TECHNOLOGY MEDIATED LEARNING

Technology-mediated learning–TML- is an 'umbrella' term,  used  to encompass the use of any form of technology  to mediate learning interaction or materials. 

It incorporate different approaches to the use of computers in learning and teaching such as Computer-Aided/Assisted Learning (CAL), Computer Managed Learning (CML), Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), computer-based production and presentation tools , computer-supported research tools, etc. It includes both e-learning  and computer-assisted learning using any technology such as clickers.

Clickers are hand-held devices that allow students in the classroom to instantly provide feedback, answer questions, vote in response to questions posed, etc.  It is very similar to the remotes through which students send their responses by infrared signals to a computer system that displays the results instantly.

E-Learning

What is e-learning?

E-learning is an approach to administering education and training through the use of modern technology.

This is a type of teaching and learning that one can be obtained by the means of online technology. Instead of going to school and attend a regular class, e-learning is done in the comfort of your own home wherein you can also gain intellectually.

Definitions of E-learning:

E-learning is defined as the learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the Internet:  Oxford English Dictionary

“E-learning is defined as learning facilitated by the use of digital tools and content that involves some form of interactivity, which may include online interaction between the learner and their teacher or peers” (Ministry of Communication and Technology of New Zealand, 2008).

“E-learning refers to educational processes that utilise information and communications technology to mediate synchronous as well as asynchronous learning and teaching activities” (Jereb&Šmitek, 2006).

Meaning of E-learning:

E-learning is the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. It is specifically used:to encompass the use of digital computers and the Internet to support learning and teaching process.  It includes all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching, including educational technology.

Abbreviations like CBT (Computer-Based Training), IBT (Internet-Based Training) or WBT (Web-Based Training) have been used as synonyms to e-learning.

E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual education opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, CD-ROM, etc. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.

Characteristics of E-Learning:

1. Assessment, curriculum design and development

Meets organizational and individual needs of assessment -Setting competency standards of performance - Roadman to educational success

2. Branded educational content

Proven, highquality intellectual user friendly content - Timely, relevant, and consistent information - Keeping fastchanging content current, dynamic, and refreshed.

3. Broad and easy access to information

Anyone, anytime, anywhere, any subject - Multiple technologybased delivery methods - Synchronous and asynchronous - Enabling just-in-time training.

4. Engaging user experience:

Rich multimedia experience - Realistic simulations, role playing and videobased teaching and storytelling - Advice and explanations from experts/mentors 

5. Regular Reinforcement:         

Personalized or real-time online mentors - Webcasts, interviews, live events - Facilitated workshops, practical exercises and application.

6. Collaborative online communities

Access to fellow learners, instructors, experts, etc. - Access to system knowledge base - Private company and global communities.

7. Centralized tracking and administration:

Easy and automatic knowledge management - Tools to evaluate progress of individuals or groups -

8. Cost effective and Time saving:  

Does not need more investment - beneficial for both personal and group learning - number of students can be learnt at the same time – cost effective learning materials - Reduces travelling time and costs for off-campus students, etc.

9. Student Centered Approach:

Accommodates individual preferences and needs - Ensures opportunity in educational equality -  enhance access to the best resources, referral material, lecture sessions, tutoring and experienced teachers.

MOODLE

Moodle - Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment - is a free source e-learning software platform, also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or Course Management System (CMS),  or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It is a free software package for producing web applications that educators can use to create effective online learning courses and web sites.  Hence, it has become very popular among educators around the world as a tool for creating online dynamic web sites for their students. 

Moodle was originally developed by Martin Dougiamas to help educators to create online courses with a focus on interaction and collaborative construction of content, and is in continual evolution. The first version of Moodle 1.0 was released on 20 August 2002 and the latest version 2.4.1was released on   14 January 2013.

Types of E-learning:

There are mainly two types of e-learning, Online and Off-line learning or synchronous or asynchronous learning.

Online learning is a method of delivering educational information or learning experiences via computer and the internet instead of in a normal physical classroom.

It enables students to interact with one another synchronously - when students are connected and communicating at the same time - and asynchronously - when they are connected and communicate at different times.

The courses offered through online learning cover a wide range of subjects and the works are conducted through electronic forums, discussion groups, external resources, social rooms, etc.

Off-line means not connected to the internet or to any other devices or the device is not turned on. Which means presently the system or the device is not ready to communicate with other devices.

Synchronous Learning:

Synchronous, means “at the same time,”  which involves interaction of participants with an instructor via the Web in real time. Participants interact with each other and instructors through instant messaging, chat, audio and video conferencing etc. and what’s more all the sessions can be recorded and played back.

Synchronous learning simply refers to a learning environment in which everyone takes part at the same time. Lecture is an example of synchronous learning in a face-to-face environment, where learners and teachers are all in the same place at the same time. Synchronous e-Learning lets teachers conduct classes over the Internet. The synchronous technologies allow people to interact with peers, teachers, experts, etc.

