UNIT-4

E-learning
E-learning also called electronic learning or web-based training is anywhere, anytime
instruction delivered over the internet or a corporate intranet to students and other learners via
a browser. Contrary to traditional learning methods, e-learning lets students, employees in
training and casual learners participate in an organized learning experience regardless of their
physical location.
In its formative years, e-learning tools primarily enabled the delivery of learning material
directly from a teacher to a learner. Now, the e-learning experience has evolved to enable
more multidirectional communication using increasingly interactive tools. Learners have
greater freedom in choosing how they receive and respond to e-learning content, and any
number of peers can be involved.
Why is e-learning important?
E-learning methods and technology are important both for educating students and for the
professional development of employees in the workforce.
The rapid evolution of technology has made it increasingly important for employees to have
the right skills and training. For example, it's expected that the emergence of quantum
computing capabilities will create a massive shift in the way modern businesses operate that
will affect coders, hardware developers and online security professionals. Learning
environments, such as e-learning, will play a key role in retraining and reskilling many of
these people.
In addition, companies are increasingly turning to online learning for ongoing training and
upskilling employees. Learning management systems (LMSes) are particularly popular in
corporate settings. Higher education institutions also use online learning methods along with
internet-capable electronic devices, both inside and outside of traditional classrooms.
According to McKinsey & Company's 2022 survey of 7,000 students in 17 countries, 65% of
higher education students want schools to retain aspects of online learning in the
post-pandemic world.
How does e-learning work?
Online education is delivered using a combination of static and interactive methods. Static
approaches include learning portals, hyperlinked pages, screen cam tutorials, streamed audio
and video and live web broadcasts. Interactive methods are approaches such as discussion
forums, chats and desktop video conferencing.
There are three main criteria an enterprise should follow to ensure an effective e-learning
program:
● Mobile-friendly. People live on their devices, and e-learning must take advantage of
that. Training prompts, other reminders and congratulations on training achievements
should be sent to smartphones and other mobile devices through mobile apps.
 ● Social features. Social media, or a platform that emulates social media's basic
features, can give learners a way to receive updates, respond to training requirements
and communicate with peers and managers.
● Instructional design. E-learning experiences should use a wide range of offerings to
suit diverse learning styles, including quizzes, infographics, podcasts, demonstrations
and narrative-based training materials. E-learning course development apps use
authoring tools that allow even those without coding experience to create these
different offerings.
Types of e-learning
There are two primary models of web-based learning systems:
● synchronous, also known as instructor-led,
● and asynchronous or self-directed and self-paced.
Basically, synchronous e-learning requires participants to be present, albeit virtually, at the
same time, whereas asynchronous e-learning does not.
Examples of synchronous e-learning methods include the use of scheduled and timed online
tests, virtual classrooms, web conferencing technology and interactive shared whiteboards
that learners can use to collaborate. Examples of asynchronous e-learning methods include
the use of discussion boards, discussion groups and self-paced learning courses.

Synchronous and asynchronous e-learning systems have three key differences.

