The Concept of E-Learning - Research Proposal Example

Running Head: E-LEARNING RESEARCH PROPOSAL Name Course Tutor Date Introduction In the last few decades, there have been significant developments in terms of technology and technicalities that match their utility and operations. Humanity is increasingly looking for new and innovative ways to tackle daily life challenges. Since the inception of computers in the 1980s, significant steps have been made and today majority of activities are computerized in one way or another. Computerisation has taken place in matters such as production, education, business, and social interactions among other numerous applications. Computer inventions were then followed by the internet which has the capability of connecting human beings in numerous ways from different parts of the world. The effect has been ta make operations in everyday life easier, convenient and cheaper. Most operations in the contemporary world have taken advantage of this in a bid to enhance productivity and keep up with a fast moving and evolving world (Gnitecka, A, 2004, p. 316). One aspect that has been revolutionised by the inception of computers and the internet is the education systems in different learning institutions. The concept of e-learning developed as a way of accessing education and academic skills through the internet from anywhere in the world. Colleges, universities and other learning institutions enrol students over the internet to take different courses at the comfort of their own convenience. This has been made possible through services like distance learning and online support services where students can access institution facilities through the internet. Web based training avenues and facilities have been developed to meet diverse needs of students from different parts of the world. This has reduced eliminated the need to physically attend training institutions and has also increased enrolments. The technology utilises multimedia applications such as video, audio as well as texts to relay important information between institutions and students. It is significantly diverse since tests and examinations can be taken through the same channels. Students can also access support and tutoring and guidelines from tutors wherever they are. E-learning does not replace the old traditional way of accessing education and training. It is seen as a way to complement the old systems as the two can be used hand in hand. In fact, e-learning adds value to the traditional way of learning by providing diverse information and also offers a platform for exchanges and interaction of people with different ideologies and view. Its instantaneous nature also allows more to be done within a short period of time and with multiple users (Garrison, 2011, p. 3). Advantages E-learning has numerous advantages both to students and learning institutions as well. First, students can access information at high speeds in their own paces. This eliminates delays that are facilitated by differences sin individuals in the traditional method. Then same case applies to tutors and lectures handling e-learning students. Students can also plan for the courses in manner that is convenient for them since they have all information required in their hands. E-learning also offers numerous sources of data and information that can be utilised. Users therefore have diverse information and when appropriately used can be quite useful in comprehending issues that are under training. E-learning also offers users wide variety of courses to choose from (Sun, Tsai, Finger, Chen & Yeh 2008, p.1185). Different institutions offer courses and training needs that are tailored towards meeting specific needs of students. This may prove difficult in the traditional method of learning. In terms of infrastructure, e-learning saves resources in terms of construction and hiring costs. More learners can be accommodated online that in the traditional lecture rooms. Further, sessions can easily be arranged depending on the need for up close interaction between trainers and learners. This helps in reducing administration costs which is both convenient for learners and institutions as well. Time in the contemporary world is crucial an all aspects of life. Trainers and learners can interact without having to incur costs such as travelling and boarding fees which increases learning costs in the traditional way. E-learning provides numerous advantages which is also dependent on the type of course being taken(Sun, Tsai, Finger, Chen & Yeh 2008, p. 1187). Disadvantages Even with the numerous benefits that e-learning can be associated with, it has some challenges that emerge in different perspectives. Investing in e-learning requires immense amounts of resources in terms of technology, educational informational and support services. Though the long term costs are low, it may prove difficult to implement in counties where technology is not up to date or is inaccessible. The participation and interaction process between trainers and learners is also eliminated. This creates a gap where aspects such as practical and demonstrations are required. Critics argue that it may not produce fully qualified professionals due to this aspect. Another huge downside to e-learning is that it is prone to issues such as fraud and cyber crimes if not adequately managed and monitored. E-learning also depends on the ability of the learner to understand its technicality in order to utilise it accordingly (Gunga & Ricketts 