e-learning

Carlos Fernández Muriano
Source:  http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aprendizaje_electr%C3%B3nico

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It is called e-learning (also known by the anglicized e-learning) to education completely virtualized through the new electronic channels (the new communication networks, especially the Internet) distance, using hypertext tools or applications (mail mail, web pages, discussion forums, instant messaging, training platforms that combine several of the above examples of applications, among others) in support of the teaching-learning. On a semi-related to what concept is also called b-learning (blended learning). 1

The b-learning is a modality that combines distance education and classroom education; retaking the advantages of both approaches and complementing learning apprentices.

It can also be defined as a system based on mass and two-way communication system that replaced personal interaction in the classroom of teacher and student, as a preferred medium of instruction, for the systematic and joint action of various teaching resources and support of a tutorial organization providing independent learning of students, in addition to strengthening the ability of effective communication with participants through the platforms used.

Find a definition for e-learning educational model has not been easy. A research study conducted by Sangrá, A., Vlachopoulos, D. & Cabrera, N. (2012) where, using research techniques such as the literature review and the Delphi technique or method, come to build a complete definition of the concept e-learning "e-learning is an approach to teaching and learning, which represents all or part of an educational model applied is based on the use of electronic devices and media as a tool to improve access to training, communication and interaction and facilitating the adoption of new ways of understanding and learning "(p. 152).

index
[hide] 1 Benefits of distance learning
2 Factors that have led to distance learning
3 Importance of Distance Learning
4 Teaching
5 Benefits
6 Drawbacks
Platform 7
8 Hand tools for e-learning
9 Features to be provided both teachers and students in virtual environments
10 Mediation in teaching in virtual environments
11 Emergence of Web 2.0
12 Examples of e-learning
13 Institutions that offer this type of education
14 E-activities
15 tools for online teaching and cognitive function in the generation of learning [3]
16 Autoregulation
17 Blogs: A Tool for Online Education
18 Importance of education policies for the use of ICT in education
19 See also
20 References
21 External links

Advantages of distance learning [edit]

As is well known since time immemorial it has been necessary to move from where we are to the point where we will be teaching us that form. In the past maybe we had to walk to get there. We were fighting with the adversities of weather or some animal that would attack us on the road. Today we must necessarily depend on the means of transport that can range from trucks, peseras, metrobus, trolleybus, climbing stairs, down stairs, walk and walk to get to where education will be available. It is often necessary to use up to three modes of transport to reach. What brings the cost and economic loss to whoever conducted this way. Plus it makes it almost impossible to perform other tasks that contribute to the improvement of our economy. The advantage of distance learning is that it solves these points mentioned above. In a simpler way we are able to form academically, contribute to our household economies, do other things because we will not be so tired from walking, down trucks, metro. Apart from that we are not susceptible to a robbery either while we walk or travel on any means of transport. As can be incorporating these technologies into daily life of the human being can streamline its work and activity so that we can have time to research, update procedures, improvements to the activities that allow us to do an increasingly better and happy. Recall that some of the strongest and wealthiest companies who have controlled much of many markets were created in the garage of a house, such as Microsoft, Apple, Ford Motor Company, among many others. It started with a dream to be launched at some time and this in turn was coming true with the help of hard work and dedication. A. N.



Factors that have led distance learning [edit]

Among the main factors include socio-political developments, the need to learn throughout life, the high cost of conventional systems, advances in the field of science education and technological change. Distance learning has evolved through three major steps that we can call as follows: correspondence, telecommunications and telematics.
Technological advancement and electronic communication systems and their legitimacy in educational institutions have opened the possibility of dispensing with the physical presence, but not cognitive, basic discipline and dedication to learning. The impact of globalization opens up the possibilities of multinational jobs and need to raise the educational level of a nation have pushed that distance learning is presented as an effective alternative for it.
Knowledge of educational platforms that the student learns during practice then helps you gain a competitive edge with this global society, however the programmatic progress of these technologies is influenced largely by the political, social and economic circumstances of each region.
That is, in relative comparison, users of these platforms are scarce in African regions with high stability in a European country; where you can not forget that technological advancement and growth go hand in hand with the need for a distant learning with maximum efficiency ..

Importance of distance learning [edit]

The most important thing for students is the flexibility in the management of their own times, the absence of the requirement of regular attendance, the opportunity to continue their studies from anywhere where the student is forced to move by different business or personal reasons, ultimately the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the system, is a distance education in an appropriate choice for the times, as it allows to combine the demands of training with space limitations imposing temporary daily life.

This percentage of student population that uses distance education is of great help in ensuring a career and be part of society of professionals without having to neglect their job positions and his family, since mostly spend the 23 years and have at least one of these two. It is a method of learning that can only be done with dedication, determination and effort. Since 90% of dependent students who are both committed to the delivery and study.

