4.2 Computer-Assisted and Computer Managed Instructions, Cybernetics, E- learning, Use of Net Search and Websites

4.2 Computer-Assisted & Computer-Managed Instructions, Cybernetics, E-learning, Use of Net Search and Websites

COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTIONS

Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) refers to the process wherein a computer with software is used for learning specified tasks.

Types of Computer-Assisted Instruction:

Drill-and-practice:
Drill and practice provide opportunities for students to repeatedly practice the skills that have previously been presented and that further practice is necessary for mastery. This mode is designed to teach basic facts. The student is asked to type in answers to questions, and the computer tells them about the correctness of their response. The pupil is presented with more questions until the material is committed to memory. Control of learning rests with the computer since it initiates and controls the students' activity. Although drill and practice programs might help students memorize facts and information, they can go beyond this and ask questions that involve the use of procedural knowledge to supply answers and provide reinforcement and feedback.

Tutorial:
Tutorial activity includes both the presentation of information and its extension into different forms of work, including drill and practice, games, and simulation. Tutorial is used to teach basic concepts or methods. The tutorial type utilizes written explanations, descriptions, questions, problems, and graphic illustrations for teaching concepts, much like a tutor. Tutorial mode is very useful when students show varying levels of conceptual understanding, and it can provide for individual tutoring needs that may be difficult to satisfy through traditional instructional arrangements. The computer specifies the tasks, and on submission of answers by the students, the computer checks and provides feedback. Control of the learning situation rests with the computer.

Games:
Game software often creates a contest to achieve the highest score and either beat others or beat the computer.

Simulation:
Simulation software can provide an approximation of reality that does not require the expense of real life or its risks. Simulation deals with the representation of an event, system, or equipment. This is an excellent mode that enables students to investigate and experiment with systems and processes that are complex, dangerous, and expensive. It has the unique ability to compress time and produce expensive, delicate, or dangerous systems and equipment. Simulation allows students to investigate the optimum conditions for carrying out a particular process and gain an appreciation of the situation and constraints.

Discovery:
The discovery approach provides a large database of information specific to a course or content area and challenges the learner to analyze, compare, infer, and evaluate based on their explorations of the data.

Problem Solving:
This approach helps children develop specific problem-solving skills and strategies.

Cybernetics:

The term has been derived from a Greek word kybernetes meaning "steersman"—a person who provides the control system for a boat or ship. A steersman is able to regulate the working of his vehicle according to the communication (feedback). This word was coined in 1948 and defined as a science by Norbert Wiener, who was born in 1894 and died in 1964. He became known as the "Father of Cybernetics."

The science of communication and control can help in building a self-regulatory automatic feedback system similar to that found in animals, humans, and machines.

§ It stands for a self-regulatory automatic system.

§ It is a science of communication and control.

§ It can modify its operation in light of the feedback received through its output.

Cybernetics in Education

1. Teacher is the steersman of the teaching-learning process.

2. He has to take along with him the pupils for reaching a set goal by steering out a learning path.

3. The instructional system he/she chooses must be appropriately controlled.

4. While working with the system, if he gets feedback that the system is working properly in terms of output, it will be steered with no change.

5. But if he gets communication that there is something wrong with the system, he will try to set it right.

6. He may have to bring changes in his own method of teaching, the size or quality of the content, or learning experiences, interaction with the students, etc., and again the system is put to work after being corrected.

7. This is how a system is controlled by receiving proper communication and feedback about its functioning in the right or wrong way.

8. Our human body systems are good examples of such regulatory systems.

Cybernetics means ‘to steer,’ ‘to navigate’ or ‘to govern’ for taking the system to the desired goal. Here, in the classroom teaching-learning process, is a system and the goal is the success of the learner and the learning process. Classroom cybernetics is constituted by Constructivism, Conversation theory, and a feedback system. Constructivism resulted in five E’s, namely - Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.

E-Learning

E-Learning is learning anything with the help of electronic media, usually through the internet. Having garnered a lot of popularity in recent times, e-learning is slowly becoming a vital element of education today. Be it on online learning platforms or in the form of e-books, you can easily see its presence in some way or the other.

