Promoting Learning Styles Through ICT By Miss T.Magi (E-learning Specialist: Butterworth)

Introduction to ICT E-learning definition Benefits and challenges of E-learning Threats and perceptions Blended learning Conclusion Topics to cover

Introduction to ICT ICT is any technology that enables communication and the electronic capture, processing and transmission of information of which ICT in education is used in the form of computers and cell phones (mobile learning) for both teaching and learning. Higher education is rapidly changing and ICT has been successfully adopted in a variety of ways across the universities for administration, communication, research and to some extent for teaching and learning processes. There are gaps between learners and teachers in using these technologies effectively and the diverse culture has resulted in the traditional “talk and chalk” lectures being given rather than making use of ICT. In our days, the use of ICT in higher education includes online or blended learning technologies and E-learning is regarded as an approach/method/style currently used to advance the value and standard of education.

E-LEARNING DEFINITION E-learning is learning facilitated and supported through the use of information and communication technology (ICT). It is about delivering open and flexible education to all irrespective of geographical area through the means of internet. E-learning is bringing major remarkable changes in the educational setting and is transforming the standard and quality of learning in higher educational institutions. E-learning is used to improve traditional face -to-face approach and it cannot replace it but enhances the way students learn. E-learning includes the: - delivery of courses; - use of internet resources, on-line assessment; - student to student and student to teacher communications; - and other learning activities involving ICT and the Internet.

Benefits and challenges of E-learning Benefits Convenience and flexibility 24/7 internet access to online materials regardless of geographical boundaries Improved interactivity and re-usability Ease of communication amongst students and lecturers. Re-use of existing materials Collaborative learning encourages teamwork amongst students and expand learning experience and responsibility Authenticity access to up-to-date information and expands research abilities globally and teaching methods Learner control gives students freedom to actively participate in discussions and empowers students to explore and take liability for their learning journey. Challenges Awareness user involvement and availability of information Lack of technology skills and support Ongoing support and training should be provided to give an overview of E-learning courses, roles and responsibilities. Resistant to change fear of technology and readiness for change Inadequate ICT infrastructure poor internet connectivity and lack of resources Inappropriate content and poor design poorly designed online course with unclear content could lead to students not making use of the online course.

THREATS AND PERCEPTIONS Lecturers fear that they will lose their jobs because of Information and communication technologies (ICT). Parties think of replacing instead of supplementing. Students may have a tendency of not attending classes. Time consuming: Could be time consuming at first but later reusable

BLENDED LEARNING Blended Learning is the combination of multiple approaches/styles to learning. It can be accomplished through the use of 'blended' virtual and physical resources. A typical example of this would be a combination of technology-based materials and face-to-face sessions used together to deliver instruction.

Conclusion Access to ICT does not only mean possession of the necessary computers, software and connections, but also of the basic skills for using them effectively and efficiently. E-learning has a potential to advance the quality and standard of education and the Internet is a more effective way for the delivery of education. E-learning cannot replace the traditional face-to-face teaching process but could help improve the quality and standard of service delivery and equip students with more knowledge and research skills Above that it could improve the collaboration and interactivity amongst students and lecturers, however, used effectively these educational tools could improve the teaching and learning procedures.

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