What are the advantages of e-learning?
There are many benefits of e-learning, which proponents believe outweigh the disadvantages.
They include the following:
● On-demand availability. E-learning tools and services meet the needs of those with
busy schedules because they're commonly always available on demand. Learners can
 access material delivered online as long as they have access to the e-learning
application.
● Not requiring travel. E-learning is especially conducive to cohort learning where
groups of people who live in different locations work on obtaining a new skill or
knowledge set
● Cost efficiency. In a traditional, in-person classroom setting, the cost of the space,
infrastructure, maintenance and materials adds up. Most of these costs go away when
learners online.
● Flexibility. Web-based training and e-learning enable flexibility, letting learners
consume information at their own pace.
What are the disadvantages of e-learning?
Critics point out the following disadvantages related to e-learning:
● Need for human contact. Web-based training is a good alternative for independent,
self-motivated students, but the need for human contact limits its usefulness for
students with other learning styles. For example, a learner using an asynchronous
e-learning method might not be able to successfully complete an e-learning course
without the structure of a deadline. They might also need instant responses to
questions that an asynchronous system doesn't provide.
● Technical issues. Students connecting virtually often must use their own devices to
attend online classes and complete assignments. Connecting and staying connected
requires the right devices and network access that all students might not have.
● Lack of transparency. Sometimes the quality and credibility of the content or the
teacher isn't always clear and transparent on every e-learning platform. This is
especially an issue on free and easily accessible resources.
E-learning platforms
There are a variety of e-learning platforms, both synchronous and asynchronous, that users
can use in education, business and independent environments. These powerful software suites
enable digital learning and online training, providing courses, presentation capabilities like
PowerPoint, online examinations and analyzing student performance data. A few examples of
these platforms are Anthology for Business, Canvas, Moodle, Sakai and Schoology.
Learning management systems are also prevalent in the enterprise for onboarding and
employee training programs. The best types of corporate LMSes are scalable, customizable,
goal-oriented and user-friendly. Some enterprise-level LMSes, all with varying pricing plans,
include Adobe Learning Manager, Docebo, eFront, iSpring Learn, Looop by 360Learning,
Northpass and TalentLMS.
Social media
Social media provides useful tools for e-learning. These platforms bring communities of
learners together and let them share e-learning content. The following are examples of how
they can be useful:
 ● Facebook users can create groups to share information and ideas, and members of
such groups can communicate freely about the shared material.
● LinkedIn enables similar groups that might be perceived as having an added level of
credibility because users display their career credentials on their profiles. LinkedIn
also has a paid platform for e-learning called LinkedIn Learning that features over
4,000 business courses. The topics of these courses vary from web development to
digital marketing. Business professionals can pay a monthly fee to use these courses
to keep their skills up to date.
● X (formerly known as Twitter) can connect learners by using a hashtag for a specific
topic or event.
● YouTube users can post and access educational content for free, as well as comment
on and rate the videos.
Massive open online courses
Independent learners can also take advantage of massive open online courses (MOOCs) on
the web. MOOCs are made available through popular platforms like Coursera and edX to
large groups of people over the internet, usually for free. Often, these courses are modeled on
ones taught by top-tier universities, which is great for learners who want quality training
content for free. Users can log into a MOOC's website and sign up for a given course. Certain
MOOC programs, such as edX's certificate programs, charge a student looking to earn a
specific certificate for the completion of their coursework.
Other platforms, such as Udemy and Skillshare, are similar to MOOCs in that they are
available online and can accommodate large groups of learners. However, they are different
in that they charge the user and focus on practical engagement with material as opposed to
passive learning methods, such as the lectures that come with more university-centric
MOOCs. No matter the platform, e-learning is a flexible, adaptable way for professionals and
students alike to learn new skills and bolster existing ones.

Massive open online courses, also known as MOOCs, offer several advantages but also some
challenges.
WEB BASED LEARNING
Web based learning is a way to learn, using web-based technologies or tools in a learning
process. Web based learning is associated with learning materials delivered in a web browser,
including when the materials are packaged on CD-ROM or other media. Web based
education encompasses all aspects and process of education, that use World Wide Web as a
communication medium and supporting technology. The online education, virtual education,
internet-based education, education via computer mediated communication, tele learning,
distance learning, collaboration etc. are considered to be the web based learning.
Web-based learning can be also formal or informal. Formal web-based learning is purposed
and learning activities are organised by teachers. Informal learning takes place while you are
searching material from the Internet. It is self-paced, depending on your goals and ambition
to learn. While e-learning refers to learning activities involving computers and interactive
networks, web-based learning is associated with learning materials delivered in a web
browser.
Features of web based learning
Flexibility and time
● Training may occur anytime, anyplace that there is Internet access.
● Individuals can learn at their own pace and around their own schedules within a given
training time frame.
● Individuals gain access to colleagues and experts from geographic locations with
whom they would ordinarily not have the opportunity to communicate.
● Individuals are able to take advantage of lifelong learning without relocating or
quitting their jobs.
Learning and understanding
● Individuals must think, respond, problem solve, use critical reasoning, interact and be
creative to fully participate in WBT.
● Individuals may feel more in control of their own learning, thus possibly taking on
more responsibility.
● Individuals gain access to real-world examples, databases, experts and additional
sources of information online.
● Individuals are able to reflect in greater depth on responses to questions or activities
posed in training before making their answers and opinions public to other
participants.
● WBT emphasizes a learner-centered approach to training versus simply logging the
number of hours spent in training.
Cross-platform and varied software
● Individuals may be positively challenged by actively navigating the online
environment and learning new technologies.
● Training may be accessed on several computer platforms, including Windows,
Macintosh and UNIX.
 ● Training may be accessed using many of the common Web browsers, including
Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, America Online, Lynx and other free
proprietary software.
Cost
● Overall training costs are often cheaper for participants due to eliminating travel and
facilities fees.
● WBT is less expensive when considering the districtwide and worldwide distribution
of training, in relation to the limited number of participants in a traditional classroom
environment.
● WBT can be easily updated and "recycled" for additional training at a nominal fee.
Accessibility and equal opportunity for all
● The standardized nature of WBT equalizes delivery of the materials for all
individuals.
● Opportunities to attend training are created for individuals with disabilities and others
who may be excluded due to time, geography or mobility.
● Multimedia such as graphics, video and audio can enhance learning and
understanding, as well as be adapted to individuals with various learning styles.
● Individual characteristics such as physical disabilities remain anonymous to other
participants, thus eliminating judgments and stigmas often associated with particular
disabilities.
Advantages and disadvantages
Web-based learning has both advantages and disadvantages. When comparing them, one can
notice that the same factors can be advantages as well as disadvantages depending on the
context. Below some factors are described.

