www.sharexxx.net - free books & magazines
www.sharexxx.net - free books & magazines
www.sharexxx.net - free books & magazines
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
E-Learning is a Social Tool for E-Commerce at Tertiary Institutions 161<br />
The following aims to incorporate technology into an established program<br />
were suggested by O’ Keefe & McGrath (2000):<br />
• To enhance students’ development of a range of generic skills.<br />
• To add to the inventory of teaching and learning methods the use of<br />
technology.<br />
• Broaden the content of the course.<br />
• Utilise conference formats and encourage students to work as peer groups.<br />
• Mass distribution of information avoiding repetitive questions.<br />
• To provide a flexible learning environment.<br />
• Greater time flexibility for learners and facilitators<br />
Advantages of E-Learning<br />
Advantages for the Learner<br />
Delivery of Information Technology education is advantageous in several ways<br />
(Marold, 2002). He noted that there is a movement from text to multimedia that<br />
delivers a richer content to the students. The delivery organization is non-linear,<br />
meaning that the content can be hyperlinked in a link by association fashion. This<br />
allows the learner to access this richer content in any order (flexibility) and at a time<br />
that is appropriate. Accessibility is universal and learners can access content when<br />
required. Changes in Information Systems development, hardware and software<br />
releases, project progress and course content are reflected immediately. There is<br />
an ease of content and schedules updates.<br />
The other advantage according to Marold (2002) is that the multimedia<br />
presentations are advancement over the written notes on the blackboard and<br />
handwritten transparencies. Being able to interact and be actively engaged in the<br />
learning process is a real advantage over simply observing the teacher’s demonstration.<br />
The access to course content is also controllable by the facilitator. If there is<br />
no interaction by the learner then no learning can take place in a technologyenhanced<br />
e-learning environment. The learner is therefore essentially responsible<br />
for the success of the learning process. There are many resources available to the<br />
learner to which they have direct access (Jackson, 2001).<br />
Advantages for the Faculty<br />
Taylor (2002) discussed benefits of technology-enhanced e-learning from a<br />
tertiary institution faculty perspective. E-learning offers the instructor the ability to<br />
greatly enhance his or her presentation by adding multimedia features. Students,<br />
who feel intimidated by others in a traditional class, will participate if they can do<br />
so using the keyboard. There is an overall learning curve with regards to technology<br />
Copyright © 2003, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written<br />
permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited.