Free book on e-learning

So you want to know the basics of e-learning? Then this book is a great resource.This book also discusses various e-learning tools, instructional design strategies for e-learning, and methods for delivering e-learning.

You can read it here.

http://iit.bloomu.edu/Spring2006_eBook_files/

SCORM

In the e-learning industry we often hear the term SCORM. Today let us see what is SCORM really about. SCORM is the acronym for Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). A sharable content object(SCO) is an independent piece of content that is reusable,interoperable,durable,and accessible. Let us see each of them in detail.

Reusable- The content can be used numerous times for different learners, on different situations, and on different platforms.

Interoperable - Content will function in different software and hardware environments, and on multiple applications.

Durable- Content need not be modified if there is an upgrade from one software system to the other.

Accessible- Content can be easily identified and accessed depending on the training needs.

Today lots of organizations have a lot of training programs for their employees.These training programs may be interlinked in some way or other.Let us assume that company A wants to give a training on how to grow Apples. Company B wants to give training on how to grow Oranges.
Now let us assume that company C wants to give training on how to grow Fruits.Instead of doing it from scratch it can simply reuse the content from both A and B if the content is SCORM compliant. The SCO's can be tracked by using an Learning Management System(LMS). Thus SCORM compliant courses save both time and money.

So are your e-learning courses SCORM compliant?

E-learning demos

I came across this site which has some cool e-learning demos ranging from e-learning financial services to virtual reality. Check them out!

http://www.real-sense.com/products/demo-zone.html

E-learning interactions in Flash

Recently I started learning Flash in detail and I must say it is truly addictive. Today I would like to share about the in-built function in Flash that can be used for e-learning interactions. In most e-learning courses at the end of each chapter or lesson, we access the learner. The most commonly used assessment techniques are multiple choice, true or false, drag and drop etc.

In Flash CS3, these interactions are in-built and ready to use, so that you needn’t create them from scratch. On the toolbar, navigate to Window > Common Libraries > Learning Interactions. Here you can find various assessment methods such as Drag and drop, Fill in the blank, Hot Objects, Hot Spot, Multiple Choice and True or False.

You can just drag any of the items to stage and start working. You can modify them according to the needs of your course and learners. I think this is a great resource for any e-learning developer.

E-learning for kids

I recently came across this great website dedicated to fun and free learning. It consists of courses in math, science, reading, health, and computers for children in the age group of 5 to 12 years. It is a global non-profit organization run by volunteer staff consisting of e-learning and education experts.

You can also get involved and contribute to them depending upon your profile. You can do a monetary contribution. If not you can provide them your expertise and knowledge. You can develop e-learning for them or contribute your existing content. Do check them out!

http://www.e-learningforkids.org/

Benefits and Drawbacks of e-learning

The reduced overall cost is one of the main advantages of e-learning. These can include the salary for instructors, transportation, boarding and lodging for the students, etc. Also if you are a working professional you can learn a new technology right at your desk without spending too much time away from your job. Also the e-learning courses are available on demand. You can take them at flexible hours or even at home. Sounds good, doesn’t, it?

The other major advantage is that you can take up the courses at your own pace. So if you are an expert you can skip few sections and get ahead, a novice can take the course at his own time to avoid any frustration. I don’t think that is possible in the traditional classroom method.

E-learning courses are a lot more interactive, thanks to technology. So the learners are now more engaged rather than getting bored over loads and loads of text. Most e-learning course provide a quick assessment or evaluation at the end. This would give a satisfaction to the learner that he has indeed retained some learning.

Now let us see the disadvantages of e-learning. The magical classroom bond between teacher and student, and among the students themselves, cannot be replicated through communications technology. Also some technology issues during learning can prove a bane in e-learning. The existing technical infrastructure may not be able to achieve the training goal. It can be as simple as a slow net connection or non compatible software.

Also the reduced social interaction can be a big drawback. There is no peer-to-peer communication or learning that is happening. Though there are few drawbacks e-learning is here to stay, and is rapidly growing as an efficient form of delivering learning content.