elearning

with a navigation menu and online community building tools.]]As opposed to the computer-based training of the 1980s, the term e-learning is most frequently used to refer to computer-based training which incorporates technologies that support interactivity beyond that which would be provided by a single computer. E-learning, therefore, is an approach to facilitate and enhance learning through, and based on, both computer and communications technology. Such devices can include personal computers, CDROMs, Digital Television, P.D.A.s and Mobile Phones. Communications technology enables the use of the Internet, email, discussion forums, collaborative software and team learning systems.E-learning may also be used to support distance learning through the use of WANs (Wide area networks), and may also be considered to be a form of flexible learning where just-in-time learning is possible. Courses can be tailored to specific needs and asynchronous learning is possible. Where learning occurs exclusively online, this is called online education. When learning is distributed to mobile devices such as cell phones or personal digital assistantPDAs, it is called M-learning.

Supporting learning online - Some view e-learning as a means to ''effective'' or ''efficient'' etc. learning, due to its ease of access and the pace being determined by the learner. Others point out that e-learning software developers tend to limit their focus on course delivery and content, while online education institutions require a much wider range of educational services. Others are critical of e-learning in the context of education, because the face-to-face human interaction with a teacher has been removed from the process, and thus, some argue, the process is no longer "educational" in the highest philosophical sense (for example, as defined by RS Peters, a philosopher of education). However, these human interactions can be encouraged through web-conferencing programs such as Macromedia Breeze.Further, continual advances in technology allow a wider range of learning experiences such as educational animation to be made available to support online learning. E-learning systems such as Moodle often work towards a student-centred learning solution, building upon a social-constructivist pedagogy.

Blended learning - with a navigation menu and icons giving access to automated tools and content pages.]]Not every e-learning resource, usage or provision is necessarily 'exclusively e-learning', sometimes a hybrid 'blended learning' solution is available, either combining distance learning with direct contact 'close at hand' human educational resources, or combining software driven resources with human intervention (whether remote or local, computer mediated such - as through email or chat or non-computer mediated such - as face to face or telephone or combining software driven resources with any other educational resource TV, - radio, books, tapes, etc.)Advances in technology have allowed for the growth of collaborative web-based learning opportunities. ''Asynchronous'' activities use technologies such as blogs, wikis, and discussion boards, and allow participants to contribute when time allows. ''Synchronous'' activities occur with all participants joining in at once, as with a chat session or a virtual classroom or meeting. On the practical side some e-learning is about organizing the topics to be taught and creating multimedia CD-ROMs or web sites. An important advantage is generally seen in the fact that hyperlinking is possible and having interactive parts illustrating difficult things or for doing exercises. In higher education especially, the increasing tendency is to create a Managed Learning Environment (MLE which is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) combined with a Managed Information System (MIS)) in which all aspects of a course are handled through a consistent interface that is standard throughout an institution, giving students a consistent user interface.Often a design approach is implemented which involves creating or re-using ''Learning Objects''. These are self contained units properly tagged with keywords, or other Metadata (computing)metadata, and often stored in an XML file format. These are put in a database and creating a course requires putting together a sequence of learning objects.

Pedagogy of e-learning - One important point is to help teachers organize their pedagogical perspective. Some institutes for Higher education are devoted to this mission (training, counselling, funding, development, etc.).More recent approaches focus on dialogue, interaction and collaborative activities - courses still contain content but it is of secondary importance or is generated by the students. An open source course management system that makes this approach easier is Moodle. This advocates Social-Constructivism as a pedagogical perspective, whereby learners construct their knowledge through discussion, thereby enhancing their thinking skills. ourwebclass.com - OurWebClass.com is a professional hosted e-learning system based on Moodle. Similar results can be obtained using the angellearning.com - ANGEL Learning LMS system, webct.com - WebCT, and many others.

Organizing the content -

Basic questions -

For whom do we create e-learning content

What do they need to learn

How do we organize the content

Which tools / platform do we use? For creating? For delivering?

