Technology Learning » Interactive Learning http://www.caaglop.org Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:07:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Why Workers Resist E-Learning http://www.caaglop.org/why-workers-resist-e-learning http://www.caaglop.org/why-workers-resist-e-learning#comments Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:31:40 +0000 admin http://www.caaglop.org/why-workers-resist-e-learning

With new methods of work having been introduced across companies there is a need to retrain workers in new technologies techniques and understandings. As time is always short and people cannot be taken out of their routine jobs and sent to class to learn the new ways of working, The solution is to learn by remote, or what is known as e-learning.

The Learning Management System (LMS)

In today’s virtual era a new approach to up-gradation and training programme has evolved that has been defined as e-Learning. The Learning Management System (LMS) is an e-learning platform, specially created to bring ease a uniformity to the e-learning process.

LMS has been adopted by many companies to ensure that an interactive learning course is furnished to the workers. The workers can use the LMS in their spare time or at more convenient times without disrupting their normal course of work or life.

Resistance to E-learning

However even with all the advantages LMS has not had a great success and workers are not enthusiastic in adopting it.

An ASTD survey, in July of this year, asked trainers who was the most resistance to the introduction of workplace e-learning. The result———-managers (40%), trainers (25%), learners and technical support (both 15%).

The traditional reason is that it is a solitary learning method. While LMS is interactive in the sense that the learner or student can interact with his tutor by mail yet it is too impersonal and lacks the warmth of response from either side. Workers miss out on the liveliness of the classroom or group atmosphere. It tends to be lonesome hence tiring and quickly given up. The level of interest is generally too low given the fact that there is lack of a competitive atmosphere.

Also the advantage of taking an e-learning course when and where you want becomes a disadvantage instead. Workers in fact become stressed when they are forced to ad more into their already hectic schedules. Lack structure and a concrete timetable leads to the feeling of being used, workers are resentful of the intrusion upon their spare ‘breathing’ time.

Workers resent giving up the ‘holiday’ conventions, seminars and work shops provided them. Also the work force is still a mix of generations; older generations are not comfortable with computers or the web and prefer the old system of learning. LMSs can sometimes be too complicated even for the tech savvy new generations.

Solution to Resistance

Every problem has a solution-

For better results and quicker acceptance e-learning should be blended in with traditional forms of learning, creating a hybrid in learning.

Don’t be discouraged by the initial resistance try and have meetings and open discussions where workers can discuss there apprehensions and resentments against e-learning.

In the beginning circulate an internal monthly newsletter to highlight usage increases, feature different courses each month, and promote learning groups.

Hold a few work shops and start the e-learning program in a relaxed atmosphere. Encourage worker to ask questions and allow them to settle into e-learning slowly

Most important of all remember———– Rome was not built in a day. Don’t be discouraged if you encounter initial resistance. Many people who resist you now may be the ones who need e-learning the most. They may very well appreciate the benefits of e-learning once they’re comfortable with it. It is critical to spend time and resources supporting your e-learning program. Promote elearning internally regularly – to get management buy-in and to ensure people are aware of, and use, the online training. Consider Your e-learning vendor should be eager to support you to ensure your success. Don’t be shy about asking for and using this support – whether it’s online resources, telephone support, or just regular contact with the company’s sales representative. Try to find internal champions to help you get the word out about e-learning. If you have a limited budget for promoting the solution, start small by demonstrating e-learning to smaller groups. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth in government agencies. Garner support from individual supervisors or managers. Remember that support at the manager level is critical to success of any organizational change.

By: Rajesh Rastogi

]]> http://www.caaglop.org/why-workers-resist-e-learning/feed 0 How to Survive E-Learning http://www.caaglop.org/how-to-survive-e-learning http://www.caaglop.org/how-to-survive-e-learning#comments Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:55:32 +0000 admin http://www.caaglop.org/how-to-survive-e-learning

With hundreds of people claiming that e-learning can actually be more difficult than a regular school setting, it is important to know the ins and outs of online learning. It is extremely possible to not only get your degree flexibly, but also succeed while doing it. Here are techniques and tips on how to survive interactive online learning.

