Exploring e-Learning and m-Learning: Advantages and Limitations of ICTs

Lecture 3: e-learning, m-Learning, advantages and limitations of ICTs Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

Concept of e Learning The automation of the process of learning and training through the use of information technology Robson (2002). e-Learning is synonymous with Multimedia learning, Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) Computer-based instruction (CBI) Computer-based training (CBT) Computer-assisted instruction or Computer-aided instruction (CAI) Internet-based training(IBT), Web-based training (WBT) Online education Virtual education Virtual Learning environments (VLE) (which are also called learning platforms) m-Learning, Digital educational collaboration Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

Traditional and e-Learning Approaches Traditional Classroom e-Learning Classroom Limited Synchronous Chalk and talk PowerPoint Textbooks / library Video Collaboration Solitary learning path Unlimited Sync and asynchronous Multimedia / simulation Digital library On demand Syn & Asyn. Communication Content delivery Personalization Learning path and pace are based on the needs of learner Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

History 1960 - the University of Illinois developed system of accessing informational resources while listening to the lectures that were recorded Stanford University experimented with using computers to teach math 1963, Bernard developed computer assisted instruction 1976, Bernard Luskin launched a "college without walls" using television station Mid-1980s, accessing course content become possible at college libraries The Open University and the University of British Columbia used the Internet to deliver distance learning and online discussion between students With the advent of World Wide Web in the 1990s, teachers embarked on the method using emerging technologies to employ multi-object oriented sites, which are text-based online virtual reality system, to create course websites along with simple sets instructions for its students Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

According to a report by KPMG, the Indian online education industry will grow from 1.6 million users in 2016 to 9.6 million users by 2021. (Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow) Looking into the pace of technological development, CEO of shinelearning.com said that Professionals will be required to re-skill themselves every 3-4 years to remain relevant in their evolving job roles. Key e-Learning service providers Coursera: collaborated with universities, museums and other educational institutions and provides free educational contents on a range of subject matter areas W3schools: Free e-Learning website for educating learners about various aspects of web design (HTML, PHP, SQL, Jquery, More etc.) TEDEd: General educational topical videos of less than 10 minutes on various topics for free of cost Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

e-Learning service providers Open Culture Open Yale courses Academic earth Traditional tuitions Online tuitions Extra marks WizIQ Exambazaar EdX Udemy Aakash Digital Eduncle.com Madeeasy.com Aglasem Digital Eklavya e-Learning efforts in Agriculture AgMOOCs Krishikosh CERA Agridaksha Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

Synchronous and Asynchronous e- Learning Synchronous e- Learning Asynchronous e- Learning Occurs in real-time, with all participants interacting at the same time Self-paced and allows participants to engage in the exchange of ideas or information without the dependency of other participants involvement at the same time Use technologies such as e mail, blogs, and discussion boards, as well as web-supported textbooks, hypertext documents, audio video courses Involves the exchange of ideas and information with one or more participants during the same period of time Ex: A face-to-face discussion Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

Advantages of e-Learning Open access to education, including degree programs Integration of non-full-time students, particularly in continuing education Improved interactions between students and instructors Enable students to independently solve problems Technological skills through practice and computers No age-based restrictions on difficulty level, i.e. students can go at their own pace Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

Disadvantages of e-learning Ease of cheating Bias towards tech-savvy students over non-technical students Teachers' lack of knowledge and experience to manage virtual teacher-student interaction Lack of social interaction between teacher and students Lack of direct and immediate feedback from teachers Asynchronous communication hinders fast exchange of question Danger of procrastination (defer action) Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

m-Learning is a type of personal learning that has infinite possibilities; it allows more and more people to gather knowledge and to realize their dreams of a better future. Definition Any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies. Ways of content delivery SMS MMS Voice call Pod casting Online chatting Video conferencing Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

SMS (Text Messaging-1984) Is the simplest technology, interactive learning activities can be devised with very basic equipment All mobile phones, including the cheapest, most basic models, can send and receive text messages, so this is the most widespread of the technologies Multi Media Messaging Service (MMS - 1984) is 'picture messaging', the system by which camera phones and PDAs can send images, audio clips and even video clips as well as text to other phones and to e-mail addresses Voice call Allows the learners to clarify their doubts on an online learning mechanism using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and voice data services It enables the user to have immediate feedback on any critical issue where they may face a problem Many times such services are offered on a toll free basis Podcasting Listening to audio recordings of lectures, and can be used to review live lectures (Clark Westcott 2007) and to provide opportunities for students to rehearse oral presentations Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

Examples of m-Learning Bharti Airtel and IFFCO Farmer Co-operative: IKSL Agri Helpline India Farmers who purchase a Bharti Airtel Green SIM have access to value added services which include daily agri voice messages and an agri helpline m-Kisan Since 2013 No of SMS Sent: more than 239 crore Nr. of Farmers registered: 5,14,40, 516 RML agritech Pvt. Ltd. Formerly Reuters Market Light (RML) (01-10-2007) Provides customized, localized and personalized weather forecasts, local crop prices, agricultural news and crop advisory in the form of SMS sent to mobile phones in local language Helps farmers to plan irrigation, application of fertilizers and harvest managing some of their risks and to sell produce to maximize profit Currently, 3.4 million Indian farmers from over 60,000+ villages have subscribed to RML. Covers 450 crops and varieties and 1300 markets Through sharing, estimated use by millions of farmers The service is available in 18 states in India Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

Advantages of ICT Modern machines can control the efforts of farmers. They reduce the time. Used supply water to the crops. While Machines are useful in sowing the seeds. They are used in the transportation. Irrigational technology. Application of synthetic fertilizers. Chemical pest control. They increase the price and demand of the products. Better marketing and exposure to the price. Facilities in online trading and E-Commerce. Further, Improve the fertility of the soil. Decrease the use of water, Fertilizers which keeps the prices down. Low run of chemicals and also waste materials into seas and water. Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India

Disadvantages of ICT The excessive use of chemicals by the help of machines reduces the fertility of the land. Lack of practical knowledge the farmers cant handle the machines properly. While the cost of maintenance is very high. Overuse of machines may lead to environmental damage. It is efficient but has many side effects and drawbacks. Furthermore, a Driverless agriculture machine is a liability to access the technology. Improve the scouting programs. The robotic machine could not change their culture, we have to set their program manually. Most of the farmers are illiterates so they are unable to use the modern machines. Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India