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What systems are used in e-Learning

2010-02-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

What systems are used in e-Learning ?
An e-learning system typically consists of three main elements:

i. A key element in any e-learning structure is a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Learning Content Management System (LCMS), a software program that stores and delivers the course content, and tracks student access and progress. A good example of an up-to-date system is the eLeaP LMS that leverages Web 2.0 technology. We’ll talk more about how an LMS works in a later section.

ii. Another critical element of an e-learning system is a courseware development process (sometimes called authoring) that prepares the content for e-learning delivery. Despite the differences in technology and delivery methods, e-learning relies on essentially the same principles of most traditional learning methods, imparting new knowledge and skills that alter behavior and improve performance.

Typically, e-learning courseware produces training courses that comply with the SCORM standard, a set of technical standards for e-learning software products. The purpose of the SCORM standard is to tell programmers how to write their code so that it can “play well” with other e-learning software. According to several industry experts, SCORM governs how online learning content and Learning Management Systems (LMS) communicate with each other. SCORM does not speak to instructional design or any other pedagogical concern, it is purely a technical standard. The purpose of this standard is to enhance the interoperability of training materials from one system to another.

A recent development has been what is called “rapid deployment” training, using PowerPoint output converted to Flash for web delivery. Commonly used courseware development programs of this genre include Articulate Presenter (www.articulate.com) and Adobe Presenter (www.adobe.com), along with a number of similar programs that convert PowerPoint presentations to Flash for easier storage and relatively universal access. In addition, there are a number of simulation programs such as Adobe Captivate and Camtasia (http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp) that are used primarily to demonstrate and train users of software programs or to deliver “how to” technical presentations. In some cases, content can also include video productions (in whole or in part) for web or streaming media delivery. “How to” videos abound on You-tube.

Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS) provide these capabilities as an integrated part of their packages. Selecting an e-Learning and training platform such as an LCMS, offers a natural solution for those needing an easy to use system that can be implemented quickly.

iii. The final element is a delivery and receiving platform that presents the training to the learner. This typically resembles a client/server environment when used on the Internet or an intranet, ensuring the user access to the material. On occasion, e-learning is delivered through a CD-ROM or DVD that is physically delivered to the learner. This media can be used on a computer or on any CD or DVD player capable of reproducing video, replacing, in a way, the old-fashioned training movie.

This delivery platform typically requires a host using TCP/IP. Today, many systems are in place that leverage Web 2.0 technology. Web 2.0 sites allow users to collaborate or to change content, whereas earlier systems limit users to just viewing the material presented. Web 2.0 systems improve access to simulations and games that enhance and reinforce learning. Make sure you select LMS/LCMS platforms which leverage the capabilities of Web 2.0 technology to the advantage of the user.

We also see e-learning delivered through teleconference presentations such as those provided by Webex or GoToMeeting. Although presentations are typically “live” and instructor-led, the platform can also be used to deliver static, pre-recorded materials. These programs are designed in ways that enable them to provide virtual classrooms; they use dynamics that enable the users and presenters to interact.

Keep in mind, any of these elements can be combined in a number of ways to enable a full spectrum of e-learning technology…from content creation, to content access and delivery. As an example, have a look at the eLeaP LMS/LCMS and you’ll find an excellent example of how these features can be combined into a single platform that serves virtually all the functions needed to produce and deliver e-learning. This system offers tools for creating, delivering, tracking, reporting, and administration, all on a hosted website dedicated to each specific user. What’s most remarkable about systems such as this is their ability to be deployed almost immediately, with setup taking less than a day. Students, too, find it user friendly and require little or no training to get started.

What is e-Learning and how does it benefit your organization?

2009-11-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

What is e-learning?
According to a team of leading experts[1], e-learning can be defined as “instruction delivered on a computer by CD-ROM, Internet or intranet.” While this is a fairly broad definition, e-learning, in a business environment, does contain almost all the features of traditional learning: Relevant content, instructional methodology, presentation tools (such as PowerPoint) and assessments,…all with the objective of enhancing knowledge and skills, as well as improving performance. To this definition, we can often add media (recorded audio and/or video) and software programs dedicated to the creation of e-learning courseware; again, not unlike traditional instruction processes.

