This document summarizes an e-learning seminar presented by Mr. Mohammed Aiyaz Hussain. It defines e-learning as training conducted through the internet, intranet, CD/DVD, or combinations using a computer network and browser. The document outlines the key components of an effective e-learning environment including varying content, interaction, feedback, and engagement. It describes the main types of e-learning as synchronous training which is real-time and asynchronous training which is independent of time. Finally, it provides tips for planning an e-learning course and designing an intuitive user interface.

1. E-Learning
A Seminar
Presented By
Mr. Mohammed Aiyaz Hussain
Lecturer, Computer Science Department
Riyadh Community College

2. Contents
What is E-Learning?
Effective E-Learning Environment
Types of E-Learning
Benefits and Limitations of E-Learning
How to Plan an E-Learning course
Designing E-Learning Interface

3. What is E-learning?
Training conducted through the Internet
Training conducted through a local or corporate
intranet
saved onto a CD or DVD and viewed by learners
off-line through a web browser
combinations of the above
any form of training that uses
 a computer network for course delivery, interaction, or
facilitation and
 a browser for learner interaction.

4. E-Learning is also called
Distance Learning,
Computer-Based Training (CBT),
Internet-Based Training (IBT),
Web-Based Training (WBT).
It can include text, video, audio, animation and
virtual environments.
It's self-paced, hands-on learning.
What is E-learning?

5. E-Learning Vs Classroom Learning
E-learning Vs classroom learning is similar to
cell phones Vs pay phones at the call cabins.
Cell phones allow you to communicate any time and
usually anywhere, by having a properly configured phone.
E-Learning allows you to learn anywhere and usually at
any time, by having a properly configured computer.

6. Effective Training
Quality of any training is in its content and its
delivery.
Effective training grabs attention and holds it
Effective training is patterned to move from one
set to another
 Listening to a fact
 Relating a concept to that fact
 Visualizing the two together
Interweaving different types of information and
using different areas of brain – memory
Effective training should incorporate –
interaction, imagery, and feedback

7. Effective E-Learning Environment
Keys to successful e-learning include
 Varying the types of content – images, sounds, text
 Creating interaction that engages attention - quizzes
 Providing immediate feedback
 Encouraging interaction with other e-learners and e-
instructor – chat rooms, e-mail, instant messaging
E-learning is motivating
It has ‘fun’ elements like video, audio, animation
– creates interest & curiosity
– leads to better retention and faster learning
It offers convenience

8. E-learning beats classroom scene
Things that greatly affects memory and recall
 Using colors and specific color combinations
 Combining images with words
 Combining sounds with images
 Using multiple types of media
 Using layouts that flow with natural movement of eye

9. Types of E-Learning
E-learning falls into four categories
Knowledge databases – most basic form of e-learning
 indexed explanations and guidance, step-by-step
instructions
 moderately interactive – type in a key word or phrase
to search the database, or make a selection from an
alphabetical list
Online support – functions in a similar manner to
knowledge databases
 forums, chat rooms, online bulletin boards, e-mail, or
live instant-messaging support
 Slightly more interactive can ask more specific
questions and answers, can get more immediate
answers

10. Levels of E-Learning
Synchronous training – is real-time training.
 resembles classroom training - all learners go through
the course at the same time.
 Through the Web, an instructor and students can be
logged into the same place at the same time and
interact more or less simultaneously.
Examples include video-, satellite-, or teleconferencing,
Microsoft NetMeeting
Benefit – everyone is together in a classroom-type
environment.
Drawback – everyone has to be together at the same
time, which may be a problem across time zones, jobs
shifts, and personal schedules.

11. Levels of E-Learning
Asynchronous training – independent of time or location
may be self-study or instructor-led.
 self-study method – using links to reference materials in
place of a live instructor
 effective when teaching do not require a high degree of
interaction between the learner and the instructor and/or
other learners.
 Instructor-led method – regular interaction with the
instructor and possibly other students, using e-mail, bulletin
boards, and similar tools.
 The distinction is all learners interact with each other on
their own time and schedule.
Examples include a typing skills course, an on-line C++
programming course

12. Benefits of E-Learning
It's less expensive to produce
It's self-paced
It’s self-directed and moves faster
It can work from any location and any time
It can be updated easily and quickly
It can lead to increased retention and a
stronger grasp on the subject
24/7 accessibility makes scheduling and
managing easy for large groups of students

13. Benefits of E-Learning
It provides a consistent message
Enhances computer and Internet skills
Travel time and associated costs are reduced or
eliminated
Inexpensive Worldwide Distribution
Cross-platform Support

14. Limitations of E-Learning
Computer literacy and access to equipment
Some topics are not appropriate for
e-Learning
Students themselves can be a limitation to
e-Learning
 e-Learning requires a high level of student
responsibility
 student must be well organized, self-motivated, and
have good time management skills

15. Planning an E-Learning Course
Know the audience skill levels
Prepare objectives of the course
Know the delivery method
Know limitations of the users' hardware
Organize – Break your content up into manageable
modules – not more than 20 min. = 1 hr. of class room-
based training
Easy navigation
Prepare an outline
How to incorporate text, audio, video,
animation, feedback (quizzes)

16. E-learning & User Interface Design
Single most neglected topic – Interaction between
students and computers
Poorly designed interface – confusing menus, unclear
buttons, illogical links – scare students
GUI makes computing easier but…
Items that dictate user-computer interactions – menus,
languages, options, screen layout, commands,
relationship between objects
Interface design flaws  user frustrations
 What I am supposed to do now? – poor instructions
 Did I finish everything there is? – too many hyper-links
 How do I get out of this thing? – no clear, easy exit path
 What’s it doing? Is it hung up? – no status messages

17. Designing E-learning User Interfaces
Status messages – display message when
computer is busy for longer than 4 sec.
Reversible actions (Undo or Back) – protects
user from making incorrect choices/errors
 Log-in screens – review log-in data for accuracy
during program registration
 Exiting the program – provide confirmation message
 Taking a test – confirm before starting test
 Previous page (undo) – provide button to go back
 Replay audio/video (redo) – provide button to replay
Mouse & keyboard – support both options
One-click access to Help, Menus, and Exit
(most frequently used functions)

18. Designing E-learning User Interfaces
Consistency in interface appearance and
behavior are paramount
Use clear and logical screen layouts
 Place screen objects together in logical order
 Place buttons where users can find them easily
 Give buttons clear symbols or labels
 Group buttons based on their function and frequency
of use
‘Z’ pattern of reading
 Top – critical instruction and location information
 Middle – instructional material
 Bottom – navigation bar

19. Designing E-learning User Interfaces
Maximize effectiveness of menu system
 no more than seven items else split into sub-levels
 order or placement of items match task structure
 most commonly used items at top
 sub-menus titles should reflect option from previous
menu
Using multiple access points
 Well organized and descriptive Main menu
 Book mark and tracking history file
 Index of key topics
 Keyword search
 Site map or content map – visual representation of
topics order

20. Designing E-learning User Interfaces
Be consistent in visual cues
Use clear messages and be consistent in media
choices
Include page counters
Make help and instructions easily accessible
Make messages polite

21. Thank you for attending
Any Questions????