“Education builds a man, in terms man builds a nation.”
The effectiveness of any educational systems is achieved only when its educational process results in true learning in the individuals and as a result leads to human resource development in its true sense. In 21st century teacher is not the only source of knowledge or information this is because of globalization. The advances in technology are changing the whole nature and philosophy of education and by this it is forcing us to get reformed thoroughly.
With the emergence of world.wide.web (WWW), the world of teaching and learning has adopted it as one of its main innovations. However, in spite of extensive use of the web in education, Varieties of terminologies are used to depict this new field of knowledge. Most of the advanced countries have already adapted these kinds of learning methods. Some of the terms mostly used interchangeably are as follows:
Web-based instruction: It is a “hypermedia based instructional programme which utilizes the attributes and resources of the World Wide Web to create a meaningful learning environment where learning is fostered and supported”.
Virtual learning: The educational process of learning over the Internet without having face to face contact is known as virtual learning.
E-learning: “The term e-learning covers a wide set of application and process including computer based learning, web-based learning, virtual classroom and digital collaboration”.
On-line learning: It is synonymous to web based learning where learning is fostered via the WWW only, in an Internet or intranet. Mishra (2001) calls it as the new generation in the evolutionary growth of open, flexible and distance learning.
Components of On-line learning:
1.Content delivery methods: Contents of traditional learning system are mostly based on text. But as in the case of On-line learning content, audio or video materials may accompany texts. There are three methods of On-line learning process.
a) Live broadcasting: It is like to live television broadcasting. Unlike television broadcasting, On-line learning can be a two-way system that allows participants to take tests, ask questions, or respond to questionnaires.
b) Video on demand (VOD): This technology is being introduced via cable television (CATV) systems.large number of learners can access video content whenever they like. As with live broadcasting, it can function as a two-way system.
c) Interactive communications: Interactive on line learning system take advantage of two-way capabilities of the technology. (Instructor and learner in separate locations interact by using shared files like a black board)
Learning methods:
On-line teaching: The instruction happens between the teacher who is the domain expert and the students. The methods of choice are instructor centered, such as on line lectures, an on line symposium, or teacher oriented dialogue. The teacher has an active role and learners are guided and receive precise instruction as to what they are to learn. During this learning process, prepared knowledge and thinking schema are imparted.
On-line tutorials: The interaction takes place between students and a learning system. Feedback is given by the system implemented in the program. Guided tutorials and drill and practice systems are more teacher/system oriented enabling a low degree of flexibility for the learners. Hypermedia and simulation systems provide a higher degree of flexibility and are more learners centered.
On-line assignments: The instruction happens between students and tutors communicating via an Internet based learning platform.
On-line discussion: The focus is upon group learning and interaction among learners, work in-group leads to critical reflection and can thus contribute to the building up and maintenance of values.
On-line seminars: Papers may be presented through on line and followed by discussions
Project work: May easily be conducted and guidance be provided through online supervision.
Advantages of on-line learning:
§ Meets the needs of the individual learners.
§ There could be round the clock access to learning.
§ From an educational stand point, learners have wider choice in what, when, and how to learn.
§ Access to educational resources from outside the institution on a global and instant basis.
§ Increased and flexible interaction with student through e-mail and discussion forum.
§ Opportunities for international cross cultural and collaborative learning.
§ Ability to serve a large number of students at a potentially reduced cost.
§ Spreads education to remote places, maximum reach to remote learners.
§ Location and time independent delivery of course materials such as course notes, diagrams, reading list, etc.
§ Enabling to combine text, graphics and a limited amounted of multimedia, enabling instructional designers to prepare quality-learning material.
§ Interactive and dynamic learning experience through online assessment tools, simulations and animated learning objects.