Through the method of e-learning, learning becomes a lot easier. Nowadays, the best online learning platforms enable e-learning so that students can get the maximum out of their lessons. It could be in the form of content videos, interactive e-books, unlimited practice questions, etc.

If you are still wondering about the importance of e-learning in today’s education, read on to know why:

1. Provides high retention power:
Those who learn using e-learning platforms retain their lessons more than those who don’t. Through the method of e-learning, learners have no pressure on them, and this helps them remember what they studied. Technology is something that a lot of learners love to use when they study, as it provides them with the choice to study as per their comfort. No one forces them to study, and this in turn results in much more productivity when they learn. As e-learning tools take the help of visuals to impart learning, learners remember their lessons more compared to a traditional classroom environment. The visuals help in visualizing different concepts in a much more interesting way. For instance, if the teacher teaches you the concept of ‘Force,’ then you would rather learn the concept more with the help of visuals compared to the teaching method that involves a chalk and blackboard.

2. Availability of a vast information pool:
E-learning enables the learners to access a vast information pool anytime and anywhere. Since updated information is available for different topics, learners seldom face doubts. In addition to that, learners get deep insights on the subjects at hand that they would have not gained otherwise by studying in traditional classrooms.

3. Provides a digital learning environment:
Important mediums such as computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, web-based learning, and mobile-based learning form part of e-content for school education. It enables both the teacher and student to teach and learn in a digital learning environment. Such tools help in making an information-rich society because people get to learn, share, and make use of the information they read. You can say that e-content is a type of virtual teacher that lets the learners learn in the best possible way.

4. Other benefits:
The other benefits of e-learning are:

§ Irrespective of the geographical location of the learners, e-learning offers access to the best content to them.

§ Enables learners to become self-learners.

§ Given the speed with which a learner learns with e-learning tools, the learner gets more time to pursue their hobbies or talents.

§ Cuts down the pressure and stress of exams, helping students to mentally prepare for their exams.

§ Encourages students to initiate learning.

§ Simplifies the entire learning process and makes it more effective and engaging.

The best online learning platforms bring different concepts to life, which makes lessons more relatable and concepts easier to understand. Hence, it is safe to say that e-learning has a lot of importance in today’s education.

Role of Internet in Education

The Internet, the most useful technology of modern times, helps us not only in our daily lives but also in professional lives. For educational purposes, it is widely used to gather information and do research or add to the knowledge of various subjects.

The Internet plays a very vital role in education. It is no doubt that in this modern era, everyone prefers Google for their queries, problems, or doubts. Popular search engines like Google, Yahoo, etc., are the topmost choice of people as they offer an easy and instant reach to the vast amount of information in just a few seconds. It contains a wealth of knowledge that can be searched at any time. The Internet has introduced improvements in technology, communication, and online entertainment.

Today, it has become more important as well as a powerful tool in the world, which is preferred by everyone. Everybody needs the Internet for some or other purposes. Students need the Internet to search for information related to exams, curriculum, results, etc. You can also follow these steps for students to achieve success in student life.

The importance of the Internet in education to the students means that it makes it easier for them to research things and relearn the content taught in school. People use it according to their needs and interests.

There are many benefits of the Internet in the field of education. Some of these are:

1. Cost Effective and Affordable Education
One of the largest barriers to education is high cost. The Internet improves the quality of education, which is one of the pillars of sustainable development of a nation. It provides education through videos (like YouTube tutorial videos) and web tutorials, which are affordable to everyone and cost-effective.

2. Student–Teacher and Peer Interaction
The Internet has allowed students to be in constant touch with their teachers or with other fellow classmates with the help of social media, messaging apps, and chat forums. Parents can interact as well as communicate with teachers and school authorities about their kid’s performance in school. Interaction with like-minded people on forums can help students to explore new ideas and enrich their knowledge.

3. Effective Teaching and Learning Tool
The Internet has become a major tool for effective teaching as well as a learning tool. Teachers can use it as a teaching tool by posting their teaching materials (notes and videos) on school websites or forums. The learning process becomes interesting and diverse with the use of tutorial videos and notes. Teachers can teach with the use of animation, PowerPoint slides, and images to capture the students’ attention.