2007, p. 898). E-learning systems have to be perfect in order for the learning goals to be achieved in the best way possible Types of e- learning As mentioned earlier, there are different types of e- learning which are developed to meet different and diverse needs of learners and trainers or teachers. Generally, e-learning can be categorised in to two broad forms which a majority of e-learning programs fall into. The first type involves scenarios where students interact directly with their lecturers or trainers. Queries can be made directly through the online links in a number of ways. These include audio, visual or through exchange of text. This form of e-learning tries to maximise communication between trainers and learners. Learners can directly ask questions and be involved in direct training without the physical presence. It is more common for technical courses that are offered online and require guidance at a more personal level. The other form of e-learning involves accessing courses that are always online in different institutions (Hrastinski, 2008, p. 52). Individuals can make schedules on when they intend to take courses as there is no direct contact with trainers. The first form of e-learning is referred to as synchronous e- learning and is more expensive due to time and support given by professionals in different fields. It also requires more infrastructure and better technology to implement. The second form is refereed to as asynchronous e- learning and is less expressive. It is also accessible to more users that the synchronous type. Objectives In the modern world, education and learning has become a necessity in majority of professions. Developments are made frequently and individuals need to be up to date with developments. Going back to school is often hectic and means disruption of normal life routines. E-learning provides a n easy solution due to its diversity and convenience. This is the reason why majority of individuals seeking further studies would rather use the online platform other than physically attending courses. In this view, it is crucial to determine what benefits that individuals who have utilised the e-learning platform have gained from different programs. Its popularity cannot be ignored and hence it is also important to realise how different users have benefited and whether intended skills have been achieved as well. E-learning provides avenues where learners can connect with different people from different parts of the world who are taking similar courses. As a result, there is the possibility of creating a virtual group of people with similar interests and affiliations in terms of careers and academic interests. Interaction can enhance skills and also diversify knowledge for individuals. Determining the extent of this aspect of e-learning is also significant in gauging its effectiveness in comparison to the traditional way of learning (Zhang, Zhao, Zhou, & Nunamaker Jr 2004, p. 76). The diversity of the internet offers learners the opportunity to pick up new information and knowledge from numerous sources. This is among other numerous advantages that e-learning provides. It is also crucial to determine the extent to which these advantages are useful to learners both in the academic perspective and in meeting training needs as well as other requirements that individuals may have. Depending on different needs that individuals have, e-learning has the potential of creating concentration or focus on individual learners. It is impot6anat to determine the extent to which this is possible and the effect that it has on different learners towards them achieving their goals. It is also important to find out whether e-learning courses follow curriculums that are similar to those of the traditional way of learning. This has the potential to determine the difference between learners trained through e-learning and those trained traditionally. This would help in determining the effectiveness as well as relevance in different professions and skills. Further evaluation of e-learning can also help in determining whether support services available for traditional methods of learning can compare to those of e-learning. Research questions In this study the objectives are closely related to the research questions. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness e-learning in different perspectives. What are the benefits that that can be gotten from e-learning? How effective is e-learning in comparison to the traditional way of training? References Books Garrison, D, 2011, E-learning in the 21st century: A framework for research and practice. Taylor & Francis. Gnitecka, A, 2004, Effectiveness of e-learning, In IFIP Student Forum, pp. 315-324. Journals Gunga, S. & Ricketts, I, 2007, ‘Facing the challenges of e‐learning initiatives in African universities. British Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 38, no. 5, pp. 896-906. Hrastinski, S, 2008, Asynchronous and synchronous e-learning. Educause quarterly, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 51-55. Sun, P. C., Tsai, R. J., Finger, G., Chen, Y. Y., & Yeh, D. 2008, ‘What drives a successful e-Learning?’, An empirical investigation of the critical factors influencing learner satisfaction. Computers & Education, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 1183-1202. Zhang, D, Zhao, J, Zhou, L, & Nunamaker Jr, J 2004, ‘Can e-learning replace classroom learning?’,Communications of the ACM, vol. 47, no. 5,pp. 75-79. Read More