Literature Review on E-Education
Literature Review
What is E-learning?
“E-learning” is a broader term used to represent the electronic or technological way through which education is delivered. It may encompass all aspects of machine-based learning and technology-enhanced education, such as online learning, web-based learning, computer-aided learning, and electronic books and course materials. In addition, those more conventional methods of at-distance education delivery can also be included in the category of E-learning, such as videoconferencing, videotape, TV, CD-ROM/DVD, and even satellite broadcast, etc. In contrast to traditional face-to-face classroom or laboratory lecturing, E-learning generally explores the advantages of computers, communications and information technology (CCIT) and harnesses them in knowledge dissemination and education delivery.
Many other terms have been used or are in use for “E-learning” e.g. E-education (Landoni and Diaz, 2003), Web-based training or WBT (Minotti and Diaz, 2003), computer aided learning or CAL (Davies and Crowther 1995). CTI (Computers in Teaching Initiative) is also commonly used (e.g. Miller, 1999) after the HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England) initiative launched in 1989, this was superseded in 2000 by the Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN).
As pointed out by Jackson (2002), E-learning can be subdivided into two categories: technology-enhanced learning and technology-delivered learning. The former supplements traditional face-to-face classes and the learner has frequent opportunities to meet face-to-face with the instructor. On the contrary, in the later learning style, the learner is never in physical proximity to the instructor. However, to maximise the benefits of E-learning, it is highly likely that combinations of various delivery methods and E-learning tools may be incorporated into conventional lecturing, in order to meet the different learning styles and tastes of a large group of students.
What is E-learning?
“E-learning” is a broader term used to represent the electronic or technological way through which education is delivered. It may encompass all aspects of machine-based learning and technology-enhanced education, such as online learning, web-based learning, computer-aided learning, and electronic books and course materials. In addition, those more conventional methods of at-distance education delivery can also be included in the category of E-learning, such as videoconferencing, videotape, TV, CD-ROM/DVD, and even satellite broadcast, etc. In contrast to traditional face-to-face classroom or laboratory lecturing, E-learning generally explores the advantages of computers, communications and information technology (CCIT) and harnesses them in knowledge dissemination and education delivery.
Many other terms have been used or are in use for “E-learning” e.g. E-education (Landoni and Diaz, 2003), Web-based training or WBT (Minotti and Diaz, 2003), computer aided learning or CAL (Davies and Crowther 1995). CTI (Computers in Teaching Initiative) is also commonly used (e.g. Miller, 1999) after the HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England) initiative launched in 1989, this was superseded in 2000 by the Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN).
As pointed out by Jackson (2002), E-learning can be subdivided into two categories: technology-enhanced learning and technology-delivered learning. The former supplements traditional face-to-face classes and the learner has frequent opportunities to meet face-to-face with the instructor. On the contrary, in the later learning style, the learner is never in physical proximity to the instructor. However, to maximise the benefits of E-learning, it is highly likely that combinations of various delivery methods and E-learning tools may be incorporated into conventional lecturing, in order to meet the different learning styles and tastes of a large group of students.
References: * Beetham, H and Bishop, P (1999). Using C&IT for learning and teaching. CTI Primers, Version 1.1.0.1, pp.3. * Blackboard Web site www.blackboard.com * Davison, L., Bryan, T. and Griffiths, R. (1999) Reflecting Students Learning Styles. Active Learning 10, Institute of Learning and Teaching * Davies, M.L * Jackson, RH (2002). Web Learning Resources. http://www.knowledgeability.biz/weblearning/ * Landoni, M * Minotti, J. and Giguere, P. (2003) The Realities of Web-Based Training. Technological Horizons in Education, 30(11) * Oliver, M * Skinner, BF (1961). Teaching Machines. American Scientists, Vol. , No. , 91-102. * Wilson, R (2003) * USDE – US Department of Education (1996). E-learning. http://www.ed.gov/technology/elearning/.