The document discusses e-learning and its advantages and disadvantages. It begins by defining e-learning as electronic learning using computers to deliver educational content. It notes that early criticisms of removing the human element from classrooms have lessened as technology has advanced. The document then discusses the benefits of e-learning such as lower costs, faster delivery, more effective learning, and lower environmental impact. However, it also lists disadvantages such as requiring computer access and skills and being more time-consuming without structure. It concludes by identifying different types of e-learning and factors that determine whether traditional or rapid e-learning is best suited for a project.

1. ONLINE ASSIGNMENT
SUBMITTED BY
RAHUL.R.S
B .Ed ENGLISH
CHRISTNAGARCOLLEGE
OF EDUCATION,
THIRUVALLOM

2. TOPIC

3. INTRODUCTION
Quite simply, e-learning is electronic learning, and typically this means
using a computerto deliver part, or all of a course whether it's in a school,
part of your mandatory business training or a full distance learning course.
In the early days it received a bad press,as many people thought bringing
computers into the classroom would remove that human element that some
learners need, but as time has progressed technologyhas developed,and
now we embrace smart phones and tablets in the classroom and office,as
well as using a wealth of interactive designs that makes distance learning
not only engaging for the users, but valuable as a lessondelivery medium
In the early days it received a bad press,as many people thought bringing
computers into the classroom would remove that human element that some
learners need, but as time has progressed technologyhas developed,and
now we embrace smart phones and tablets in the classroom and office,as

4. well as using a wealth of interactive designs that makes distance learning
not only engaging for the users, but valuable as a lessondelivery medium.
Building partnerships with quality training providers,and combining this
with a dedicated experiencedtechnical team and support staff,Virtual
College provides the perfectblended learning environment, offering anyone
the chance to take their online training to the next level.
.
Building partnerships with quality training providers,and combining this
with a dedicated experiencedtechnical team and support staff,Virtual
College provides the perfectblended learning environment, offering anyone
the chance to take their online training to.
There are many differentdefinitions for the term ‘e-learning’, which can
confuse those at the early stages of exploring e-learning. However, jisc
uses a definition whose meaning is deemed to be most accurate:
“E-learning can be definedas 'learningfacilitatedand supported through
the use of information and communicationstechnology'.It can covera
spectrum of activities from the use of technology to supportlearning as part
of a ‘blended’approach(a combination of traditionaland e-learning
approaches),to learning thatis delivered entirely online.Whateverthe
technology,however,learningis the vital element.”
E-LIBRARY

5. A Digital Library(also referred to as digital library or digital repository)
is a speciallibrary with a focused collectionof digital objects that can
include text, visual material, audio material, video material, stored
as electronic media formats (as opposed to print, microform,or other
media), along with means for organizing, storing, and retrieving the files
and media contained in the library collection.Digital libraries can vary
immenselyin size and scope,and can be maintained by individuals,
organizations, or affiliated with established physical library buildings or
institutions, or with academic institutions. The electronic content may be
stored locally, or accessedremotelyvia computernetworks. An electronic
library is a type of information retrieval system.
What is an electronic library?
An electronic library is a type of service that allows users, without actually
stepping into the library, to read library books and conduct research at
home, in the office,or at school,using the Internet. Service which enables
users to effectivelyemployelectronic data by using an in-library network is
also referred to as an "electronic library service." This is a new library
service that applies rapidly advancing data processing technologyand
networking technology,and it is expected to becomea highly convenient,
epoch-making mode of service.
The Benefits of E learning
One of the impacts of the credit crunch has been a fresh look at the potential of e-
learning. We decided to take a look at some of the research and examine the
benefits of e-learning, including evidence of:
 Lower costs
 Faster delivery
 More effective learning
 Lower environmental impact