Synchronous e-learning commonly supported by media such as videoconferencing and chat, has the potential to support e-learners in the development of learning communities. Learners and teachers experience synchronous e-learning as more social and avoid frustration by asking and answering questions in real time. Synchronous sessions help e-learners feel like participants rather than isolates.

Advantages of Synchronous Learning

Cost effective and flexibility

Permits immediate feedback and detailed collaboration both with instructors and fellow students.

Physical barriers of distance are eliminated

Global and accessible for all learners.

Enhances self-esteem, confidence, and work performance.

Learners can ask questions directly

Learners receive immediate feedback.

Familiarity of classroom model due to interaction facility.

The ability to create content quickly.

Ability to personalise the training for each learner.

Continuous monitoring and correction is possible

Disadvantages of Synchronous Learning

Required technical knowledge

Require high infrastructural facilities like high speed internet etc.

Learner who lack proficient  computer skills may struggle or drop the class

Learners who lack self-confidence, guidance, self-teaching skills and lack of motivation

Less time convenience

Different time zones which may affect scheduling and participation issues

Asynchronous Learning:

Asynchronous, which means “not at the same time,” allows the participants to complete the WBT -Web-based training- at their own pace, without live interaction with the instructor or peer. The term asynchronous is usually used to describe communications in which data can be transmitted intermittently rather than in a steady stream. 

Asynchronous learning is a student-centered teaching method that uses online learning resources to facilitate information sharing outside the constraints of time and place among a network of people. Learners are able to interact with course materials and with each other at a time of their choosing.

Asynchronous learning is based on constructivist theory and it emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer interactions. It is commonly facilitated by media such as e-mail, discussion boards, blogs, etc. and supports work relations among learners and with teachers, even when participants cannot be online at the same time. 

Advantages of Asynchronous Learning

Gives students time to read the material and form a response

Students aren’t subjected to be online at specific day or time

Students can respond to comments posted on their time

Accommodate students from anywhere in world and in any time zone

Overwhelmingly positive impact on the overarching learning objectives for most courses

Learners in control of their learning and are Self-motivated 

Disadvantages of Asynchronous Learning

A feeling of being disconnected from the group

Loss of motivation or interest due to feeling disconnected

Loss of learning and retention of material

No direct opportunity for questioning

May not accommodate all learning styles

Content is relatively static because it takes time to produce

Students can become negative against the learning process and the instructor

A Student can begin to see the course as burden or obstacle instead of a gainful learning experience

Virtual Classroom:

Virtual classroom or virtual education refers to instruction in a learning environment where teacher and student are separated by time or space, or both, and the course content is delivered by using various internet technologies such as course management applications, multimedia resources, video conferencing, etc.  

A virtual classroom is simply means an online learning environment where students and instructors can interact each other through a computer mediated communication system.

A virtual learning environment (VLE), or learning platform, is an education system based on the web that models conventional real-world education by providing equivalent virtual access to classes, class content, tests, homework, grades, assessments, and other external resources such as academic or museum links. It is also a social space where students and teacher can interact through threaded discussions or chat. Students can log in to the class websites to view this information and may also download assignments and required reading materials to their computers. 

Computer Managed Instruction (CMI),

The computer managed instruction is a label  for a broad category of computer based tools and applications designed to assist the teacher or school administration in the management of the instructional process . 

Computer managed instruction is an instructional strategy in which a computer is used to manage several aspects of instruction whereby the computer is used to provide learning objectives, learning resources, administration of tests,  assessment of learner performance, design and preparation of learning prescriptions,  etc.

Computer Assisted Instruction:

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional technique whereby a computer is used to present the instructional material, monitor the learning and select additional instructional material in accordance with individual learner needs.

CAI refers to the use of the computer as a tool to facilitate and improve instruction. It uses a combination of text, graphics, sound and video in enhancing the learning process.  

Types of Computer Assisted Instruction

1. Drill-and-practice: Drill and practice provide opportunities or students to repeatedly practice the skills that have previously been presented and that further practice is necessary for mastery.

2. Tutorial: Tutorial activity includes both the presentation of information and its extension into different forms of work, including drill and practice, games and simulation.

3. Games: Game software often creates a contest to achieve the highest score and either beat others or beat the computer.

4. Simulation: Simulation software can provide an approximation of reality that does not require the expense of real life or its risks.

5. Discovery: Discovery approach provides a large database of information specific to a course or content area and challenges the learner to analyze, compare, infer and evaluate based on their explorations of the data.

6. Problem Solving: This approach helps children develop specific problem solving skills and strategies.

Advantages of CAI

One-to-one interaction

Great motivator

Freedom to experiment with different options

Instantaneous response/immediate feedback to the answers elicited

Self pacing - allow students to proceed at their own pace

Helps teacher can devote more time to individual students

Privacy helps the shy and slow learner to learns

Individual attention

Learn more and more rapidly

Multimedia helps to understand difficult concepts through multi sensory approach

Self directed learning – students can decide when, where, and what to learn

Limitations of CAI

May feel overwhelmed by the information and resources available

Over use of multimedia may divert the attention from the content

Learning becomes too mechanical

Non availability of good CAI packages

Lack of infrastructure