E-Learning: Say what?!

Nowadays, people are spending more time in front of their computers like never before. You’d see them logging into their favorite social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace, chatting through YM, MSN, posting shout outs in Twitter, and surfing just about anything under the sun.

If one can spend so much time reading Wikipedia and browsing Google, then it just makes sense that learning is possible using these tools and methods.



Hello, cyberspace!

The new buzzword nowadays is e-learning. So what is it? Entries in Wikipedia describe it as:

“Web-based distance learning, distributed learning, and electronic learning”

“…refers to the strategies that use the company network to deliver training courses to employees...”

“E-Learning lessons are generally designed to guide students through information or to help students perform in specific tasks…”

In today’s fast-paced environment, the traditional classroom setup is no longer the best option in educating people. Now, learning can be initiated with just a click of a mouse.



What’s in it for me?

E-learning can provide companies and individuals with the following benefits: increased access, cost effective training, convenience and flexibility to learners.

Increased access – Participants can have access to information anytime, anywhere. Training modules can be easily setup and it just takes a moment to log in before the participant can start learning.

Cost-effective training - Participants from different stations will be able to enroll in their training module of choice; no need for them to travel. This in turn would decrease the company’s expenses and increase manpower productivity.

Convenience and flexibility - Participants can choose their own time and pace in going through the training modules. There is no need for them to physically attend classes. They can even backtrack and review the module for an unlimited time. Hence, learning is possible 24x7.



The Toolbox

There are many tools that can initiate e-learning.

Internet – The most prolific way to engage e-learners. Simply upload the training material into your company’s intranet and it’s done. Downloading and uploading of material can be very easy. Trainers can even track down the progress of each participant after they have logged in or have taken an online course assessment.

Mac or PC? - Any desktop or laptop can be used for e-learning. Hardware has become much more affordable and accessible nowadays. Standard computer packages include cd-rom drive, Ethernet/LAN modem, and usb ports which are essential to e-learning. You can learn in the office, at home, or even in your favorite coffee shop.

CDs – A more common form of storage for e-books and other e-learning media. No need to bring heavy books to class. Just bring your favorite cd and play it in your desktop or laptop.

PSDs and MP3 players – Portable storage devices like usb drives, iPods and mp3 players also play a huge role in e-learning. Podcasts and other instructional programs can be downsized so that people on the go can also benefit from them.



So are we ready?

For us to move forward, we would have to utilize the tools of tomorrow. We can’t afford to sit back, relax and watch the competition fly past us. We have the tools. So let’s start using them.



Source: Wikipedia, Google Images
Words by GG Garcia