4. Easy Access to Quality Education
Students can easily access quality education materials like tutorial videos on YouTube for free or pay fees online for more quality study materials. Teachers can also make use of the Internet by providing the students with extra study material and resources such as interactive lessons, educational quizzes, as well as tutorials. Teachers can record their lectures and provide them to the students for revisions, which is better than reading from notes.

5. Interaction with Digital Media
Regular use of digital media is one of the most basic parts of our lives. Digital bulletin boards save paper and allow displaying videos and audios to attract the attention of students. Nowadays, there are many paid sites that provide educational resources that are rich in quality and easily understandable to the masses.

6. Keeping You Updated with Latest Information
Information is the biggest advantage which the Internet is offering. There is a huge amount of information available for every subject. It keeps us up to date with the latest information regarding the subjects in which we are interested.

7. Learning with Multimedia
It helps the students with the learning process as it helps to simplify the knowledge. Also, it helps to visualize what is being taught by the teachers in school. If you want to prepare for final exams, you can access video tutorials and other resources online through the Internet.

The Internet is a boon to people, which is used all over the world. Hence, it should be used for good purposes. It has had a great impact on imparting education to children. If this is used in appropriate ways that meet children’s developmental levels, they can benefit and learn from the Internet.

Note - 2

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Computer Managed Instruction (CMI)

Computer-based education (CBE) and computer-based instruction (CBI) are the broadest terms and can refer to virtually any kind of computer use in educational settings. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) is a narrower term and most often refers to drill-and-practice, tutorial, or simulation activities. Computer-managed instruction (CMI) is an instructional strategy whereby the computer is used to provide learning objectives, learning resources, record keeping, progress tracking, and assessment of learner performance. Computer based tools and applications are used to assist the teacher or school administrator in the management of the learner and instructional process.

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)

A self-learning technique, usually offline/online, involving interaction of the student with programmed instructional materials. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional technique whereby a computer is used to present the instructional material and monitor the learning that takes place. CAI uses a combination of text, graphics, sound and video in enhancing the learning process. The computer has many purposes in the classroom, and it can be utilized to help a student in all areas of the curriculum. CAI refers to the use of the computer as a tool to facilitate and improve instruction. CAI programs use tutorials, drill and practice, simulation, and problem-solving approaches to present topics, and they test the student's understanding.

Types of Computer Assisted Instruction

1.  Drill-and-practice Drill and practice provide opportunities or students to repeatedly practice the skills that have previously been presented and that further practice is necessary for mastery.

2. Tutorial Tutorial activity includes both the presentation of information and its extension into different forms of work, including drill and practice, games and simulation.

3. Games Game software often creates a contest to achieve the highest score and either beat others or beat the computer.

4. Simulation Simulation software can provide an approximation of reality that does not require the expense of real life or its risks.

5. Discovery Discovery approach provides a large database of information specific to a course or content area and challenges the learner to analyze, compare, infer and evaluate based on their explorations of the data.

6. Problem Solving This approach helps children develop specific problem solving skills and strategies.

Advantages of CAI

•  One-to-one interaction

•  Great motivator

•  Freedom to experiment with different options

•  Instantaneous response/immediate feedback to the answers elicited

•  Self pacing - allow students to proceed at their own pace

•  Helps teacher can devote more time to individual students

•  Privacy helps the shy and slow learner to learns

•  Individual attention

•  learn more and more rapidly

•  Multimedia helps to understand difficult concepts through multi sensory approach

•  Self directed learning – students can decide when, where, and what to learn

Limitations of CAI

•  May feel overwhelmed by the information and resources available

•  Over use of multimedia may divert the attention from the content

•  Learning becomes too mechanical

•  Non availability of good CAI packages

•  Lack of infrastructure

Computer Managed Instruction (CMI)

Computer-managed instruction (CMI) aids the instructor in instructional management without actually doing the teaching. Central CMI themes discussed in the literature are individualization, behavioral objectives, and educational technology. The main objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of two teaching strategies: CMI versus the traditional lecture method. The learning objectives were based on specified theoretical content from a Health Assessment course for baccalaureate nursing students. The design of the study was quasi- experimental incorporating two experimental treatments applied to two groups on two occasions. Data analysis addresses differences between groups using CMI and the traditional lecture method.