Teaching [edit]

Thanks to new technologies, students 'online' can communicate and collaborate with peers "class" and teachers (teachers, tutors, mentors), synchronously or asynchronously, without limitation spacetime. That is, it can be understood as a form of learning in distance education in which data networks as means (Internet, intranet) are used, tools or hypertext applications support (eg email, web, chat) and content and / or online learning units as training materials (eg, from simple images, audio, video, documents to complex multimedia productions, "training pills", not to mention the contents built collaboratively, from the development of the so-called web 2.0), among others.

In distance learning, is one of the options that are currently most often used to address the need for continuous or lifelong learning. The generation of professional development programs is regulated not growing because there is a recognition that workers are trained and adapted to new production requirements. Given its characteristics and the technological support behind it, constitutes an alternative for those who combine work and updating, as it is not necessary to go to a classroom permanently.

If distance education is, from its origins, an option to meet the adult education, this has the advantage that users choose their own schedules, and can enter the platform from anywhere you can access a computer and with an Internet connection. Virtual education gives the opportunity for the student to choose their hours of study becoming a great option for those people who work and autonomous to study in their spare time; Moreover it is important to mention that e-learning is an excellent tool that can help users not only to learn new concepts but also to consolidate knowledge and skills and increased autonomy and motivation of students of different subjects.

In recent years we have witnessed the emergence of calls Technologies ICT Information and Communication who have come to revolutionize various fields in society. One sector that has taken advantage of the benefits of such education has been playing an important role in the current performance of this sector role. In Mexico this type of education are implementing some of the major universities such as the National Autonomous University of Mexico UNAM, for providing the opportunity for people who for various reasons can not attend the school system. The system of Open and Distance Education offered by this University gives you the ease of studying at your own pace, arranging your time to dock with other activities.

H-Learning. The Edison created Enrique Reina in 1999, Uruguayan, long before the B-Learning and almost on par with the E-Learning, but became operational for the first time in Chile in 1989 with an IBM S/36 system, but January 2010 was the mode where H Learning (Home Learning) was created, or also called Virtual-H, with various methods, used today for various educational institutions, Edison contributed much in reference to the conversion of the teaching hours, classroom and semi-face in terms of Audio Books, Videos, and others to define your hours as extensions. This mode includes a fusion of Study Hours in Home (Home), Techniques and Tutorials Semi Virtual Classroom or Virtual Classroom or Face to Face. Certainly a refreshing and updated B-Learning, with a future idea.

Advantages [edit]

The advantages of online training are:
You learn to develop skills using the different tools used in these media.
Skills individually or in a team develops
He is self-taught and acquires personal experiences reinforce our knowledge.
Everyone gives a point of view different from ours, which is feeding back our knowledge.
An immediacy in the process of finding information
Find a larger amount of views on any topic
Being in different sociocultural contexts
Immersion practice in a web 2.0 environment.
Elimination of spatial and temporal barriers (from your own home, at work, on a trip through mobile devices). Is a great advantage for geographically distributed companies.
Practices in virtual environments, difficult to achieve in classroom training without a large investment simulation.
Real Knowledge management: exchange of ideas, opinions, practices, experiences. Collective enrichment of the learning process without boundaries.
Constant updating of content (logical deduction from the above).
Cost reduction (in most cases, at a methodological level and always in the logistics).
It allows a better balance between work and family life.
Decreased time required.
Order at the time of brainstorming.
A greater number of persons whose activities do not allow them the opportunity to study with conventional methods schooled renewed interest in raising their academic level with the alternatives offered by the switch to power electronic systems work and study.
The ability to return to a subject at the time required and be aided with several sources of information in alternate windows without the constraints of specific books with unilateral Reviews.
It allows people with different ability to access pursue a diploma course or workshop and even a career.
There is a faster communication with advisor
Papers such as Diplomas, Report Cards, Transcripts and / or Professional Qualifications, have the same validity as those granted in the school system.

Disadvantages [edit]

In the case of the 'disadvantages', are some:
Requires more investment of time by the teacher (at least in its initial part).
Accurate minimum technological skills of the teacher and students.
Requires that students have skills for independent and collaborative learning.
You can decrease the quality of training if appropriate teacher-student ratio is given.
Requires more work than conventional.

Technologically, the NTICx are supporting this new concept of education. On the other hand, speaks of it as an application. A formative use "a source of services to meet their educational mission." In addition, etymologically, e-learning is e-learning: all learning process I use any NTICx. From this point of view, the faculty has been making use of e-learning from the inclusion of audio, visual and audiovisual equipment. So to pronounce the American Society of Training and Development which defines it as "a term that covers a wide range of applications and processes such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration. Includes delivery of content via Internet, intranet / extranet, audio and video recordings, satellite transmissions, interactive TV, CD-ROM and more. "

However, other authors define it as the use of hardware and software in the Internet environment, as Rosenberg (2001): the use of Internet technologies to deliver a range of solutions that enhance knowledge and performance. It is based on three fundamental criteria:
1.The e-learning is networked, which makes it able to be instantly updated, stored, downloaded, distributed, and allowing instruction or information sharing.
2.Es delivered to the end user through the use of computers using standard Internet technology.
3.Se focuses on the broadest view of learning that go beyond the traditional paradigms of training.

From the perspective offered by the experience in the development and operation of e-learning platforms, "Garcia Peñalvo" offers its own definition of e-learning as non-face training, through technological platforms, and enables flexible access and time in the process of teaching and learning, adapting to the abilities, needs and availability of each learner, and ensure collaborative learning environments through the use of synchronous and asynchronous tools for communication, in addition enhancing the process-based management skills. 2

Therefore in view of the above, we can define it as follows:


Distance learning characterized by a separation space / time between teachers and students (not excluding specific physical encounters) between which predominates asynchronous two-way communication, where Internet is preferably used as a means of communication and distribution of knowledge, such so that the student is the center of an independent and flexible training, having to manage their own learning, usually with the help of external tutors.

There are some publications that have contributed significantly to the spread of this type of training and even define, making a significant contribution in terms of understanding of its advantages and potential, and working hard on providing analytical tool for decision making. In 1999 was released the Blog "digital magazine, a specialized virtual training daily renewal publication, which was established in one of the first Latin American experiences to generate an integrated level specialists Hispanic community, focused on this area knowledge management.

In December 2002, when the area of ​​e-learning industry began to consolidate itself as a Latin American level, a new channel of communication began to develop in the average seen by specialists. Magazine "e-Learning Latin America" ​​[citation needed ] from these experiences and his legacy, there were Spanish-speaking publications such as "Data Learning" and "Learning Review".

Platform [edit]

A content management system is a program that allows you to create a support structure for the creation and management of content by the participants mainly web pages. The hardware and software environment designed to automate and manage the development of learning activities called learning platform or learning management system.

A learning management system (LMS or, for its acronym in English) registered users, organizes course catalogs, stores user data and provides reports to management. Typically also include communication tools to serve the course participants. Improvements in usability (easy and intuitive navigation) and accessibility (accessibility for people with disabilities) allow bridging the digital divide and extend training opportunities to more people, overcoming one of the biggest barriers to e-learning: the technological barrier.

There is currently a large number of platforms, both commercial and open source. At the university level is the most used platform WebCT, followed at some distance from the platform Edustan ce. It is starting to implement hard free license platform Moodle. It is also used in several universities open source platform LRN (read in English: dot learn)., Docebo, Blackboard and eCollege. At European level, is particularly relevant platform ILIAS open source, widely used in Europe both in educational institutions and corporate training environments and Fronter, especially in the UK and northern countries.

Training is an alternative that does not necessarily replace the teachers and classes, but it is a space that develops learner autonomy.

Tools for e-learning [edit]

Internet is a medium that allows us to communicate, store, search and transfer information without major technological requerimentos. In this way we can find governmental, educational, scientific institutions, non-profit, private companies, NGOs and more, and make available your information to over 50 million netizens. Currently, distance education has benefited from the internet, Maria Fuentes says, "is one in which it is not necessary physical contact between teacher and student to take place the learning process (...) provides the ability to access to a wide range of training, without the time or space are already a barrier. "It is important to note that the student can be anywhere in the world and still receive adequate instruction online. There currently offers courses, workshops, postgraduate, master, etc.. etc.., so that the user is offered an education barrier-free and affordable. Rafael E. Bello Diaz poses: Virtual space, whose current best example is the Internet, is not present, but representational, not proximal but distal, not synchronous, but asynchronous, and not based on spatial enclosures with internal border and exterior, but depends on electronic networks whose nodes may be deinteracción scattered in different places. In short, virtual education occurs in anywhere, anytime, without requiring classrooms through the internet. Distance education is carried out through the dissemination of knowledge platforms or "* Learning Management System (LMS), which is nothing but an integrated software hosted on a server package that includes all the necessary tools to offer courses without installing any software on the user's computer. Some programs offer virtual environments that facilitate the exchange of information are:
WebCT: This server can accommodate a large number of courses. The program can be downloaded from the Internet free of charge, the institution prepares courses and just when you start to use the program enrollment is necessary to obtain the appropriate licenses.
TopClass: A server software designed to develop training through Internet. You can access this from multiple platforms using standard web browsers. It also provides students with a virtual classroom environment with support for building and discussion posts.
Learning Space: An IBM Lotus software, known as e-learning or online education, incorporating Fortune group learning with individual learning elasticity. Learning space (learning space) consists of interconnected modules, each of which is a database in Lotus notes, consisting of: course scheduling, media center, fourth collaborative management assessments and profiles class.
Virtual-U: A learning platform - distributed online learning, simple for both the teacher and the learner, which allows the model to focus on learning and instructional design of the courses.
Web Course in a Box: The system includes an interactive class maker and creator of evidence. The interface is very intuitive and requires little knowledge of HTML to create and design classes. Allows interaction between teachers and students, has tutorials support all interact through the system know how to do, among other benefits.
Authorware 4: It was developed by the company Macromedia. It is a tool to develop multimedia components. It can also be described as a courseware tool.
DigitalThink: It is a provider of e-learning or online education. It offers a fully web-based solution that combines the contents of the appropriate courses to business goals, an e-learning experience for results with tools to clearly assess learning.
Manhattan Virtual Classroom: A publishing system online courses via the Web (what is known as a WBT). Includes a closed e-mail system by Web, discussion groups, task definition, Chat, multimedia functionality to place, etc.. It can be used to provide both distance courses as support in regular classes.

