The History of Online and E Learning

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University Degree Education and Teaching

THE HISTORY OF ONLINE AND E LEARNING

Online learning started over 30 years ago with the use of Teletype terminals linked to mini and mainframe computers, which then evolved into PC’s and thus followed multimedia.  In the 1970’s technology, which is now used to deliver online training, began with the development of (CBT) or computer based training.  In the 1980’s due to further advances in computer technology and telecommunication technology in the 1990’s, new forms of distance learning were introduced for example, Internet and Web based classes and computer based training on CD ROM all this coming about in the 1990’s. The Internet was widely made available to the general public, companies and large corporations in the middle 1990’s.  In it’s infancy, text only training was available which took the form of bulletin boards, software downloading and e-mail.  Then due to further advances in technology graphical browsers were introduced, these employed a single program, which performed all of the above functions and therefore made communication very user friendly and also extremely efficient.

The focus is now currently on online delivery.  At the moment the majority of e learning occurs in the workplace, although a third of e-learners do most of their learning at home

There are basically two types of learning available via the Internet E learning and Online Learning.  E learning or distance learning, which refers to training or education delivered via the Internet instead of the usual classroom, book, video, audio or CD ROM.  This is often called “E learning” or another term for it is “Web based training” (WBT).  Web based training is defined as teaching or instruction which is delivered by a web browser (e g Netscape or Internet Explorer) via the Internet or a corporate Intranet.  There are four basic methods of (WBT).

  • Web/Computer Based Training (W/CBT)

These are usually written as lessons and put into modules therefore enabling self paced learning and are primarily designed to improve work skills performance objectives.  But unlike CBT, learners can interact with each other over the Internet, another advantage of W/CBT is that you can use hyperlinks and these documents can be stored on the company’s intranets, also you can access more resources via the web.

  • Web/Electronic Performance Support Systems (W/EPSS)

This type of learning is used to teach at remote locations, also for teaching technical skills and providing information for employees to execute job related tasks in the correct manner.  It is presented in a simple way using step-by-step instructions experts in that particular field cover each subject; there are also reference materials available and training modules.

  • Web/Virtual Asynchronous Classroom (W/VAC)

With this type of training learners and instructors interact online at different times.  The e-mail facility is also used to help the students to contact their instructors should they need to, there are also tests to assess the students progress all this work is done at the students pace and the courses are available anytime on Internet Worldwide.

  • Web/Virtual Synchronous Classroom (W/VSC)

The main difference between this and the above is that with this way of learning the students and instructors interact in live communication sessions and also, this kind of training is available at scheduled times on the web.  Video conferencing is also used as is

Due to increasing availability of more sophisticated technology this has made it possible for companies deliver and also design training programs by using the Internet or even their corporate intranets, and therefore Web based training (WBT) is rising rapidly.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ON-LINE LEARNING

When reviewing advantages and disadvantages of on-line learning it is necessary to split the population into four domains:

  • Society
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Individual

SOCIETY

The current government was quick to recognise the potential for a nationwide improvement in a wide range of skills via the Internet and on-line learning. They set up a network of learn direct centres aimed at encouraging people from all walks of life back to learning, which was advertised through television, radio and newspapers. The advantages of this to society are a more computer literate population through interaction with computers and e-mail, providing a more qualified workforce and an introduction to lifelong learning. Whilst the idea is to provide facilities to as many of the population as possible the main disadvantage is that there are still some areas that do not have access to computers and the Internet. There is a danger that already disadvantaged members of the population, through low income etc will be excluded from this electronic revolution by their inability to own a computer or attend a training centre. This problem will need to be addressed if society is to move forward as a whole.

INDUSTRY

On-line learning can work well for any size of company and can be accessed at a relatively low cost. Small businesses can use on-line learning to offer employees short and intensive bursts of training to fill immediate and pressing skill gaps. The advantages are that the training can be done on-site rather than having to attend out of work or after work hours and can often be tailor-made to suit the individual. There are also huge benefits to large organisations. A large number of people can be trained in a short time, for example the introduction of a new system. If on-line learning materials are prepared in advance they can be delivered to virtually any size of audience simultaneously. There is also the advantage of a continually moving forward workforce, keeping up with current trends, whether technological or managerial. Disadvantages can occur when the design and development cost of a particular on-line training course are too high for the size of the audience. On-line learning will usually be more expensive to develop than classroom training but will be cheaper to deliver. The development costs can be offset however by using off-the-shelf on-line learning materials.

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EDUCATION

Learning on-line is currently at the forefront of education with the DfES introducing Curriculum On-line. The government has pledged the sum of £50m to maintained schools in England over the current academic year 2002/2003.

Curriculum On-line is designed to give teachers easy on-line access to a wide range of free and paid for digital learning resources, which schools can use to support the curriculum. Advantages to

Students could mean that they can work at their own pace on computers, with access to a library of e-learning materials. This will also mean ...

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The History of Online and E Learning
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    Education and Teaching
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