Benefits and Limitations of CMI

With the flexibility of CMI systems, the instructor can choose appropriate objectives and activities in the curriculum based on a specific student’s needs. If it is conducive to the subject, the student can also decide in which order to meet the objectives. The sequence of modules is flexible. The student can also study and progress at his or her own pace as the CMI system is basically instructor-free.

The limitation of this type of system is the need for a central computer system that would allow the instructor to identify and control the student’s activities in different locations at different times. With the expansion of cable modems and DSL, this limitation is steadily becoming a non- issue, except in remote areas. The purpose of CMI is to diagnose student learning needs and prescribe instructional activities appropriate for the needs assessed. This assessment can come from tests on different levels of instruction which show where the student is lacking. The instructor can then choose appropriate objectives, modules, lessons, and courses in the curriculum for the student to study The student has the option of proving mastery of the objectives through module tests that can be taken immediately, or after completing the instructional activities. The student is also involved in deciding which modules to pursue in which order. The pace at which to complete the modules is up to the student since the activities are mostly instructor-free. An example of a possible CMI system design is the Plato Learning Management System (PLM) which is shown in the graphic below. Each student will have a slightly different design as it is geared toward the individual.

Conclusion

The world has come into a digital era in this new century and education as an essential motility that influences the development of the society. It should catch up with the times and make a good use of digital technology. CAI and CMI as modern education approaches are playing their more and more important role in modern education and have proved their high efficiency and great prospect.

Education through ICT - Computer Assisted Instruction

Referred to as CAI, Term often used interchangeably with Computer-Based Instruction (CBI), Web Based Instruction (WBI), Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL), Computer-Enriched Instruction (CEI), and Web Based Training (WBT).

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional technique whereby a computer is used to present the instructional material and monitor the learning that takes place.

Instructional software

Educational/Instructional software was first used as a tutoring tool for students in the 60s and 70s, but over the past 30 years, it has evolved into software that incorporates some or all of the five functions for helping students learn including drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, games, and problem solving. As you will find from the many examples in this Web site, it is difficult to define many of the instructional software packages into one category. Universities, software companies, and open source projects have all developed software for educational purposes that blends two or more of these five categories of instructional software.

Educational software is valuable to all ages of students for many reasons including making learning more fun, motivating students, helping with long-term memory of the material, and providing a thorough educational experience that incorporates many proven learning concepts into the curriculum.

Educational software no longer is thought to be a replacement for teachers, but a tool that helps teachers do a better job of teaching their students.

Methods of Delivery

⦿ Drill-and-Practice

⦿ Tutorial

⦿ Simulation Activities

⦿ Games

⦿ Discovery

⦿ Problem Solving

Drill-and-Practice: Opportunity for the learner to practice material an unlimited number of times., Material being practiced often presented before the training session, Best method for material that requires repeated practice to master (ex: multiplication tables)

This mode is like a drill / exercise. The program leads the learner through a series of examples to develop dexterity and fluency in using the skill. The student sits at a specially designed electric type writer which is connected to a computer by telephone lines. He identifies himself by a code number and his name. The machine types out the first question and the student responds. Soon the lesson is under way. The computer keeps track of each student's performance and can read back to the teacher a summation of each students work whenever the teacher wants it .Depending upon the program, the student might be referred to a branching type of remedial exercise. As in programmed instruction, the student moves at his own pace, gets immediate feedback and receives individual tutoring.

Drill and Practice is a computer -instruction technique in which a series of structured problems or exercises with immediate feedback to student responses. Students answer a question and get immediate feedback. Feedback can be simple as correct or incorrect.

Drill Practice provide children with practice on concept that they have already learned. Good Drill and Practice provides feedback and explain how to get the correct answer. Some contain student management systems that keep track of student progress.

Criteria for Selection Good (Drill and Practice Software).

When selecting a good instructional software well designed drill-and-practice programs should also meet specific criteria.

Control over the presentation rate:

Lets say that the question are not being timed ,students should then be allotted as much time to answer and examine the feedback before proceeding to later questions. A student usually signals readiness to go to the next question by simply pressing a key.

Answer Judging:

If the program allows student to write in short answer rather than selecting one ,a good drill program will be able to discriminate between correct and incorrect answers.