Factor Advantages Disadvantages

Teachers and learners have to adopt

New learning theories and new learning theories and
approaches enable to learn and teach approaches. Role changes of
in a more effective way. Students teachers and learners may cause
Learning theories
can experience a sense of equality. frustration and confusion. Without
and approaches
Course work and challenging the common structures of a
assignments are stimulating for traditional class, students may feel
knowledge building. lost or confused about course
activities and deadlines.
 Students can work at their own pace, Learners who are not self-motivated,
when they want. Web-based self-directed and independent are
learning enables to study more not able to plan their own learning
deeply areas of interest. It and may have problems. Material
encourages exploring material on and assignment instructions might
Independent and your own and enables to skip over be too complicated to understand
learner centred materials already mastered. independently. Some of the students
learning Web-based learning supports may lose motivation without certain
personalised learning and is deadlines. Independent learning
self-directed. It builds requires certain skills: technological,
self-knowledge and self-confidence communication skills,
and encourages students to take self-motivation and effective study
responsibility for their own learning. habits.

Web-based learning enables to join

discussions at any hour and
encourages also those who don't like Learners with low motivation or bad
to speak. It facilitates learning study habits may fall behind. They
Flexibility
through a variety of activities. may have difficulties in organizing
Learners have access to courses, their learning.
which enables to reduce travel time
and costs.

Web-based learning provides

interaction between students and Prohibits those who are not active
instructors. Students can share their learners in a group. Human contact
Interaction
ideas with other students, which is missing as interaction is relied on
may help to understand the material electronic communication.
better.

Problems with technology might

Students can study anywhere and
prevent the access: low speed
anytime if they have an access to
connection, difficulties to download
computer and Internet. Web-based
Access to information, problems with
learning provides continual and also
material communication tools. Some courses
direct access to materials, resources
and materials might be out of date.
in many different formats and of
There may be lack of quality
good quality.
control.

Working on the web offers an

Teachers are overloaded with
opportunity to communicate with
students and their contacts. Students
students using e-mail, discussion
Contact with may feel isolated from the instructor
boards etc. Teachers receive
instructors and classmates. Instructor may not
students' work quickly and they
always be available when students
provide timely feedback to students'
are studying or need help.
questions.
 When you learn to use one browser
and certain software, you will Managing computer files and online
probably be able to use other learning software can be complex
browsers and software as well. for students with beginner-level
Some of the software and web computer skills. Poor usability may
Use of
browsers are free of charge on the cause troubles with navigation,
technology
internet. Web-based learning computers crash or have viruses,
develops knowledge of the Internet impossible to send mails. Software
and computer skills that help and access to the Internet and e-mail
learners throughout their lives and is not free all the time
careers.