Among others.

Internet is not only a means of communication but also informative, instructional quality that gives you the opportunity to access education to people for their various roles can not attend in person to an institution.

Quality requirements both teachers and students in virtual environments [edit]

The quality requirements for teachers who work in virtual environments are:
Understand the nature and philosophy of distance education under the influence of new telematics paradigm.
Identify the characteristics of the student or participant beyond geographical boundaries, and assuming different contexts.
Design and develop interactive courses appropriately using new technologies.
Adapt teaching strategies and learning for virtual education.
Organize resources into a format capable of enhancing design or independent study.
They are trained in the practice of new virtual systems.
Involved in the organization, planning and decision making.
Assess the attitude of students towards the new electronic means.
They are an innovative technologically and socially agent.

All these features show a significant change in the role of teacher, becoming the concept of "accompanying guide" or in English "guide on the side", coined by Palloff, R. & Prat, K. (2001 ). These same authors define in 2003 the quality requirements online learners, collected by Borges, F. (2007):
They believe that quality learning can take place it in any environment, whether in person or online.
Know that learning in a virtual environment is no more necessarily easy.
Relate their real life with what they learn.
Properly handle ambiguity or uncertainty that may result in a virtual environment for teaching and learning.
Organize their time properly.
Construct their own knowledge from study material and relationships with peers and with the teacher.
Show great motivation and self-discipline.
Used, if necessary, request channels aid that the institution offers.
Help peers and are willing to collaborate and maintain a good atmosphere in the virtual classroom.
They are proactive and autonomous.

Mediation in teaching in virtual environments [edit]

Mediation is, without doubt, the component that distinguishes it from his own nature, from communication correspondence to the use of Internet. Given this media condition and the constant evolution of information technology, the factual possibilities of EAD are you invigorated so that, although constant constituent elements are retained, appear magnitude variations that alter the dialectic between theory and practice modality.
Really missing emphasize this point, because if it does not show the extent of any society is the media weakness that have this system, turning on some fronts as a weak education without support, if you come to believe in the majority of society, when really it be the opposite; the evolution of technology has facilitated the ancient educational procedures can now be much more dialogic, interactive, creative and flexible. By following the critical line running through the new technologies of information and communication technologies (ICT) can also be applied to the educational relationship without proper mediation constraints of evolutionary advancement, or commonly known as "fear of the new" main barrier for the distance education system is accepted more smoothly.

Emergence of Web 2.0 [edit]

What is now known as Web 2.0 or social web, and includes among other tools: social networks, blogs, wikis, podcasts, social labeling and filtering, social bookmarking ... are elements that also have a pedagogical and didactic use and contribute to collaborative learning, the backbone of this new trend in the world of e-learning. The new perspectives offered by these tools complete the LMS systems used in virtual education (on-line in English, or online, in Spanish), favoring the exchange, shared knowledge construction and opening multiple possibilities to you.

Examples of e-learning [edit]

In the early nineties the Ministry of Education of Spain creates the Aula Mentor Project, which aims to provide a system of training for adults using information technology and communication in the field of non-formal training with an open approach flexible and distance learning through the Internet. There are several institutions and companies whose purpose is to promote the inclusion of e-learning as future of education as in the case of Elerniam

Currently in Mexico there is a course taught by the UNAM system called System Open University and Distance Education (SUAyED). This educational approach arises to support the open system and the face, characterized by the use and application of information technologies and communication. The flexibility and potential for independent study avoids barriers schedules, location, age, working, among others, allowing anyone to cover the entry requirements to be eligible for a college degree.El uso de las TICs, la responsabilidad y el compromiso son las bases para el desarrollo de la educación a distancia.