Appropriate feedback For Correct and Incorrect Answers:

If students feedback are timed, or if their sessions time is limited, they may find it more motivating simply to move quickly to the next question. When drills do give feedback, they must avoid two common errors. First Feedback must be simple and display quickly. First feedback must be tire of elaborate displays, and the feedback ceases to motivate them. Second, so programs inadvertently motivate students to get wrong answers by giving more exciting or interesting feedback for the wrong answer than for correct answers.

The most famous example of this design error occurred in an early version of a popular microcomputer-based math drill series. Each correct answer got a smiling face, but two or more wrong answer produces a full-screen,animated crying face that students found very amusing. Consequently, many students tried to answer incorrectly to see it. The company corrected this flaw, but this classic error still exists today in other programs.

Characteristics of Drill and Practice Software :

1.Presents items for students to answer. 2.Gives feedback on correctness

3.Sometimes gives explantion of why answers are incorrect.

Advantages of Drill and Practice Software :

Immediate Feedback :

The differences between pen and paper and drill and practice software is that when students uses pen and paper he/she may do their work, sometimes wrong and the issue that arise is that they will believe what is wrong is correct and may retain the information until it is corrected by the teacher. However the drill and practice allows the student to know immediately if the problems are accurate or not.

Motivation :

Some students may get fed-up doing practice exercises in paper, or just plain do not like writing a lot. Because of this using a computer may be a motivation to them to practice what they need.

Saving teachers Time:

Teachers are better able to manage their time, in the sense that some students can work in the drill and practice on particular subjects such as English, Maths Facts, SAT Skills, and Musical keys and functions, while the teacher can work or address other student needs in the classroom.

Group Work:

The computer can be used with a large number of students, making it time efficient way of conveying knowledge.

Learn at your space :

Assist the students to master their work at their own space.

Limitations/Disadvantages of Drill and Practice Software:

Perceived Misused :

Sometimes teachers may misuse the drill and practice. This occurs when the teacher uses it for introduction of new topics to the students instead of actually teaching them and allowing them to use the software to practice and reinforcing familiar work.

Criticism by constructivists:

The drill and practice is seen as an outmoded approach to teaching. Boring:

For some students the drill and practice is seen as boring, uninteresting and unappealing. No connection to real world scenarios :

It has no application in the students real world, rarely will the student make the connection with why these things are important.

Competition :

This may encourage competition, which many which many western Educator may frown upon.

How Teachers can use Drill and Practice in Teaching :

It can be used to replace worksheets and homework exercises.

This becomes efficient to students who have problems in certain areas in their studies example Mathematics and Reading. The teacher has to go over the work as revision for the students to store it in their long term memory. However with the use of drill and Practice because of the immediate feedback, and self pacing it motivate the students and they are better able to practice required skills on the computer than on paper.

Used to prepare for test :

Drill and Practice Software can help a students in their weak subject area to prepare for their test.

Tutorial:Combines presentation of material with drill-and-practice, games, or a simulation to emphasize material and assist in learning Most popular method of Computer Assisted Instruction

In tutorial model information is presented in small units followed by a question. The student response is analyzed by the computer and appropriate feedback is given. The subject matter is literally taught by the computer program. Explanations are given orally through audiotape and needed visuals presented in cathode ray tube as in television. The student responds on a type writer keyboard or by pointing on the screen with a light pen. The computer reacts to students response by talking to him Student makes further response. A kind of dialogue takes place between student and machine.

Games:Games use the instructional material to create a contest for the learner. The learner can compete against his own personal best, the computer, or other learners while mastering the material

Simulation:Provides a real-life scenario with the material to be learned being applied as it would in the real world. Simulation provides safety of learning environment

Simulations are educational software tools that simulate the "live" learning experience for students. Examples of the types of learning environments to be simulated are a chemistry experiment, operation of an automobile or airplane, or biology or medical procedures. Students use simulations in place of the live experience usually in advance of the simulated activity. The use of simulations saves money and replaces activities that might be not practical or may be even dangerous until the student learns the activity. Simulations usually allow many different students the opportunity to participate in the simulated activity an unlimited number of times in order to master the activity before participating with the actual activity they are learning.

Discovery: Provides the learner with an opportunity to draw his own conclusions. Presents learner with a wealth of material on a topic and allows the learner to seek answers on his own.

Problem Solving:Problem solving presents material in such a way as to develop problem solving rationale. Mainly used in children to develop problem solving skills

Educational software that provides an environment for recalling information, sequencing, analyzing, organizing, predicting outcomes, and formulating ideas is probably classified as problem solving educational software. This sounds like allot of characteristics for a learning environment, which is exactly why it is difficult to classify software as problem solving type. Many integrated educational software packages incorporate problem solving as part of an overall learning environment, and might be combined with drills, simulations, and tutorials all in one package. Like many educational software packages, problem solving software is difficult to define, but usually requires students to do exactly what the name says, which is solve complex problems related to the learning activity. Problem solving software helps students learn a sequence of events that leads to the solution, and is often included in math and science educational software packages. Problem solving software is motivational and improves the interest of the subject for students, but it is often difficult to measure its effectiveness and can sometimes frustrate students who have difficulties reaching the final solution. Problem solving software can provide both an objectivist or constructivist environment depending on the software's activities and approach to learning.

CAI: The learner generally engaged in two-way interaction with the computer via terminal.

CAL is the activity where teaching and learning in any part of the curriculum are aided by some application of the computer. The role of the computer can be as a teaching aid, or it can be more student-centered.

A typical CAI installation consists of individual learning booths, each with a console. The student is seated. Facing him on the console is a television screen for displaying information. Before he starts a program the student checks in with the computer by displaying his identity number. This connects him with his part of the learning program. A complete package of information stored in the system is presented sequentially. This information could take the form of video tape recordings, slides, motion picture films, film strips etc. The student may question the computer and feed answers into it by means of a typewriter key board. The computer responds by printing out comments, answers and questions. Sometimes, the student may write directly on the cathode ray tube display screen with a light pen. His answer will be picked up by

the computer and evaluated. When he has finished, the computer assigns him the next program, records his progress and prints out a report for his teacher.   The CAI starts by identifying the way a student seems to learn best. It reviews his past history of learning and then presents a program built on his strength. Sometimes the computer stores all the information gained from all students who have taken the course previously. This information may be re-analyzed and much of the teaching strategies which were not effective may be rejected and strategies which have succeeded may be continued.

Tools for Designing CAI

⦿ Text

⦿ Audio

⦿ Video

⦿ Multiple-choice

⦿ Problems

⦿ Immediate Feedback

⦿ Exercises

⦿ Tests

⦿ Chat sessions

⦿ Webcams

Pros of Computer Assisted Instruction

⦿ One-on-one interaction

⦿ Freedom to experiment with learning options

⦿ Immediate Feedback

⦿ Self-pacing

⦿ Privacy for shy/slow learners

⦿ Learners have been found to learn more and more rapidly

⦿ Multimedia provides a variety of formats to present difficult material

⦿ Self-directed learning allows learners to decide when, where and what to learn

Cons of Computer Assisted Instruction

⦿ Learner may feel overwhelmed at the volume of material presented

⦿ Overuse of multimedia can detract from intended learning objectives

⦿ Inability to ask a “person” a question when material is not understood

⦿ Equipment can malfunction

⦿ Lack of good CAI packages or lack of infrastructure to deliver CAI What Kind of Learners Benefit?

⦿ Independent

⦿ Self-motivated

⦿ Enjoy receiving frequent feedback

What Kind of Learners Need Tailored CAI Tools?

⦿ Less motivated learners

⦿ Those who require a lot of human interaction

⦿ Learners who are distracted easily Some CAI sites for you to check out:

⦿ http://www.inspiration.com/

⦿ http://www.aplusmath.com/

⦿ http://www.coolmath4kids.com/

E-Learning

E-learning has developed very fast due to internet.The internet and the world wide web has provided us with easy access to information and knowledge.E-learning is a technology which supports teaching and learning using a computer web technology.It bridges the gap between a teacher and a student in different ways.The computer-based Instruction has progressed from usage of CD-ROM to the internet then to the web-based instruction(WWW.)