**

Instructional design - ''see main article instructional design

Creating media -

Text

Graphics_file_formatsPictures

Audio file formatSound

Video file formatVideo

Educational animation

Interactive exercises

Binding it together - Most often HTML is used to bind together the different e-learning media. Sometimes XML based files are created which are then rendered to HTML/Cascading Style SheetsCSS/JavaScript by using an XSLT transformation. However often proprietary technologies are used like Macromedia Director, an authoring tool, which leverages the JavaScript-like language called ActionScript to enable advanced functionality and interactivity. Data conferencing applications are sometimes used to share and manipulate e-learning media.One standard for presenting e-learning content is SCORM whilst other specifications allow for the transporting of "learning objects" (Schools Interoperability Framework) or categorizing meta-data(UKLOM).

Degree Programs - A growing number of physical universities as well as newer online only colleges have begun to offer a select set of academic degree programs via the internet. These programs range from Associate’s degrees to DoctorateDoctoral programs with available emphasis in everything from Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. While some programs requires students to attend some campus classes or orientations, many are completely online. In addition, several universities offer online student support services, such as online advising, student governments and student newspapers. Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband connection.

See also -

Learning management system

online learning

E-learning glossary

M-learning

Computer-assisted language learningCALL (computer-assisted language learning) (for a more historical perspective)

European Committee for Home and Online Education (ECHOE)

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eLearning
eLearning, training of trainers
http://www.a3net.net/

E-impara servizi elearning open source
Il sito e-impara offre consulenza e servizi per le aziende che intendono sviluppare servizi elearning senza ingenti investimenti e costi fissi.
http://www.e-impara.it/

Jeff Gelder Voiceover - On-Camera Talent - Emcee
Creative and professional talent for voice overs including commercials, narration, IVR, phone greetings, on hold messages, audio books - also on camera and live emcee. See www.GelderHead.com for video and audio demos, clients, testimonials, gallery and more. Phone patch available. Ear prompter trained.
http://www.gelderhead.com/

Your Technical Communication Consultants
VBC is dedicated to improving your technical communication, software training and technical documentation. We provide you with custom-tailored solutions online and at your site. Looking forward to hearing from you. Vincent Bertin.
http://www.vbc.com/

SyberWorks e-Learning Solutions
SyberWorks specializes in custom e-learning solutions, learning management systems, and custom online training development for companies, governments, and non-profits.
http://www.syberworks.com/

Institute for Future Studies
The IFS is a young institution of applied research, which focuses on selected topics of future of education and work. It has been founded by the Association for Flexible Learning in Innsbruck (Austria). Main interests are in the research and public discussion of questions concerning future use of information and communication technologies (ICT), especially in professional world and education. A strong focus is put on technology supported learning in different fields, e.g. informal learning, public education and enterprises (mainly SMEs). A major target is the promotion of possibilities of lifelong learning by the support of ICT. The Institute investigates current trends, analyses possibilities and risks in society and examines consequences on professional and private life. Besides research and technology impact assessment the Institute is engaged in development and evaluation of new teaching and learning systems as well as consultation.
http://www.futurestudies.org/

European eLearning News + Trends
The CHECKpoint eLearning portal is online since January 2004. There german and the European Edition offer a Newsletter subscription free of charge.
http://www.checkpoint-elearning.com

eLearning in a Box
Author your own training using Word or PowerPoint. Includes an LMS or Learning Management System.
http://www.elearninginabox.com/

Sound Object Logic
We specialize in object-oriented programming, e-learning and web technologies. We are the original authors of Tangram, a popular object-relational mapping tool.
http://www.soundobjectlogic.com/

UbiMathPoint
Math resources for K12 and teachers. Papers, tests on line and exercises with solutions.
http://www.pernigo.com/math/default.aspx

Computer Teach
Computer Teach is a New York State Licensed Computer Training School. We offer computer training classes for adults, seniors, teenagers, and kids, which include computer training in basic computer skills to advanced computer skills.
http://www.computerteach.net

Expand internationally
business development, innovation, eLearning, Jutta Jerlich,
http://www.e-tradelink.at/

3DLearn Interactive Academy
Ground-breaking 3D virtual reality school for grades 7-12. Take classes in 3D, create your own 3D virtual reality learning worlds as part of the learning process and earn your high school diploma. Accredited full-time private school.
http://www.3dlearn.com/

Europese Unie
Geeft toegang tot persmededelingen, wetgeving, informatie-fiches en wordt verspreid door de Europese Unie en zijn instellingen.
http://www.europa.eu.int/

elearningeuropa.info
Portale multilingua dedicato alla formazione a distanza in Europa, forum, risorse, progetti, eventi, newsletter.
http://www.elearningeuropa.info/