IDAT211 - E-Learning

For our next project for the IDAT211 module we are required to design an E-Learning application to teach a skill of our choice. We do no have to create a final version of the product, but instead have to produce an in depth design of what we could create with the correct resources and abilities. We have chosen to work in a group of two for this project and so I am working with Karla Anker. In order for us to begin thinking about what to create for this project we must first understand what is meant by e-learning.
E-Learning is basically learning through the use of technology, such as relying on software to provide instruction rather than an actual person.  There are many examples of e-learning, and can be presented through a number of means.  Firstly there is software e-learning in which installed software is used to provide an interface for learners to educate themselves in various disciplines such as touch typing and second languages.  There is also the use of online elearning facilities such as You tube videos and online education companies such as the Open University.   Other examples of this include many school orientated websites such as GCSE Bitesize and textual tutorials.

The challenge with e-learning is how to create an e-learning application that successfully teaches the student without having an understanding of the users learning methods, abilities, or their responses to the teaching provided.  For example in a real teacher/student environment the teacher is able to watch and listen to a student to see if they are understanding what they are being taught, or in the case of physical learning, are able to see whether the actions carried out by the student are correct.  However a computer and the technology involved in elearning is not able to physically read a students responses to what they are being taught.  Therefore the elearning tool has to use different methods such as testing and questioning more often in order to get a better impression of the current status of the students learning.
This means that designers of elearning tools have to think this over carefully when creating their products.