In addition to the most prevalent self-directed delivery methods (called “asynchronous” training ), there is also instructor-led training (“synchronous” training) that can be delivered in a wide variety of ways, including online conferences and teleconferences. Sometimes we even find classroom training supplemented with self-directed e-learning. We generally refer to training that uses more than one method for delivery as “blended” learning.

2. How does e-learning benefit your organization?
e-Learning is reusable, cost effective training process, where content is prepared and paid for once but used again and again. It can be deployed rapidly and it is totally flexible to meet the needs of an organization. Once created, the material can be delivered anywhere and anytime with virtually no additional cost. Since e-learning is primarily self-directed, there is no need for individuals to resolve the typical conflicts between their ongoing work projects and required training; the courses are available to meet each individual’s schedule. And since the training is computer based, it can be scaled very effectively…delivering the same training to large numbers of employees at multiple locations at virtually the same time…or at any time at all.

e-Learning has the capability of providing the same material presented in a classroom, but since it is completely focused on the subject matter, it can take about half the time of the traditional class to conduct. Since there is no classroom, no assembly and no travel, e-learning is not constrained to any particular time or scheduled amount of time. Modules can be developed and delivered in very small increments so that they focus on a finite subject scope…just what’s needed and no more. Since this form of training doesn’t have to rely on a live trainer, there’s no need to cover the fixed costs associated with bringing an instructor into the classroom..travel, per diem expenses, minimum fees, and so on. You can deliver a five minute training session just as effectively as a five hour session. Most importantly, courses are delivered online and on demand. They are self-paced and can be paused or stopped by the user at any point…and when ready, the user can return to exactly that point. Unlike traditional training, the user remains available to the job site at any time during training. Try that in a traditional classroom!

e-Learning is also specific to your own environment…tailored to your needs and your specifications, leveraging the experience of your experts. It’s not broad theory, it’s not academic…it’s just what you do. Training can be focused on the “how to” elements of the process; for example, it’s very easy to demonstrate how to complete the fields in a new form that has just been introduced, or to review the steps in a newly implemented process. When e-learning addresses a business process and regulatory compliance--to create alignment with organizational goals and mandatory requirements (an area of increasing concern to most organizations)--it can also help ensure that personnel are operating in a cohesive manner and according to the organization’s standard operating procedures. Compliance reduces liability.

e-Learning also adds directly to the bottom line. In a typical training environment, costs can run about $2,600 per day per person, considering travel, expenses, salaries and the cost of admission. This figure likely increases with the distance traveled and the amount of productive time lost. Then add to this constraint the lack of ability of most training to track and assess individual progress and provide reports in formats determined by the user (a major failure of most professional seminars), and you have a very tidy savings.

Download Free e-Learning White paper: 7 Critical Questions about e-Learning

[1] Clark, Ruth Colvin and Richard E. Mayer, e-Learning and the Science of Instruction, (McGraw-Hill, 2008)

Web based training - tips and benefits

2009-03-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

So you have finally decided to check out web based training. Perhaps the down economy has made this a top priority because you are tasked with doing more with less. Web based training can be a powerful and cost effective addition to your existing training and e-learning strategy.

Learn more about the benefits of web based training from www.web-basedtraining.com.

Talent Management

2007-09-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Talent Management? What is your organization doing about talent management? Join us to discuss at Talent Management 360.

e-Learning Software - How to easily create your own elearning system

2007-03-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

eLearning Software - Quickly and easily create e-learning programs

Use a hosted e-learning solution
Get pricing per user.
Get free trial to make sure you like the system
Try eLeaP Learning Management and e-learning software system

Apparently Spammers Hate Blue Security -- seems Blue Frog folded ;)

2006-05-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

Interesting antispam concept -- let your PC send millions of automated opt-out messages to the spammers. Sound great so what's the problem ... well the spammers don't particularly like to receive millions of "reverse spam."

More of this story at Wired News

{update: seems Blue Frog succumbed to a sustain DOS, DNS attack. They have since folded operations}

eLeaP Learning Management Platform

2006-03-29T18:54:00.000-08:00

I am involved in developing a web 2.0 learning management platform - eLeaP. Check out what Saul Weiner, Web 2.0 expert in Silicon Valley had to say about eLeaP.

