E Learning

Online Education

“E-learning” comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The information and communication systems, whether networked learning or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process. The term will still most likely be utilized to reference out-of-classroom and in-classroom educational experiences via technology, even as advances continue in regard to devices and curriculum.

Exams boards online- Learning is becoming more developed, technology is taking over and more learning is being done via the internet. Exam boards such as AQA publish their exams online after the exams have been sat by the pupils. Past papers are a handy source to help students achieve a high grade. Past papers are a sublime learning tool they can see exam style questions.  Advantages of using exam boards online are students can use this to help them revise and to see what the exam they sit will look like. In addition it can also be used for teachers as a way of testing the students by using the exam questions. These exam papers can also be accessed for testing the students by using the exam questions. These exam papers can also be accessed for free so it is convenient for users. However exams online can have its disadvantages, they are hard to find on the exam boards website, Its very time consuming to print the exam questions out because there is a lot of pages with unnecessary information on.

Bitesize- BBC Bitesize is the name given to the BBC's free online study support resource for school-age students in the United Kingdom It is designed to aid students in both school work and, for older students, exams. Bitesize use many different ways to engage students to help them revise. Some of these ways include games, quizzes, audio listening and message boards. All of these ways entertain the users and help them to learn. Bitesize was launched in 1998 and was created by the BBC to try and help develop students learning by using new ways of teaching.  Advantages of using bitesize are that bitesize is an interactive learning resource designed to help students learn in different ways, it’s effective and is very useful.  I use Bitesize a lot there is a wide range of ideas that help me to learn, There interactive diagrams with audio explaining about the diagram is a great way of understanding information its breaks it down and explains point by point, however some people may view this as a disadvantage its very tedious and take a long period of time to explain one topic.  Furthermore bitesize is only designed up to GCSE’s it doesn’t cater for higher education so for someone that enjoys using bitesize after they have done their GCSE’s bitesize can no longer be used.

 

Virtual learning environment- “A virtual learning environment is a collection of integrated tools enabling the management of online learning, providing a delivery mechanism, student tracking, assessment and access to resources its more commonly known as a VLE it is a computer program that facilitates computerized learning or e-learning. A more correct term may be a virtual environment for learning, rather than virtual learning environment. A student will normally work over the Internet and a VLE provides a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students' work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs, RSS and 3D virtual learning spaces. VLEs are often used in schools and other educational establishments in order to make the learning experience more interactive and with the technology of today all in done via the internet. With the modern technology increasing everyday programs like VLE are beginning designed to make it easier for students and teachers. I believe that VLE’s are a great learning tool, Their interactive easy to use. Work is easily set by teachers. An example of a VLE I use is frog the program is easy to use. Work is easily accessible, I believe that frog has developed my learning. There are resources on frog such as revision notes submitted by teachers that is really useful.

Advantages of using VLE

• The accessibility of the course is improved for students with special needs, and for distance learning and part time students. It can also make a difference to students in any category who learn best by being able to watch a video, or by interacting in a virtual environment instead of in the classroom, or by repeating their learning process at their own pace.
• Diversity issues include:
• range of learning preferences
• range of abilities
• revision function (at your own pace)
• Disability/special needs issues include:
• available in variety of formats/customisable
• no need to take notes (NB auditory impairment will require script or subtitles for video elements)
• available outside office hours (disabled students may need the assistance of a carer who works during the day)
• Instant feedback:
• progress
• no time lag between completion and marking
• correcting straight away
• self directed
• self paced
• Customisation:
• personalised study area
• Allows student to feel part of a learning community. The areas in which this is most effective are assessment and bulletin boards.

Disadvantages of using VLE

• difficult to change/update (unless you have an accompanying content management system)
• requires access to PC
• hard to take account of whatever hardware the students have to work with off-campus
• e-learning itself is not yet in line with established study patterns (for example, bulletin boards are unfamiliar as a way of learning)
• less opportunity for independent searching
• reduces face to face contact
• I have experienced work being set via VLE however it is hard to understand what work has been set.

Online Revision- Revision has become a lot easier for students nowadays revision programs and websites have been designed for students to make their lives a lot easier. Websites like bitesize have become a vital revision tool for students. A lot of revision done today is via the internet. In addition, I feel that without online revision websites, revision would be remotely harder. Revision websites have taken off massively in the last couple of years, with the increase of people using the internet , has resulted in more people using online revision websites. Advantages of using online revision websites are the websites are free, they cost nothing whereas revision books require a money fee. Furthermore, online revision websites can have all the information you need for your exams. They also cater for everyone’s need specific programs such as bitesize are for secondary school students only. Online revision has impacted my life massively. I think that online revision is the key to learning for the generation of today. However, online revision does have it negatives. These websites can result in spam and viruses and also some of the programs and websites may not be beneficial for the exam you are doing.

                             Online Research- The growth of the internet has allowed for research to be massively easier. Research can be done instantly and have a wide range of information that you have researched. Online encyclopaedias have also been made, for example websites like wikipedia are filled with information. I believe that because of the growth of the internet, research is easy to do and there is always something that will come up that is related to what you want to research about. In addition, the internet is also becoming more easy to use and this has impacted in research being easy to do.  I believe that research is a key aspect of the internet,6 in 10 people use the internet for research. Advantages of using research is you get a clear understanding of what you are researching, furthermore, the research is also easy to do and is quick. Although, online research can have its disadvantages again it can lead to viruses and spam messages by clicking on the wrong websites. In addition, it may not be reliable. Websites like wikipedia can be altered by anyone so the information you are getting told may be incorrect.

Ranking By ranking these elements of e learning 1 being the most important and 5 being the least important I believe that:
1.      The most important part of e learning is online revision. This is because it is so important in today’s society.  E learning is about learning via the internet and electrical devices. I believe that a huge aspect of e learning is done through online revision this is why I feel it is highly important. Furthermore, without online revision students would have a significantly harder challenge of learning. online revision websites and programs are very popular for students children and even adults.
2.      Second most important part of e learning is online research. This is because the growth of the internet has impacted dramatically on research, online research happens every second. Its good because it is easy to do and has instant results. It’s popular for all age groups and is again very important part of e learning.
3.      Third most important part of e learning is VLE. It is a crucial learning tool for students. The program allows for work to be set and work to be found. It is a good form of private study and is very effective with a wide range of advantages and a minimal amount of disadvantages. I believe it is very effective and is becoming more popular for students.
4.      Fourth most important part of e learning is exam boards online. This is because it is such an important resource for students.  I believe it a key aspect for learning, with these exam boards publishing their papers you can practice questions preparing you a lot better for exams.
5.      Fifth most important part of e learning is bitesize, although, it is a key aspect of learning it not as important as the other parts. Bitesize is an effective website and for students it is a great way of revising with all the necessary information you need. E Learning realises tremendously on websites like bitesize without these types of websites learning in general would be significantly harder.