Is it possible to gain knowledge from any corner of the world just by sitting at home? Yes, E-learning comes into the limelight.
While beginning the e-learning journey, learners might undergo challenges in choosing the e-learning platform.
So, which checkpoints to consider for selecting the best e-learning platform? Always ensure the course duration, whether it is practical-oriented or not, and if the faculties have enough experience or not. Additionally, consider the feasible course options. The most important aspect is how well is the accessibility of the platform.
Now, the internet revolves around different types of e learning platforms. It is a daunting task to select the best e learning platform. Do not worry.
In this blog, we will break down the top types of e learning platforms that will help to boost knowledge in online mode.
Types Of E-learning Platforms:
1. Fixed eLearning
Fixed eLearning is one of the traditional forms of online learning. This kind of learning is the standard in old classrooms but is unsuitable for e-learning. Every learner gets a similar type of information set by the instructors.
As the learning content depends on the instructors, fixed e-learning does not involve any of your choices. Also, the content of the course remains the same after its formation. Thus, fixed e-learning suits learners with the same skills and schedules.
2. Computer Managed Learning (CML)
Computer-managed learning, called Computer Managed Instruction, handles and examines learning procedures. This system conducts numerous functions like creating tests, assessing the outcomes of the tests, and maintaining records of your progress. It functions via information databases. These databases have bits of information you need to learn with the ranking factors to set preferences for the learning procedure.
Due to two-way communication between the computer and the student, it is easy to decide whether you gained the learning objective satisfactorily. Repeat the procedures unless the learner achieves the learning goals.
Also, educational institutes utilize computer-managed learning systems for storing and recovering valuable information for educational management—these information range from training materials, curriculum information, lecture information, enrolment information, and grades.
3. Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)
Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI), also called computer-assisted learning(CAL), is another kind of e-learning that blends computers with conventional teaching.
It means interactive software for the students or the software Patrick Suppes of Stanford University used proficiently in 1966.
Computer-assisted training processes have a mix of multimedia like graphics, text, video, and sound to make learning fun. The main motive of CAL is interactivity, as it enables you to be active rather than passive. It involves methods like quizzes and computer-assisted teaching and testing methodologies.
Nowadays, many traditional and online schools use various variations of computer-assisted learning to boost students' knowledge and skills.
4. Synchronous Online Learning
Synchronous denotes "at the same time," which implies a group of learners interacting with the mentor through the Web in real time. For instance, virtual classrooms are an online form of actual classrooms.
The learners interact with each other and mentors via chat, video, and audio conferencing. Also, you can ask queries and get reverts instantly from the mentors. Interestingly, you can even record the session and play back.
This kind of community-driven online learning is possible with the huge development of online learning technologies.
Currently, synchronous e-learning is beneficial as it cuts off the drawbacks of e-learning, like bad student-to-student and teacher-to-student and social isolation. It is one of the most famous and fastest-growing types of e-learning platforms.
5. Asynchronous Online Learning
Asynchronous signifies "not at the same time", which enables learners to attend the Web-based training at their availability without live interaction with the mentor.
Therefore, the learners study independently at different locations and times without real-time communication. These e-learning methods are more student-focused compared to synchronous online learning, as the learners can study at their pace.
Due to these reasons, learners prefer this type of e-learning as it has flexible schedules.
They can study within their timeframe and not at particular time intervals with other learners.
It lets the learners interact via bulletin boards, message boards, and discussion forums. This e-learning platform uses computer-based training, Web-based training accessed through intranet(WBTs), modules on CD-Rom, ebooks, discussion forums, and articles.
Every e-learning was previously asynchronous before the PLATO computer system's invention since there was no availability of computer networking methods.
6. Adaptive eLearning
Adaptive e-learning is a different type of e-learning which reforms learning materials according to every learner's requirements. This e-learning measures parameters like abilities, student performance, and goals to make student-driven educational methods.
Artificial intelligence is significant in knowledge management and is the main module of adaptive eLearning systems.
Also, AI enables teaching tools to identify and emphasize areas where learners require improvement. Moreover, laboratory-oriented adaptive instructional approaches can be implemented for the mathematical sequencing of learner data.
Adaptive eLearning is suitable for learners who want to study at flexible hours.
