Effects of the use of web-based tools in Blended Learning Essay Example for Free

Effects of the use of web- base tools in Blended Learning EssayTechnology has made a deep impact on all aspects of human racys ranging from communication to eruditeness and enhancing single(a) performance. The conventional classroom is slowly being replaced by computer found study and online skill environments that has penetrated remote corners of the globe via the Internet. The use of information and communication technologies in education has transformed traditionalistic methods of decideing and teaching practices.The personalized breeding environment offered by the online medium has great potentials and heapister influence the study process to a considerable extent. Technology has been a great enabler of transforming and re-defining the way a system operates and the across-the-board variety of applications that it can support. Many web based learning environments use innovative technologies that have variationized the learning process over the preceding(a) few years. Distance learning through the use of collaborative tools and technologies available has made significant breakthroughs in the field of learning.In the past few decades a number of tools and technologies have emerged that has enabled the users to adopt distance learning courses and training departments argon using it to provide cost impressive means of implementing learning and development programs for their employees circularise across the globe. The online learning environment is supported by various types of tools that provide high level of interactivity and collaborative features change participants to exchange messages, files, videos and unveilings.This kind of technology is increasingly being used in a wide range of applications ranging from facilitating electronic talk overion between students to modify distance learning programs through web conferencing. The revolution in communication and information technology has had a profound effect on the teaching and learni ng process. The change is visible in developing learning communities online. Most of the countries and eventide developing economies are stressing on the use of computers as an instructional medium.E learning encompasses a wide variety of tools and technologies that can be used to stimulate the learning process in an individual. With the help of this technology a variety of online learning services are made available ranging from online searches, tutorials, college courses, and original courses to professional training and individual development programs. The E learning model adopts high level of audio and video interaction integrated with graphics and vivification tool to present the learning module in an attractive format.Educational institutions and business organizations are increasingly adopting the e learning model for learning and training purposes. E learning is being increasingly used as a solution for delivering online learning regardless of physical locations or clock time constraints. The whole sphere has become an increasingly connected global community that can share ideas and exchange information through the Internet.More people across the globe are turning towards the latest technology gadgets that have made communication channels smoother and faster. It has proved to be a big resource for individuals who would like to learn a new-sprung(prenominal) skill or train themselves in new fields while pursuing their current employment. Hence, E learning field has provided new and better learning opportunities extending its reach beyond university campus and corporate learning centres. Blended learning an overviewBlended learning has been described as a phrase introduced by the distance learning community in recognizing the value of synchronous learning activities, like face to face interactions with instructors and collaborative work with peers, as complements to activities performed asynchronously by individual learners (Howard et al. , 2006). The blended learning system includes both web based learning and traditional classroom learning environment. The web based learning system provides the students with ego paced learning modules that they can pursue at leisure and convenience depending on their learning capacity.This learning environment also provides E learning tools that enable live discussions and online learning programs. The conventional classroom settings are used to clarify doubts and queries regarding the course content and student progress. An hard-hitting learning environment facilitates interaction between the learners that increases the cathode-ray oscilloscope to exchange ideas and opinions, share experiences and assess their level of understanding on the subject matter.A classroom environment provides this kind of face to face interaction enabling the students sharing the same learning goals to coordinate with each other, communicate their ideas and information. Jonassen (1988) has stated in his work s that the effectiveness of any learning environment is based on the types and levels of cognitive and metacognitive activity engendered in the learners. It is widely accepted that learning is enhanced in instructional settings where students are engaged in processing personally germane(predicate) content and are reflective during the learning process.Learners that participate in active learning activities find learning a more pleasurable and increasingly effective than engaging in monotonous lecture sessions. Online learning provides the learners with the scope to explore the topics and study related theories that increase their level of understanding. The key ingredient to a boffo computer based learning application is its ability to interact with the student and direct the flow of learning in accordance with the student capability. The visibility and presentation of information through attention grabbing graphics and multimedia system tool chafe this a more effective learning platform.Once the attention of the student is on the learning tool the application needs to stimulate the learners curiosity that in turn leads to search for answers and in-depth study of the learning module. The most effective teaching method involves a high level of interaction between the teacher and the student. A dedicated teacher is one who understands the students learning capacity and his shortcomings and guides him through with effective feedback. A two-way communication between the teacher and the student is very effective in the learning process.Computer based learning applications are continually striving to achieve the human to human interactivity level and have been quite successful in this venture with the aid of multimedia based technologies. Blended learning combines the positive aspects of both conventional classroom learning and online learning to provide an enriching learning experience to the students. Web-based tools There are wide varieties of computer-mediat ed communications technologies that enable manage and support E learning. These tools have facilitated extensive collaboration and communication protocols providing an enriched learning environment.Some of these tools are email, chat, video conferencing, web conferencing, newsgroup, blogs, forums, realistic classrooms, and message boards. Synchronous and Asynchronous tools E learning is commonly referred to the international use of networked information and communications technology in teaching and learning. It refers to educational processes that engage information and communications technology to mediate asynchronous as well as synchronous learning and teaching activities (Naidu, 2006). Both synchronous and asynchronous tools can be used effectively to communicate, exchange and form ideas and information on a specific subject matter.Synchronous E learning is live, real time facilitated instruction, and learning oriented interaction that enables learners to use electronic means t o collaborate and participate in live forums. The root of synchronous E learning has been derived from iii main influences the classroom, the media, and the conference. The virtual classroom uses highly interactive forms of synchronous E learning tools to simulate a conventional classroom environment. White-board, discussion rooms, and break pop areas are some of the concepts used to enhance interactivity between learners in a virtual classroom.Naidu (2006) also observes that most of the applications are built around the synchronous learning model that makes use of tools like virtual learning environment, rapid E learning, web casting, web conferencing, video conferencing, webinars, live E learning, and e conferencing. These synchronous E learning tools help in connecting dispersed learners, facilitating real time interaction and collaboration, fostering a sense of immediacy and co-presence, developing a learning community, and enabling access to subject matter expert resources.Th is kind of learning environment rules out gender and personality dominance that tends to overpower in a traditional classroom setting. It encourages learners towards better teamwork, collaboration skills, strong motivation and extended peer support (Naidu, 2006). Asynchronous tools like emails, electronic forums, online discussions, blogs, provide a platform for students and teachers to discuss ideas and opinions on a specific topic.This form of E learning is commonly facilitated by media such as email and discussion boards, supports work relations among learners with teachers, even when participants cannot be online at the same time (Hrastinski, 2008). This provides a form of flexibility to the learners since they can access learning materials and information any time according to their convenience. The learners can log on to an E learning environment and access training materials, receive and send messages to peers and tutors. In higher education, learners can pursue online course s while pickings care of other commitments.Asynchronous E learning tools have the advantage of enabling users to access information and pursue their subject matter with greater form of concentration allowing the mind to process the information at leisure. However, it also has some significant drawbacks that include greater learner discipline since the learner has to take initiatives to login and make use of the information and tasks involved in learning process. This kind of learning process is more impersonal and isolated as compared to synchronous learning tools that enable live interaction (Ashley, 2003).