Education via the internet provides exciting opportunities for both educators and learners. The internet and World Wide Web have made the computer a dynamic and credible force in distance education, providing a new and interactive means of overcoming time and distance to reach learners. Education is now completely accessible, regardless of your age and geographical location. Points or previous educational attainment is not necessary for entry to the majority of courses on offer.
Whilst there is much qualitative and quantitative research that indicates the benefits and success rates in e-learning. The most recent research concluded that students’ learning styles were statistically significant for knowledge performance. Indicators do show how e-learning is more suitable for those with a certain learning style. Yes, some of us learn better in the traditional ‘chalk and talk’ setting, whilst there are others who can learn independently and don’t necessarily need the interaction and environment that the typical classroom provides. We call these students ‘thinkers and doers’. Learning styles do determine how we learn best. It doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to cope with an e-learning course if you are a ‘traditionalist’. However, you might have to put in that little bit of extra work though, to stay focused, interested and motivated. Regardless of the findings - testing yourself is the key to ensuring that new information goes into the long-term memory!
There is another issue when it comes to e-learning courses and the individual learner. There are some courses that might not suit you to do via e-learning compared to others on offer. There are learners who could learn without even realising they are learning but some of us need class contact, class instruction and the option to put a hand up and enquire. If a course heavily relies on specific terminology, demonstration or practical work – then you might want to consider the practicalities of doing the course on-line. However, nearly all e-learning courses are supported with visual components for the course: videos, easy and detailed to read manuals (to assist the decoding of new language specific to the course), along with on-line tutor support etc,.
Some courses can be translated with great ease into an on-line course compared to others. So, be mindful of the course you want to do and will it work for you by undertaking it as an e-learning course
There are a lot of employers and managers who value e-learning and what it can offer their workforce. For example, many directors of corporate training believe that web-based learning is the future method for their training programmes. They believe that if you want to improve the skills, knowledge and performance of your employees, e-learning offers an excellent opportunity for consistent and reusable learning resources for your people.
Experts claim that e-learning has a key role to play in management training, especially for those who are already experienced in their role. Those with confidence in their abilities are able to learn best when they can progress at their own pace.
A course like the FETAC Level 6 Mediation course from the College of Management and IT (CMIT) is an example of an ideal e-learning course for anyone in the area of managing people or for somebody wising to start a career in this growing area. This on-line distance FETAC accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at work, and can gain a nationally accredited Qualification. By choosing to study this course with CMIT, Students have 24x7 access to CMIT eLearning for the duration of the course. This includes a comprehensive Course Manual, Video, Quizzes and personalised Tutor Support. The course documentation for this FETAC certified course is detailed and easy to read. You will also be able to upload assignments online and receive online feedback. You can use the eLearning system from any computer that has internet access
Another example of a course that is suitable for e-learning is the Accounting & Bookkeeping skills from Kilroys College (suitable for managers and employers). This book keeping & accounting distance learning course will train you on how to keep records of business transactions in a professional manner. This is perfect for someone wanting to learn the skills that employers look for when looking to obtain a new job or a promotion, and it is also perfectly suited to anyone who is involved in the running of a club or a society. This course is written with the beginner in mind and it will take the basic stages step by step. The structured learning material is written in plain English and they have developed the lessons so that all explanations are crystal clear.
There is no doubt that e-learning plays a huge part in providing up-skilling when there is a skills deficiency in the workforce or if you want to equip yourself with certain knowledge/skills if you are going for a new position and you lack one certain skill. An example of this is: if you are going for a teaching position with a requirement to have knowledge of challenging behaviour – you can do an e-learning course with Portobello Institute via their eportobello.com department of their Institute.
With legislation constantly changing in areas like health & safety and in relation to childcare; e-learning allows you to complete relevant modules as required and as they are up-dated. Currently in Ireland the minimum qualification required to work in childcare is a FETAC Level 5. If you are not in a position to commit to a full-time course – an e-learning course might be your only option to give you essential knowledge and documentation to gain employment in this area. If you are an existing child-care worker but you do not have the official accreditation, choosing to do an on-line course is ideal for you, as you are already aware of specific terminology and practices that will make up the course content.
The FETAC Level 5 Care Provision and Practice course from CMIT is an excellent example of a course translated into a credible e-learning course. The course is ideal for all people who currently work within childcare, residential home care or institutional care for adults. Students have 24x7 access to CMIT eLearning for the duration of the course. This includes a comprehensive Course Manual, Video, Quizzes and personalised Tutor Support. The course documentation for this FETAC certified course is detailed and easy to read. You will also be able to upload assessments online and receive online feedback. You can use the eLearning system from any computer that has internet access.
IT courses are another example of courses suitable to e-learning. However, IT courses most suitable, are those that actually are very basic to teach and are very structured to ensure learning is possible. There are courses suitable for those with a vast knowledge of IT systems. These courses are ideal for those competent in IT, who would not have a problem coping with extensive technical language specific to this area.
The European Computer Driving Licence is the global standard entry level certificate for computer literacy. The ECDL qualification is used in 138 countries and has been achieved by over 5 million people. Kilroy's College user friendly fully interactive ECDL course is approved by the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation, ECDL foundation, which is the guarantor of the ECDL standard throughout Europe. Everything you will need to attain ECDL certification is covered in great detail. Comprehensive multimedia CD contains over 50 hours of multimedia training and it shows you exactly how to complete each step. You can watch and listen, step by step, as you see and hear how to successfully obtain your ECDL, by mastering all the topics on the syllabus. The award winning complete guide for the ECDL, with over 600 colour pages is also included with your course, complimenting the multimedia CD. This was written to teach you practical IT skills. This study programme is very suitable for students with only a little computer experience.
Remember, an e-learning course can add power to your CV and open up a world of employment opportunities. It shows your current or future Prove employers that you have the commitment to study and to up-skill. It shows committed to developing your role. It allows you to meet and exceed the requirements for job vacancies and hopefully stand out from other job applicants.
To see more courses and providers of online and distance learning use the following link - Distance Learning on Findacourse.ie >>