In an on-line multimedia learning environment:

–        teaching & learning is ‘one-to-one’ (individual)

–        more interactivity (in normal classroom, it varies with the class size)

–        learner-centred

–        Learner monitoring & grading system

Learner Centered: In a true learner-centered environment, the learner is the beginning and end point of the learning process, and the learner’s needs are the focus of the program.

⚫                Tools are available as the learners needs.

⚫                The instructor adjusts to the student

⚫                The quality of instruction is measured against standards

⚫                The student is an active partner in the learning process

⚫                The course is continually renewed through feedback from learners LEARNER MONITORING:

⚫                Learners learn to assess their own progress.

⚫                Helping learners to identify the progress they have made, to understand what they have achieved and what they need to do next, to make progress towards their goals and qualifications.

GRADING SYSTEM:

⚫                In a grading system learners are placed in ability bands that represents a range of scores.

⚫                It reflects on individual learners performance in the form of certain level of achievement in relation to the whole group of learners.

E-learning, Web-based learning

n  E-learning is mostly associated with activities involving computers and interactive networks simultaneously. The computer does not need to be the central element of the activity or provide learning content. However, the computer and the network must hold a significant involvement in the learning activity.

n  Web-based learning is associated with learning materials delivered in a Web browser, including when the materials are packaged on CD-ROM or other media. disk.

n  Online learning:is associated with content readily accessible on a computer. The content may be on the Web or the Internet, or simply installed on a CD-ROM or the computer hard disk.

What is E-learning?

The letter `e’ in e-learning stands for the word `electronic’. E-learning pioneer BERNARD LUSKIN(2001) explains `e’ as exciting, energetic, enthusiastic, emotional, extended and educational. E-learning is internet-enabled learning. It is a store house of education, information, communication, training, knowledge and performance management.

Benefits of E-Learning

•         Convenient

–        self-service (mix and match)

–        on-demand (anytime, anywhere)

–        private learning

–        self-paced

–        Flexibility: (modular package)

•         media-rich

–        Easier to understand & more engaging

•         repeatable

–        As many times as you like

•         easier to monitor progress

–        less administrative work

–        can be more precise

•         Consistent

–        Central control of content

–        Same quality of content for all

–        Same quality of education for all

Delivery methods of e-learning

⚫                Synchronous learning

⚫                Asynchronous learning

⚫                Instructor-led group

⚫                Self-study with subject expert

⚫                Web-based: blog-Wikis-forums

⚫                Computer-based (CD-ROM)

⚫                Video/audio streaming

Synchronous learning: learning and teaching takes place in real time (same time) while the trainer and learners are physically separated from each other (place shift).

Examples include:

⚫                listening to a live radio broadcast

⚫                watching live a television broadcast

⚫                audio/video conferencing

⚫                Internet telephony

⚫                online lectures

⚫                two-way live satellite broadcast

Asynchronous learning: Characteristic for asynchronous learning is the fact that that the trainer prepares the courseware material before the course takes place. The learner is free to decide when he wants to study the courseware

⚫                Examples include:

⚫                self paced courses taken via Internet or CD-Rom

⚫                videotaped classes

⚫                stored audio/video Web presentations or seminars

⚫                recorded audio tapes

⚫                Q & A mentoring

⚫                reading e-mail messages

Instructor-led group: It refers to the traditional classroom training where a teacher teaches a classroom full of students.The problems of this training are

1.  Distance: Bringing together the students under one roof for requires time and money.

2. Audience size and response time: Same planning is required for smaller and larger group of students in planning, infrastructure and instructors.

3. Off the job time: working people face difficulty in finding a replacement for their jobs.

Self-study with subject expert

Helpful for self-evaluation, Wide reach and consistent, User convenient, Flexible and rich medium for students, Useful tool to address students with different learning and cognitive styles, Self-pacing for slow and quick learners, reduces stress and increases satisfaction.

