Elearning Platforms

Different E-Learning Platforms And Their Advantages

E-learning can be a very effective strategy for organizations to allow employees, students and instructors to interact using technology and a virtual classroom. If implemented properly using the right content, it can provide an excellent solution to an organization's training needs, allowing personalized individual or group instruction. Here are the different e-learning platforms commonly used for web-based or online training:

CD-ROM based e-learning platform This is the most common platform used for e-learning, primarily because it is low cost and also because it is very convenient to use. All programs, instructions, information, lessons and tests are included in a disc, allowing users to access learning via a stand alone program that doesn’t need to be connected by phone or internet in order to be implemented.

Some advantages of this e-learning platform are: it is instantly available to anyone and a user doesn’t need to connect to the internet every time he wants to use it. One drawback is that programs included in a CD-ROM are often static and limited, requiring a new purchase in order to obtain an updated version.

Another drawback is that this type of e-learning platform does not allow user interaction or teacher-student interaction since a participant may only access the lessons by himself. Should he have any questions regarding the courseware, he will need to direct them to the vendor.

Web-based e-learning platform This e-learning platform allows users to access lessons and other parts of the program through a website, whether it's on the Intranet or the Internet. Although most lessons in this e-learning platform are considered passive, some may also offer interactive e-learning depending on the vendor. Generally, though, this method requires reading references and lessons provided on the vendor's website.

An advantage of this e-learning platform is that lessons are more likely to be updated, allowing users to access the most recent information available. Users can also access lessons at their own pace or if necessary, review lessons at any time. This type of e-learning platform also allows for updates, so users are assured of the most relevant courses available.

If the course includes a live interaction with an instructor, users can also actively participate in real time discussion, directing their inquiries to the person in charge. The web-based e-learning platform can also integrate user interaction, allowing several users to communicate among themselves while simultaneously accessing the lessons.

Synchronous Internet Communication SIC allows communication among users and their instructor through the Internet, using tools such as chat, voice chat, bulletin boards and video conferencing. This allows simultaneous communication that is probably one of the best examples of an effective virtual classroom. While there is no person-to-person interaction, all users can participate and exchange information in much the same way as they would in a normal chat room or classroom.

An advantage of this type of e-learning platform is that it allows courseware updates and direct guidance by the instructor. Since it is synchronous, users are encouraged to participate in the lessons within a specified period of time. It is also relatively low cost compared to CD-ROM-based e-learning.

Asynchronous Internet Communication AIC uses tools like bulletin boards and e-mail messaging as communication tools, allowing users to access the courseware through the Internet or Intranet. Users can log on to participate and learn. Lessons are kept in a database or archive that may be accessed at any time.

An advantage of this type of e-learning platform is that it allows users a certain independence, allowing them to use the courseware at their own pace. Communication with an instructor or with fellow users may be limited, however, although participants can send e-mails or leave messages on the bulletin board at any time.