www.sharexxx.net - free books & magazines

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