The Evolution of E-Learning and New Trends

The Evolution of E-Learning and New Trends

1. What is E-Learning

   • E-learning rapidly evolved regarding the technology and the e-learning methods/tools used.
   • E-learning is the practice of using information and communication technology to create learning experience that can be formulated.
   • E-learning is used in elevating sales, technical expertise, professional capability, training and legal compliance preparation.
   • Some of the disadvantages of E-Learning are compensated with the introduction of blended learning a combination of e-learning and traditional learning
   • The essential elements of an eLearning process can be identified as technological infrastructure, e-learning platform, e-learning content and participants.

2. Historical development of E-Learning

   • E-learning has its origins from mail-learning method through correspondence courses. Sir Isaac Pitman’s mail courses used shorthand technique to teach in 1840.
   • Sidney Pressey’s concept of ‘teaching machines’ emerged in 1920’s
   • Computer-based training (CBT) is a training method in which the primary data transfer takes place in a computer through software over internet or intranet

3. The current state of e-Learning

   • The E-Learning market and LMS
     • The global e-Learning market, according to a report developed by the Global Industry Analysts, is estimated to reach US$107 billion by 2015, and is expected to rise by 23% till 2017.
     • Regarding the industry type, the educational sector with 21%, comprises the larger part of the LMS market.
   • E-Learning Tools
     • The learning content in the e-learning environment is presented/distributed to the learner through e-learning tools or learning objects enabled by the LMS.
     • Tools for asynchronous learning can be used for self-paced learning and include, reading materials, audio and video, forums, wikis etc.

4. E-learning Trends

   • E-Learning is present in the society and business for several decades and is here to stay.
     • Blended learning
       • Blended learning can be defined as the process of combining two or more teaching methods such as web-based technologies, pedagogical approaches, instructional technologies and job tasks
     • Gamification
       • Gamification is the process of augmenting e-learning facilities by incorporating gaming elements, which engages people independently and communally in commerce and education sectors
     • Micro learning
       • When the learning time is relatively short and measurable, the content is small and simple, the curriculum is in parts of modules and episodes.
     • Personalized learning
       • Rather than relying completely on service providers and expecting to improve the service; personalized learning offers an opportunity for students to partake completely and becoming co-producers in choosing the content and structuring the learning instructions