6. In addition to lower delivery costs there is a strong argument that e-learning
is more cost-effective because there is a reduction in training time known
as learning compression.This is because the single largest cost of training
in organization’s is the costof staff attending the training course, rather
than the direct delivery costs in terms of trainers, course materials, travel
and accommodation.E-learning can deliver benefits by reducing the time it
takes to train people because:
 Learners can go at their own pace, not at the pace of the slowest
memberof a group
 Time in classrooms can be spent on questions / topics introduced by
other delegates that are irrelevant to the needs of the individual learner
 There is less social interaction time
 It takes less time to start and wind up a learning session
 There is less travel time to and from a training event
Learnerslearn whatthey need to learn,they can skip elements of a
program they don’tneed.
There are several benefits to e-learning whether you choose to use it on its
own, or to enhance your existing in house training. We've listed a few
below, but for more information on how your business can save time and
money you can call today and speak to one of our Likely based support
team.
Types of e-learning
There are different ways to present eLearning. You can simplify
your course creation process by identifying up front the best way
to present your material.
1. Traditional eLearning – highly produced web courses
2. Rapid eLearning – quickly produced web courses
There are two types of Rapid eLearning
1. Asynchronous – student directed, self paced learning
2. Synchronous – set time (phone/Internet classroom sessions)

7. Traditional eLearning and Rapid eLearning
Success factors
Rapid E-Learning Traditional E-Learning
SME can use the tool – as
simple to use as PowerPoint
and Word – one to two day
learning curve
Power User tool – graphic
specialists, technically
sophisticated users – two
weeks to six month learning
curve
Produces content that is easily
deployed
May include complex
interactions, high band width
content, plug-ins
Does not require a team of
people to create a course
Need a team that has
advanced skills e.g.
programming, graphic design,
instructional design
Course creator imports
graphics, clip art, simulations,
and animations
Course creator creates
graphics, simulations, and
animations
Company understand the value
of e-learning (understands the
cost, time, accessibility savings
of moving classroom training
to the web)
Company has not necessary
embraced e-learning
Works well in a bottom up
initiative structure
Works well in a top down
initiative structure (larger
budgets, larger projects)

8. Visual design (look and feel) is
supplied by company – course
developer is not involved.
Visual design (look and feel) is
integral part of development
process
Courses can be easily
maintained, updated, and re-
posted
Example of traditional of E-learning
Projects that are best suited for Rapid eLearning
There are specific characteristics of eLearning projects that
highlight if the project is best suited for Rapid eLearning. Projects
that are best suited for Rapid eLearning have the following
characteristics:
1. Rapidly changing content
2. Limited or short shelf life
3. Small or low funded projects or products
4. Just in time information – hot topic
1. Advantages and disadvantages of e-learning
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

9.  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

Disadvantage’s of E-Learning
Next we look at the disadvantages of e-learning.
 One disadvantage of e-learning is that learners need to have access to a
computeras well as the Internet. They also need to have computerskills
with programs such as word processing,Internet browsers,and e-mail.
Without these skills and software it is not possible forthe student to
succeed in e-learning. E-learners need to be very comfortable using a
computer.Slow Internet connections or older computers may make
accessing course materials difficult. This may cause the learners to get
frustrated and give u
.
 Another disadvantage of e-learning is managing computerfiles and online
learning software. For learners with beginner-levelcomputerskills it can
sometimesseem complexto keep their computerfiles organized. Without
good computerorganizational skills learners may lose or misplace reports
causing them to be late in submitting assignments. Some of the students
also may have trouble installing software that is required for the class.

10.  E-learning also requires just as much time for attending class and
completing assignments as any traditional classroom course.This means
that students have to be highly motivated and responsible because allthe
work they do is on their own. Learners with low motivation or bad study
habits may fall behind.
 Another disadvantage of e-learning is that without the routine structures of
a traditional class, students may get lost or confused about course activities
and deadlines causing the student to fail or do poorly.
 Another disadvantage of e-learning is that students may feelisolated from
the instructor. Instructions are not always available to help the learner so
learners need to have discipline to work independently without the
instructor's assistance. E-learners also need to have good writing and
communication skills. When instructors and other learners aren't meeting
face-to-face it is possible to misinterpret what was meant.

11. CONCLUSION
E-learning is electronic learning, and typically this means using a
computer to deliver part, or all of a course whether it's in a school,part of
your mandatory business training or a full distance learning course.
There are many differentdefinitions for the term ‘e-learning’, which can
confuse those at the early stages of exploring e-learning. An electronic
library is a type of service that allows users, without actually stepping into
the library, to read library books and conduct research at home, in the
office, or at school,using the Internet.
REFERENCES
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/e-learning

12.  http://en.wikipedia.org/digital_library
 http://en.wikipedia.org/advantages_and_disadvantages_of_e-learning