COMPUTERS! Nothing can function without it in today’s world. Everything, yes nearly everything& everyone is now associated with this marvelous little thing.
No aspect of life remains untouched by its phenomenon and in fact it shouldn’t, when it makes life easy as well as accurate. As the computer technology advanced, the learning and education with it also enhanced. One of the terms associated with the computers is E-Learning.
Ever heard of the term, maybe yes, but have a knowledge about it, maybe no. Let us help you a little. E-Learning-
“Commonly referred to the intentional use of networked
Information and Communications technology in teaching and learning”
(“E” stands for the word “Electronic” in E- Learning.)
E-Learning highlights new dimensions in education. It provides several benefits like, easily accessible study material, no physical attendance, material available round the clock, wide range of courses to meet your needs, cost wise as well as course wise, ranging from a certificate to a degree without any problem. Other benefits are flexibility, that is, choosing an instructor based or without one course. In this type of learning the retention level of learner is automatically enhanced, since the courses are selected by the learner itself, therefore, the chances of dropping out or becoming disinterested are rare and the attention level is automatically raised. There are more opportunities available as compared to traditional classroom.
Now, the topic of Service, E-Learning Services has evolved since computers were first used in education. It is a domain where expertise finds great learning solutions, while blending the right kind of technology, training and learning requirements to make it understandable, usable as well as flexible for learning by the learner.
One has to be quite clear while choosing for an E-Learning Service. Since it is important to determine the services that your company needs and start formulating an e-learning strategy, considering its implications, its possibilities of success and failure, etc. There are number of E- Learning Services that your company may implement, namely-
 A Learning Management System
Off The Shelf Courseware
Custom Web Based Courses
Synchronous, Collaborative Learning Tools
Advisory or Information Services
Coaching and Mentoring Services
Knowledge Management Tools
Competency Management Tools
Library Software
Confusing Terms! Don’t worry; we will help you with them by explaining a little. This would provide you a better picture of the services available and you would be able to choose the service that you require.
The first one, that is, Learning Management System (LMS),is basically the backbone of E-Learning, it is an enterprise-wide software that works hand in hand with the HR system, maintaining the records of the employees, web- based training and classroom delivered courses, as well as the online enrollments. It also allows the learners to review, launch register online courses.
The second term is Off-the Shelf Courseware. This service is related to note taking, screen prints, pre and post assessment, glossaries, license support services etc. for the Web-Based Courses which are delivered over the internet or an intranet.
Custom-Based Courses- This is one of the most difficult service to select because your company must assess the instructional design, graphical skills and technical capabilities of the supplier. As the name suggests it is customized.
Next is Synchronous, Collaborative Learning Tools, this is referred to as the synchronized learning occurring while using simple tools like chat and teleconferencing, audio and video conferencing, application and sharing and many more.
The Advisory or Information Service is a service which is domain or industry specific or can be used to provide general information regarding any business. These services include services like E-Newsletter, discussion forums etc.
Coaching and Mentoring Services are often aimed at an IT audience, helping technical professionals providing online coaching services for help.
The purpose of Knowledge Management Tools Service is to collect, store and distribute information within a business or other organization
Identification of skills and knowledge available within the organization and thereby helping HR system or LMS is the purpose of Competency Management Tool.
Library Tools are to manage circulation, print overdue notices, import and export data and allows you to publish catalog to the internet or intranet.
The selections of the E-Learning Service is determined by the organization keeping in mind its needs and support system. So, if you are in search of an E-Learning Service then formulates your needs and then short list the required service and go ahead.
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