1. Create a schedule! Although you do work most of the time, it is important to at least keep a tentative schedule on when you can devote time to your studies. For instance, if you work eight hours a day, perhaps you could spend two hours every other day on your material. The first thing you need to do is keep a planner full of assignments and online chats. Interactive online learning programs often have live chats and question sessions with the professor. It is essential to jot down all of these times down.

2. Find a quiet environment! If you are a mother of three and are trying to do your assignments while feeding your children, chances are you won’t be passing the course. You need to find a quiet area for your computer and an hour when you won’t be bothered. It is important to not only focus, but to also learn the material correctly.

3. Always know who your online professor is and keep in contact. It gets difficult to keep any sort of communication open, especially when everything is done online. However, sending your teacher an e-mail every now and then to update her on your status can make online education a lot easier.

4. If you are having difficulties, it may be smart to contact a fellow online student. Most programs show you the list of students who are also signed up, along with their email address. This way you can contact them if you want to have a study group. Perhaps they are struggling as well, and would be more than happy to help you out.

5. Online learning can be difficult if you don’t know what to expect. Make sure you are good at comprehending both videos and text. Interactive online learning usually consists of videos which display your teacher or online texts that you need to read. If you have trouble reading a lot of material and need to be constantly learning visually, perhaps the classroom is a better bet.

6. Since your computer is just as important as your brain, it is crucial to know that you will have the right components. For instance, if you need to run a lot of videos, you need to have an up-to-date video card. Also, DSL may be needed to help your computer log on quickly. After all, online learning isn’t always a breeze.

7. With online education being full of hurdles, it is necessary to know how to send your assignments. Some teachers ask to post on a certain message board, while others request your documents to be sent through e-mail. It is necessary to know how to send them and when. Deadlines need to be written down!

8. Have fun! It is important to get as much as you can out of the experience. Although it isn’t a normal college setting, you need to know that this will not only further your career, but get you the degree you crave. Interactive online learning provides us with alternatives, and we should be thankful for that. If you are looking for a typical dorm style experience, taking online education will not be the path for you.

By: Natalie Aranda

]]> http://www.caaglop.org/how-to-survive-e-learning/feed 0 7 Vital Tips to Stimulate Learning in Children http://www.caaglop.org/7-vital-tips-to-stimulate-learning-in-children http://www.caaglop.org/7-vital-tips-to-stimulate-learning-in-children#comments Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:51:42 +0000 admin http://www.caaglop.org/7-vital-tips-to-stimulate-learning-in-children

Here are 7 tips to foster learning in your child.

1. Nothing motivates a child more than a reward. Reward them for their achievement. Know what your child likes. Use it as a carrot to spur them to greater heights. It doesn’t have to cost a lot. An inexpensive toy would heighten his interest too.

2. When you begin to teach a child, you can use games as a starting point to entice him. For example, scrabble and Hangman are games that will teach them spelling and yet provides so much fun for the children. Later you take a step further and introduce him to more discipline learning. Math Games features some games you could play to teach little kids about numbers.

3. Inculcate a culture of learning. Introduce the four basic principles LLTR to the child which means Listen, Look , Think and Read. Once a child masters and applies these basic concepts he is given the framework to begin his quest for learning.

4. Set yourself as a example. Children love to copy and learn from their parents. Show an interest in reading and they will emulate you too. Inculcate their interest in reading by reading a book aloud to them. You can make it more interesting by reading only partially and letting the child read the rest of the book.

5. Don’t isolate them from new technology. New technology is another aid to encourage learning. Technology is a tool that parents can use wisely. You can harness their interest in computers by letting them learn through play with educational cd roms offering lessons in various subjects like maths and languages.

6. Don’t just confine your child to school material and textbooks. Expand his horizon by supplementing additional resources such as children’s magazine and other reference books. Enrich his learning experience by bringing the child to museums and other educational excursions to zoos, botanical gardens, for hands on and interactive learning.

7. Let the children role play, recite rhymes or tell a story about their favourite game or toy. The children can take turns listening and communicating with one another. This helps them build up listening and communication skills which are so important.

By: Ian Tham

]]> http://www.caaglop.org/7-vital-tips-to-stimulate-learning-in-children/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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