Technology Learning » Computer Based Learning http://www.caaglop.org Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:07:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Welcome ELearning! The Virtual Classroom For Convenience http://www.caaglop.org/welcome-elearning-the-virtual-classroom-for-convenience http://www.caaglop.org/welcome-elearning-the-virtual-classroom-for-convenience#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:48:06 +0000 admin http://www.caaglop.org/welcome-elearning-the-virtual-classroom-for-convenience

Gone are the days when one had to compulsorily go to classrooms to get their education. Welcome eLearning! A technology that allows a person to get educated, with minimum investment of time and money.

Classified as one of the points of Computer Based Learning, it is very important for us to know the concept in which eLearning is defined. Associated with Advanced Learning Technology (ALT), it commonly refers to the technologies and methodologies used with networks and multimedia in learning.

What is the market for eLearning?

One cannot be faulted for commenting that eLearning is a ‘horizon’ business at its nascent stage. $38 Billion of estimated revenue projected to grow at a rate of approximately 10% every year, one could look at the eLearning Business touching the $100 Billion mark in the next 6 years or so. eLearning is made effective by the developments in Internet and Multimedia technologies. What makes eLearning an exciting prospect are the sectors of eLearning – content, technologies, services, consulting and support sectors.

How is eLearning used nowadays?

Conventionally, eLearning is used as a tool to encourage distance learning. It allows students to complete their education without traveling anywhere. Thus, eLearning is succeeding in shrinking the globe as far as education is concerned. Now, students staying in China can complete a course offered by an institute in Germany without having to go to Germany.

eLearning courses are also used in terms of Blended Learning. Blended Learning allows multiple approaches to learning to be combined. This would mean that the online as well as physical resources would be added to provide education to students. Domains like Language Learning have started using Blended Learning models which include face-face teaching and interactive, electronic practice. The Virtual Learning Environment practice makes it possible for Blended Learning practice to succeed. In fact, the Virtual Learning Environment has been at the forefront of eLearning growth for the last 5 years. Virtual Learning Environments allow the courses and the content to be delivered in a flexible manner. They could be delivered on external platforms or as content specific course managed platforms. This allows the educational institute to integrate existing learning paths with games, listening exercises and other activities online.
eLearning as a tool succeeds as it has only one objective – To make learning and training an easy affair for students. Developers have gone ahead with design of eLearning solutions and programs with the use of variety of tools. All these efforts have been directed to contribute to the ease of learning.

It is important for the user of the eLearning tool or solution to decide if it is mandatory for his institute to integrate eLearning with the classroom learning practices. Though, it is not mandatory, it is extremely beneficial for users to integrate both.

By: Ruth Campbell

]]> http://www.caaglop.org/welcome-elearning-the-virtual-classroom-for-convenience/feed 0 Helping Your Child Master the Times Tables – The Element of Technology in Learning http://www.caaglop.org/helping-your-child-master-the-times-tables-the-element-of-technology-in-learning http://www.caaglop.org/helping-your-child-master-the-times-tables-the-element-of-technology-in-learning#comments Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:56:57 +0000 admin http://www.caaglop.org/helping-your-child-master-the-times-tables-the-element-of-technology-in-learning

One area where many children struggle with learning is the introduction of the times tables. The whole concept behind multiplication can be confusing for young minds. Luckily, there are a few things parents can do to help their children to learn and memorise the basics of the times tables, a cornerstone of all future math study.

One of the simplest ways to aid your child when he or she is learning the times tables is to add technology to the home learning environment. Software for learning can add important elements to the whole process of learning and memorisation.

How technology aids in learning the times tables

In William Bender’s book, Differentiating Math Instruction, he notes that there are many elements to effective math learning – support at home is very important, as is visual instruction and an interactive learning environment.

Technology can add all of the above to the learning process, as well as some other important elements:

1. A visual element: For some students, reading straight from the textbook, or just listening to a teacher, isn’t enough. With technology-based learning, the software, the colors and the different way of presenting the material itself all add visual cues that aid most students in learning.

2. Interactivity: An interactive learning environment, where the student can receive immediate feedback on his or her work, helps with faster learning. Technology-based learning usually includes this level of interactivity, without the need for parent or teacher intervention (although, of course, parental involvement enhances the learning experience).

3. Memorisation: Another benefit of computer-based learning is that it aids in memorisation. A study done with students in Korea showed that, once a student has a basic grasp of a concept, the best way to further aid memorisation is repetitive review and testing of the material. Most computer-based learning materials provide this element.

4. The fun factor: Finally, most children enjoy working with computers and technology. Using computer-aided learning tools adds the element of enjoyment which can help a child to develop a love for math.

When it comes to this crucial building block of all future math study, adding a computer-based element can help your child to learn and memorise the times tables faster. Tools, such as our own Times Tables Tutor, will help with this. Sometimes, real learning comes with simple methods. For parents who want to help their children grow in math, the computer can be an indispensable tool.

By: Greg O'Connor

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