The e-Learning Revolution

E-learning is a broader concept than many people realize it to be. Have you ever taken online training at work? If so, you've participated in e-Learning. In college many of my professors used Blackboard, or other LMS systems to organize our lectures and administer weekly quizzes. This is another way of engaging in e-learning. Perhaps you surfed onto eHow the other day and learned how to finger paint with pudding (yes, that's a real course); e-learning! The common thread that ties these all together is that the learning takes place on a computer, and is usually internet based.

Where the similarities start; they often end. For each use, there are various platforms created to handle the specific needs of that community. For example: when e-Learning meets higher education there needs to be more monitoring than an LMS that provides courses to be taken in a recreational matter. Often times this requires a tool for collaboration with other "classmates" and a staff member who facilitates the information and evaluates a student's progress. Many traditional teachers are also starting to integrate e-Learning with their regular lessons.

E-Learning supports a number of tools such as wikis, blogs, discussion forums, e-mails, instant messaging, chat rooms, even virtual meetings and classrooms. E-learning has evolved enormously since its conception; where it was first used to supplement and mirror real learning. One of the most notable changes that's occurred is an emphasis on "social learning" rather than a straightforward grading and evaluation based on tests, quizzes and assignments.

In our tough economy, time and money are of the essence. With certain computer-based training programs, employees can get certified in required state mandated courses without a large interruption to their day. Many platforms are aimed specifically to fulfill Human Resource certifications, a system referred to as "Talent Management." Some of these platforms support collaboration, while some do not. Many corporations are just starting to ride the e-Learning wave and increasing their proficiency, productivity and performance with online training.

Still wondering why you should give a hoot about e-learning? The truth is that e-Learning is becoming a widely accepted form of education (whether it is for personal, academic, or professional gain) around the world. It allows us to obtain quality knowledge from the convenience of our computer chairs for little to no cost. While E-learning is progressing and changing in the world of business and education, I personally enjoy it for the simple sake of bettering myself. I pose to you this question: What can e-Learning do for you?

Social Learning: Learning acquired by social activity. Example: collaborating with others, participating in discussions where you gain knowledge from one another.

SCORM: Sharable Content Object Model. It is a compilation of technical standards and conditions for web based learning.

CBT: Computer Based Training. The use for CBT is mainly occupational and used by human resource professionals. Programs can be highly interactive allowing colleagues to engage with one another.

CBL: Computer Based Learning. Use of computer identified as vital to the learning environment.

Distance Learning: Learning that occurs with the educator and student in separate physical locations. Video, audio, and other forms of collaboration take the place of a face-to-face learning scenario.

Instructional Technology: Any mechanical or technological support used in the process of teaching and learning.

M Learning: Mobile Learning. This entails using any wireless device (i.e. laptop, phone) in the practice of learning.

LMS: Learning Management System. An LMS is a set of software and tools used to manage a learning environment for education and training.

Open Source: Programming code that can be viewed, altered, and distributed by anyone.

e-Learning: If you haven't caught on by now, I don't know what to tell you. In a nutshell: electronic media that delivers education and training.

Talent Management: Processes that keep employees' talents and skills at their finest. This includes everything from training and development to performance management processes.

Web 2.0: I like to define this as "Internet: The Next Generation." Star Trek references aside, it is the ultimate transformation of the internet from static sites to dynamic and sharable content.

I've always been a passionate learner. When I was in kindergarten, I was already teaching myself to read in write. That year, I was one of the coolest kids in school. Unfortunately, that title didn't last. I love learning, I really do. I always toyed around with the idea of getting into education, but I wasn't sure how I wanted to contribute.

One day, while I was sitting on my college degree, I got lucky. I got a chance to be involved with the creation and development of a website called LearningZen. The site provides a free and open environment where educators and students can collaborate as part of a learning community. We have a course creation editor and template built into the system, and an educator can use virtually any media to enhance their courses. Besides delivering content in a professional and organized format, LearningZen supports Exams and Certificates to allow educators to validate the learning process. Courses are only limited by imagination. Seriously; we have everything from sexual harassment training to juggling lessons!

We launched into Beta about a month ago and are looking for course contributors, users, or just anyone who wants to have a look and tell us what they think. One thing that sets us apart from the big guys, is that we are a small team who want a community driven learning site. So if you see something that would be great to have but isn't in the system let us know and we WILL work with the developers to add the functionality. I hope whoever has stumbled upon this lens (which was super fun to make), found it both enlightening and amusing!

http://www.learningzen.com