7. Linear E-Learning
Regarding human-computer interaction, linear communication represents information and transmits it from sender to receiver. The sender decides the order, time, and speed of receiving the information. Also, the receiver sends no feedback to the sender. Therefore, this e-learning does not permit two-way communication between teachers and learners. For example, sending learning materials to learners via radio and television programs is linear e-learning.
8. Interactive Online Learning
Interactive e-learning enables senders to be receivers and vice versa, allowing two-way communication between both parties. The teachers and learners can change their teaching and learning processes based on the sent and received messages.
Due to this reason, interactive e-learning is more well-known than linear e-learning as it permits teachers and learners to converse with each other. Some instances are discussion boards and instant messaging or forums.
9. Individual Online Learning
Individual learning means the number of learners who accomplish their goals. This type of e learning has existed in traditional classrooms for many years.
When undergoing individual learning, the learners study the learning materials themselves without depending on peers or teachers.
It is not suitable for enhancing learners' teamwork and communication skills as it just emphasizes learners learning independently without interacting with other students.
10. Collaborative Online Learning
Collaborative e-learning is a contemporary learning approach in which several students study and gain their learning goals in a group.
Learners should team up to fulfil their common learning objectives. How? Through the formation of groups, every learner needs to consider the strengths and weaknesses of every other learner. This aspect builds the learners' communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
Collaborative e-learning has the concept that knowledge is enriched when the learners interact.
Advantages Of E-learning Platforms:
Low costs.
More efficient learning.
Better open access to education, incorporating access to full degree programs.
Quick delivery.
Lower environmental impact.
Improved integration for non-full-time students, specifically in ongoing education.
Provision of tools to allow students to solve problems.
Better interactions between learners and instructors
Gaining technological skills via practice with computers and tools.
No age constraints on difficulty level, i.e. learners can study at their pace.
Types of e-learning Delivery Methods:
1. Computer-Based Training(CBT) or Web-Based Training(WBT)
In Computer-Based Training (CBT), learners can access content via media like DVDs and CDs. CBT runs on the learner's system, while Web-based training utilizes the internet. Thus, learning management systems are common in WBT. Thus, courses are self-paced, with no communication between learners and instructors.
2. Mobile eLearning
Even though it is a new e-learning delivery approach, organizations are adopting this method because of the ease of delivering training anytime and anywhere. Also, the proper delivery of learning on any device in the form of bite-sized microlearning modules, how-to videos, and other interesting formats. Plus, it is the best solution for training delivery at places without an internet connection.
3. Social eLearning
Social e-learning involves the exchange of know-how between group members, which lets the learners study the material better. It has two types of streams like, direct and indirect social interactions between learners.
Direct interaction means personal communication, such as personal conferences via Zoom. On the contrary, indirect contact means communication via e-mail and social networks.
4. Game-Based eLearning
This e-learning means game mechanics like point systems, badges, and leaderboards to e-learning. This type of e-learning is delivered through augmented reality and virtual reality.
5. Blended Learning
Blended learning lets organizations use many approaches so that learner memorizes the information. This delivery method is suitable for organizations with learning objectives and training requisites.
Usually, blended learning mixes two training environments: e-learning and traditional in-person learning.
Although in-class learning allows face-to-face interaction, e-learning has more flexible and personalized learning with elements like tutorials, videos, games, and quizzes.
Conclusion
Are you willing to learn online? Thankfully, different types of e-learning platforms come in handy. With top-notch advantages such as better interactions, low costs, efficient learning, and quick delivery, e-learning is gaining popularity amongst learners.
Before you proceed, check the course duration, whether it will add practical value to your career, and the professors' experience in the respective field.
Then, comprehend the above-mentioned best ten types of e-learning platforms. After ticking all the boxes for your preferable e-learning platform, diversify your knowledge from any corner of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q.1 What are the four stages of e-learning?
A.1 The four stages of e-learning are content analysis, generating a storyboard, creating a prototype, and course submission.
Q.2 What is the main concept of e-learning?
A.2 The main concept of e-learning is its accessibility through numerous electronic devices, constituting a tablet, laptop, computer, or smartphone, making it easy for learners to learn from anywhere.
Q.3 What are the top 7 e-learning styles?
A.3 The top 7 e-learning styles are verbal, logical, visual, social, physical, aural, and solitary.
Q.4 What are the best features of e-learning?
A.4 The best feature of e-learning are Online course catalogues, Brand integration, reporting with customization, self-registration, responsive design features, web-based business support, collaboration of many learning tools, and accreditation support.
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