".. eLeap seems to be looking to capture some of the customer facing learning management (instead of just internal employee training, although it does offer this). And they were kind enough to hook me up with a demo and a user guide to get me going.

From a high level, eLeap offers most of what is needed:

Courses and Lessons
Payments (although it wasn't implemented on my demo)
Quizzes
Career path management
Basic reporting
Forum"

Read full review:

We are indeed ambitious .. for what's the fun in wasting all this brain power. As usual your comments are welcome ... believe me we have some pretty tough hides :)

Web 2.0, Rich Internet Applications, AJAX ...?

2006-03-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

What's in a name? Is AJAX the new RIA (Rich Internet Applications)for the Web 2.0 movement and how does this apply to elearning or Learning 2.0? First of all the explosion of terminology in web applications, technologies and philosphy is in my opinion belying an underlining tension .. Are web technologist and marketers so insecure we have to keep coming up with these new terms.

I believe the user should drive the technology and lets keep the marketers out of the whole naming crap .... Personally I like the concepts of Web 2.0 as expoused by Tim O'Reilly. We have focus on Web Services, Delivery of Personalized & Rich User experience, Leveraging the Collective Intelligence of the planet, Shifting User roles - more collaborative and publisher roles than passive web visitors, and my favorite Platforms outperforming standalone applications.

You ask.. so how is all of this related to Learning .. or the Learning 2.0 movement ..if indeed it is a movement (from what I hear Jay Cross has called Learning 2.0 a useless term .. ahem .. pretty strong stuff)

I believe using Web 2.0 applications or platforms, or Rich Web or RIA to create a more cinematic and interative learning experience incorporating Web 2.0 concepts such as user/publisher, collaborative versus static user experiences is a good thing.

So can we quit quibbling about semantics, terminology and instead focus on creating a richer, more engaging, user experience - be it elearning, e-commerce, entertainment or just plain publishing ala blogging or social networks. Share your comments at the e-Learning Place

Is E-Learning 2.0 For Real?

2006-03-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

{This post is courtesy of Bryan Menell of LEARNING20.blogspot.com}

Is E-Learning 2.0 For Real?

Stephen Downes posted a summary of his private writings on the subject of "E-Learning 2.0" on his blog recently. I'm cross posting my reply here.

Creating cultures that value learning is a great ideal, but there are enough people in the world who do value learning, peer production, and learning content creation. Maybe today it is more like a sub-culture, but 20 years from now it won't be "sub" anymore.

The biggest problem is that we don't have tools or markets for loosely coupled learning objects. Without those the peer network cannot produce anything. The peer producers are also not going to buy and learn flash, or even learn HTML for that matter. Producing learning content has to be as easy as creating a blog entry, and the result has to be as engaging as watching a TV show, or playing a video game.

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I invite you to discuss learning 2.0 and web 2.0. How would this convergrnce of technology and growth of web applications change the learning universe? Join us at the e-Learning Place.
What is Learning 2.0? See what Stephen Downes says about Learning 2.0.

So how can we help to reinstill the culture of learning in our communities, schools, workplaces, churches, mosques etc.

I say reinstill because I believe learning has always been an integral part of the human condition.. that is how we got here in the first place. Share your ideas? Do you think Learning 2.0 is a fad? Do you think the convergence of technology (web 2.0) and learning bodes well for our world?
learning 2.0
learn 2.0

Shall we create a World University Online?

2006-03-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy but I want you to join me. Lets us create a world university based on an open source mentality. We share in the creation, implementation and management of the world university online. Lets take the Secretary General on his word.

Contribute your ideas at the eLearning Place.

International Online University?

2006-03-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

According to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan "..We also need to explore the possibility of creating an open international university. Surely, experts can think of many more ideas along these lines."

The concept of an International Learning institution sounds like a no brainer ... or is it? Can and should the developed world share in this knowledge transfer knowing full well that they might be loosing some competitive advantages? Are the costs too much to make this a reality? What advantages if any exist for an international learning institution?

See what members at the e-Learning Place are saying about this topic here. Feel free to chime in.