Virtual classroom
When you do a search of what a virtual classroom is exactly, you come across a wide variety
of definitions. Some of them relate the virtual classroom to course materials, homework,
tests, and assignments that are typically used in self-paced (asynchronous) learning.
However, all of these activities are external to the classroom experience. That is why the
definition of a virtual classroom should be related to synchronous online learning, which
happens in real time and provides the participants with an experience very close to traditional
face-to-face teaching. Here is our understanding of what a virtual classroom is:
What is Virtual classroom
A virtual classroom is an online learning environment that allows for live interaction between
the tutor and the learners as they are participating in learning activities.
In other words, the virtual classroom is a shared online space where the learners and the tutor
work together simultaneously. Usually, these interactions take place through
videoconferencing. The participants have tools to present learning content in different
formats, as well as to implement collaborative and individual activities. In this type of
interaction, the teacher has the particularly important role of the moderator who guides the
learning process and supports group activities and discussions.
The most common tools you can find in a virtual classroom are:
● Videoconferencing
● Online whiteboard for real-time collaboration
● Instant messaging tool
● Participation controls
● Breakout rooms
Virtual Classroom with teacher and students
Synchronous virtual classrooms have the potential to provide significant added value to
online learning by addressing the needs of the learners as they relate to social interaction and
psychological safety. They can also create a new standard in the learning experience that goes
above and beyond the physical space of the classroom and traditional teaching methods.
The virtual classroom provides an abundance of opportunities, especially when combined
with self-study platforms (learning management systems) or when used in addition to
traditional classroom learning activities. Unlike asynchronous learning environments, the
synchronous virtual classroom allows for instant feedback, direct teacher-student interaction,
and engaging activities to increase motivation and active participation. Immediate
communication favors relationship building within the group, as well as a sense of
community.
Although teaching and learning in a virtual classroom provide an experience similar to the
physical one, it requires new pedagogical approaches and a redesign of the instructional
model that includes the following characteristics:
1. Virtual Classroom’s high Interactivity
2. Collaborative Learning
3. Student-Centered Instruction
4. Variety of Content Presentation and Learning Activities
5. Psychologically Safe Environment
6. Positive and Constructive Feedback
1. Virtual Classroom’s high Interactivity
Training in a synchronous virtual classroom can only be successful with the active
participation and engagement of the learners. This creates a positive learning environment
and helps the participants achieve the expected outcomes. During the virtual session there
should be opportunities for frequent interaction between learner and tutor, learner and other
learners, and learner and content. Over the course of the virtual session, the tutor should
encourage the students to participate every 3-5 minutes. This can be achieved by a variety of
activities such as brainstorming, small group discussion, collaborative and individual tasks,
Q&A sessions, hands-on experience, etc.
what is a virtual classroom: Collaborative Learning
2. Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning means that the learners work together to achieve a common goal,
exchange views, clarify the meaning of concepts, or solve problems together. It creates
opportunities for cooperation in skills development. The emphasis is placed on interaction in
which common understandings are subject to discussion and are developed precisely through
exploring the differences in the participants’ level of knowledge, skills, and positions.
Applied in the virtual classroom, this approach is associated with an active process of the
collective construction of knowledge using the group as a source of information, a
motivational agent, and a means of mutual support.
3. Student-Centered Instruction
The lecture, which is a classic teaching format, often makes students more passive as the
focus is on the content and the students must work independently with little opportunity for
collaboration. This approach is more applicable to asynchronous virtual teaching – the tutor
creates video lectures and self-directed activities, which the learners cover at their own pace.
Synchronous virtual classes require student-centered instruction in which the learners and the
tutor interact equally – active participation, collaborative work, and communication are
encouraged in this type of classroom. The tutor creates opportunities for both independent
learning and learning from one another, and guides the learners in developing and practicing
the skills they need. This increases the motivation level of the learners, as well as their
interest in the learning activities.
What is a virtual classroom: Student-Centered Instruction
4. Variety of Content Presentation and Learning Activities
This approach is related to differentiated instruction, which takes into consideration the
differences in the needs, levels, and learning styles of the learners. It favors the creation of a
more personalized learning experience and individual success. When a teacher uses various
sources to present the content – text, images, diagrams, audio, video, etc. – this can greatly
improve the learning process by providing a flexible learning experience that is tailored to the
various needs and preferences of the students. Presenting the content through various types of
media retains the attention and interest of the learners.
Blending different types of learning activities within one virtual session also creates
opportunities to meet a wider range of the needs of the students. Switching between
individual work, small group collaboration, and class discussions addresses the specific
learning preferences of all of the students – either to work alone, to interact with the others,
or to express themselves in front of a larger group.
5. Psychologically Safe Environment
Interactions in a virtual classroom create the sense of a more informal and safer emotional
environment as the learners usually participate from the comfort of their homes. The learning
process is much more focused because of the absence of the usual physical distractions that
are found in the conventional classroom.
Psychological safety leads to better learning outcomes. It also fosters creativity, confidence,
and a willingness to experiment on the part of the learners. The virtual teacher also has a
crucial role here – they need to encourage safe discussions, mutual respect, equal
opportunities to participate, and the free sharing of different viewpoints. The teacher can
enhance the psychological safety of the learners and make things more personalized by
adding options for self-directed learning, as well as by communicating more frequently with
every student through a Learning Management System.
What is a virtual classroom: Safe Environment
6. Positive and Constructive Feedback
Unlike asynchronous virtual platforms, the synchronous virtual classroom allows for
immediate feedback from both the tutor and the other participants in both an individual and a
general way. The key role of the tutor here is to create an atmosphere of positive feedback by
guiding the group’s interaction. The need for feedback, which acknowledges the positive
aspects of the learners’ performance and gives valuable comments and recommendations for
improvement, benefits the education and progress of the students. It also builds the habit in
the group of trying to maintain a positive and constructive tone. All of these factors are vital
in assisting the learners to overcome their mistakes without feelings of negativity, as well as
by fostering confidence and inspiring them to achieve their full potential.
EDUSAT
EDUSAT, or Education Satellite, is a satellite launched by the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) that provides two-way communication for distance learning in India:
● Purpose
EDUSAT was designed to provide interactive distance education for students in primary to
high school, as well as for higher education.
● Features
EDUSAT has a multimedia system, audio-visual medium, digital classrooms, and a Satellite
Interactive Terminal (SIT).
● Coverage
EDUSAT covers the entire country using Ku band and currently reaches 25 states with over
55,000 classrooms.
● Benefits
EDUSAT has improved attendance and interest in viewing programs, and helped students
gain knowledge and understanding of the content.
● Significance
EDUSAT is a demonstration of India's commitment to using space technology for national
development, especially in remote and rural areas