex connections between strategies , design , technologies ELearning offers: timely and effective training Advantages: Provide flexibility in attending classes and performing on line activities Disadvantages: Expensive, time consuming and students must be highly motivated