Web-based: blog-Wikis-forums

E-learning tools: E-Mail :- Every teacher & student should have an e-mail account, Communicate with students, Communicate with parents, Students can submit assignment, Can have attachments, Create a paperless environment, Simple but effective, Efficient and cost effective

E-learning tools: Web:- Wide range of materials available, Teacher will need to narrow down, It is a resource centre, Sharing of resources, Supported by images, audio, simulation and multimedia

E-learning tools: Online Forum: Asynchronous discussion forum, Teacher can create discussion groups. Teacher could post a question and request students to comment, Students can post their comments, Can encourage community participation, Collaborative learning can be fostered, Feedback from diverse culture

Computer-based (CD-ROM)

E-learning Web-based materials delivered on CD-ROM also. Web-based learning is associated with learning materials delivered in a Web browser, including when the materials are packaged on CD-ROM or other media. Online learning is associated with content readily accessible on a computer. The content may be on the Web or the Internet, or simply installed on a CD-ROM or the computer hard disk.

Video/audio streaming

E-learning tools: Video Conference:- Can conduct a live lecture, Communication with studentsCommunication with parents, Support by audio, chat and whiteboard, Support sharing of applications, Can be recorded and later be used for on demand lectures.

ADVANTAGES OF e-learning

⚫                Class work can be scheduled around personal and professional work

⚫                Reduces travel cost and time to and from school

⚫                Learners may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interest

⚫                Learners can study wherever they have access to a computer and Internet

⚫                Self-paced learning modules allow learners to work at their own pace

⚫                Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms

⚫                Different learning styles are addressed and facilitation of learning occurs through varied activities

⚫                Development of computer and Internet skills that are transferable to other facets of learner's lives

⚫                Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning

Disadvantages of e-learning

⚫                Unmotivated learners or those with poor study habits may fall behind

⚫                Lack of familiar structure and routine may take getting used to

⚫                Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction

⚫                Instructor may not always be available on demand

⚫                Slow or unreliable Internet connections can be frustrating

⚫                Managing learning software can involve a learning curve

⚫                Some courses such as traditional hands-on courses can be difficult to simulate

E-Teaching

⚫                E-teaching is the appreciation of live teaching with streaming lectures, whiteboards, downloadable slide sets and discussion forum.

⚫                E-teaching is an automation of an existing teacher-centered educational approach

⚫                The real work is in creating content and learning management systems that support  e- learning.

E-Teachers

⚫                E-teachers are teachers who work in an internet environment in both regular and virtual classroom situations.

⚫                They build new concepts of working in time and space.

⚫                They find new learning resources as they interact with information, materials and ideas with their students and colleagues.

E-Portfolio

E-portfolio is a collection of electronic evidence assembled and managed by a user, usually on the Web. Such electronic evidence may   include   inputted   text,   electronic   files, images, multimedia, blog entries, and hyperlinks. E-portfolios are both demonstrations of the user's abilities and platforms for self-expression, and, if they are online, they can be maintained dynamically over time.

An e-portfolio can be seen as a type of learning record that provides actual evidence of achievement. Learning records are closely related to the Learning Plan, an emerging tool that is being used to manage learning by individuals, teams, communities of interest, and organizations. To the extent that a Personal Learning Environment captures and displays a learning record, it also might be understood to be an electronic portfolio.

E-portfolios, like traditional portfolios, can facilitate students' reflection on their own learning, leading to more awareness of learning strategies and needs. Results of a comparative research, between paper-based portfolios and electronic portfolios in the same setting, suggest use of an electronic portfolio leads to better learning outcomes.

In education the electronic portfolio is a collection of a students’ work that can advance learning by providing a way for them to organize, archive, and display work. The electronic format allows an instructor to evaluate student portfolios via the Internet, CD-ROM, DVD, or zip disk. Electronic portfolios have become a popular alternative to paper-based portfolios because they provide the opportunity to review, communicate and give feedback in an asynchronous manner. In addition, students are able to reflect on their work, which makes the experience of creating the e-portfolio meaningful. A student e-portfolio may be shared with a prospective employer or used to record the achievement of program or course specific learning outcomes.

The uses of e-portfolios are most common in the courses with departments of education. Most preservice teachers are asked to compile an e-portfolio to demonstrate competencies needed to gain teaching certification or licensure. Student e-portfolios are increasingly being used in other disciplines such as communications, math, business, nursing, engineering and architecture. In education e-portfolios have six major functions:

·         Document skills and learning;

·         Record and track development within a program;

·         Plan educational programs;

·         Evaluate and monitor performance;

·         Evaluate a course;

·         Find a job