Cutting-edge

In a global economy that capitalizes on knowledge, eLearning can provide the educational edge on demand. eLearning uses Web-based technology to engage participants in effective learning experiences. The eLearning event may be a live session that is transmitted over the Internet, a self-paced multimedia course that can be accessed via intranet, an interactive CD-ROM module, or some other custom learning resource, like Excelearn. The value of eLearning lies in its flexibility for both learners and facilitators to continually update their knowledge beyond the boundaries of a traditional training facility or classroom. eLearning technology enables continuous learning without the hassle and expense of flying employees to other cities to teach or participate in a training session. When choosing eLearning to update its staff’s skills, not only does a company conserve on travel costs, but the employees being trained don’t need to be away from their work, home, and family for days on end. eLearning capabilities enable students to simply log into a training session from any workstation. Because of eLearning’s convenience, obtaining new knowledge seamlessly becomes part of the organization’s day-to-day culture.

As organizations expand beyond their country’s borders, eLearning provides an easy way for people from different parts of the world to contribute cultural insights. By harvesting knowledge from all corners of the world into its methodologies, an organization can determine the most effective way to operate globally. The contributions and insights that stem from eLearning sessions can open the lines of communication between groups and countries that distance previously isolated. It is the different kinds of eLearning technologies that help to create a unified vision, to communicate values across corporate and national boundaries, and to develop common skills for a company when its workforce is spread throughout the world. A custom eLearning development system can further aid in achieving these much sought-after goals.

Overall, eLearning technologies fall into the following three broad categories:

Synchronous eLearning
Synchronous eLearning requires both the student and the instructor to attend the educational event at the same time. In general, this means that the course is taught in a virtual classroom. At times, eLearning sessions can be recorded and later made available to individual students for viewing at their convenience. A synchronous eLearning environment is most suitable for those individuals who learn best by working with others, by listening, by viewing, and by questioning. This type of eLearning environment is also helpful for those who experience difficulty in structuring their time.

Synchronous eLearning formats can be any of the following:
• Virtual classrooms and break-out rooms
• Instructor-led classrooms and lectures
• Hands-on labs and workshops
• Field trips
• eMeetings
• Web seminars and broadcasts

Asynchronous eLearning
Asynchronous eLearning takes place independent of time and relationships. In many cases, an eLearning trainer is not present for at least part of the time. Rather, the student proceeds at his or her own pace.

Asynchronous eLearning may include computer-based training, CD-ROM usage, or, more frequently, Web-based training, in which the eLearning student logs into an online training system with a user name and password to begin an interactive educational course. Such a course can be easily updated to include new eLearning methodologies and is accessible from anywhere in the world, from all kinds of
computer systems.

The asynchronous eLearning environment is most appropriate for those individuals who learn best by thinking about content on their own. This type of eLearning environment is also suitable for students who can structure their time to accommodate instruction.

Asynchronous eLearning formats can be any of the following:
• Documents and Web pages
• Web-based training (WBT), computer-based training (CBT), CD-ROM
• Assessments, tests, surveys
• Simulations and labs
• Recorded live events

Collaborative eLearning Tools
Collaborative eLearning tools allow users to communicate with one another as a means of sharing information, knowledge, and best practices. This type of eLearning environment also allows students to access expert advice or support in coaching and mentoring.

Collaborative eLearning formats can be any of the following:
• Email
• Listservs and distribution lists
• Coaching and mentoring
• Instant messaging
• Online communities and discussion forums

Many small- to medium-sized businesses use a blend of the above three kinds of eLearning technologies, a task that can be seamlessly incorporated by a custom eLearning development company. Such a mixture of eLearning techniques provides employees with the flexibility necessary to accommodate various learning styles.

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