E- LEARNING AND DIGITAL EDUCATION

E-learning is very broad term. E-learning is defined as any learning happens by electronic media. Electronic media could be Radio, TV, Computer, Tablet and Cell phone.

Content: something that is to be expressed through some medium as speech, writing or any of various arts. If the content is delivered through electronic media then it is called e-content. Content can be text, drawing tables, flowcharts etc. If these content is converted in to digital form, then that is called Digital Content. Digital content and e-content, e-material, etc. are used in eLearning.

If learning is done in a classroom it is called traditional learning. In classroom if teacher or instructor teaches using e-content/digital content, it is called Instructor Led Training. In instructor led training, trainee or instructor uses some digital content to explain concepts to students. Once the classroom session is done, if the trainee wants to see the course again, then the ILT might not be sufficient. Because ILTs are not self-explanatory content. To prepare self-learning content, ILTs are explained in detailed. To explain the content in detail, Learning theories are required.

E-content, or Digital content is developed using various multimedia tools. The digital content will be converted in to various formats and delivered.

If the content is prepared for Computers, then the content is called Computer Based Training. If the content is developed for mobiles, then it is called Mobile Based Learning. If the content is explained through simulations, then it is called Simulation Based Training. If the content is explained to student by using games, then that is called Game Based Learning.

E-learning or e-content development is broad term used to describe CBT, WBT, Mobile Learning, Simulation Based Learning, Game Based Learning etc.

E-learning is a priceless gift to the learning and education sector. Digital Content has eliminated the distance barrier and made learning a pleasant and joyful experience. With the advent of eLearning, knowledge and information is just a click away. With the near omnipresent reach of Internet and ever-increasing bandwidth, it is possible to deliver high-definition media rich content online.

E-learning offers many advantages to Institutes and learners alike. Traditionally, eLearning is seen as a tool for Educational Institutes and Corporates for conducting their training programmes. However, it is a myth that eLearning is for the educated masses only. E-Learning can be deployed for educating rural and semi-urban populace on a variety of topics like vocational training, social awareness etc. “Institutes” need not necessarily mean Academic Organizations. It is representative of any organization that is trying to impart training, awareness or communicating information to a variety of target audience.

Examples include Government Organizations like Social Welfare, Ministry of HR, NGO’s, Social Help Groups etc.

Institutes can leverage on the power of the Multimedia and animation to deliver standardized, educative, and quality information to the target audience. Moreover, Institutes who want to keep pace with changing trends can do so without worrying about updating their teachers, modifying textbooks/training material and printing them, etc. For learners, eLearning brings in a whole new approach to education/awareness. They can now learn “anytime, anywhere” – at their best time and pace, and not a miss a word of what is being taught.

Multimedia is a homogenized blend of various media elements such as graphics, videos, animations, texts, music, and voice and interactivity, has a major role to play in the modern corporate communication arena. Multimedia is a powerful media that delivers immersive visual experience to touch your senses. In the present scenario, Multimedia leads as the most effective and impressive medium of communication. Multimedia has established itself as an appealing and powerful way to present and communicate the message to the target audience.

The conventional ways of instruction have always left a huge gap in teaching-learning experience isolating the Trainer from the trainees. A typical Trainee may not properly comprehend and visualize what the teacher delivers in the classroom using words and static pictures without proper care on individual differences visualizing ability and the pace of learning. In this scenario, a weak trainee is left behind and feels neglected.

E-Learning material supports self-learning, self-paced learning in the trainees, increases the interest levels and the retention power of the students. Critical concepts are being developed and packaged using multimedia based digital solutions. Digital classrooms or Smart classrooms are being used in almost all every educational institute.