#5: E-Learning

This week, we learnt about how learning can be facilitated by the use of digital tools and content. This term is more commonly used to describe out-of-classroom and in-classroom educational experiences via technology, even as advances continue in regard to devices and curriculum. This brings back memories from when I was in Primary school, where we would have an e-learning day which comprises of learning via the Internet and in turn, complete assignments due on e-learning day itself. However, e-learning today is a more complex issue, and does not only comprise of schools making use of the Internet to educate their students. It is, essentially the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge, which include web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom opportunities and digital collaboration.

We learnt in class today that the interactive game, Second Life, is coming up with its own e-learning program, which enables users to learn about almost any subject through the virtual learning environment. Named Second Life Education, it aims to provide the convenience of not having to travel but providing a richer, more effective and more enjoyable experience. Below is a video which gives us more information about the virtual education experience on Second Life.

After watching it, I am amazed at how educational content, about almost any subject can be covered through this program. From geography to business, to even architecture, Second Life provides us with a truly experiential opportunity for students as it has a 3D effect which helps better in illustration and explaining concepts. Mountains are not just flat pictures portrayed in textbooks anymore, but they come to life through Second Life. As an ex-geography student in Junior College, I would have much preferred a 3D experience when learning about geographical concepts as I can better visualize the landforms, rivers etc, formed by weathering processes. Learning will not be as mundane as reading from textbooks, but made exciting as it takes us through a virtual journey. I think it is a very clever idea to get students glued onto their seats instead of having them doze off during lecture.

Technology is advancing, and a lot has changed from our parents' time till now. Handphones are getting smaller and more compact, yet with more elaborate functions; GPS has enabled technology to replicate roads and put them on visuals to help us find our way around town. Having said that, technology is improving at such a rapid speed that even education goes beyond the classroom. Below are illustrations on what our future classrooms will look like.

Classroom with individual seats with a modern twist, with visuals/illustrations wrapped around the entire classroom, making education come to life even more.

Whiteboards will also be replaced with touch screens and, lecture material could also be connected to every student's ipad. To make the lesson more interactive, teachers could make students answer questions and log them in via their ipads.