FunLMS Online Learning Blog

Doing more with less is a common goal in business today, and that leads to some creative alternatives to traditional business practices such as employee training. That’s what makes remote mining an increasingly popular choice among many corporations. The use of the self-paced e-learning experience has grown tremendously because of the increasing costs in job training and conferences, as well as the growing importance of “quality” time spent on the job.

Web-based training is an “effective use of technology in a learning objective environment,” says Vince Rowe, general manager of the Americas for KnowledgePool Inc., a consulting and training firm based in California.

Although it is an alternative to traditional training, online training covers many facets in the corporate structure, including clinical training (new clinical procedures and laws), administrative training (word processing programs, new procedures or practices regarding the support staff or other administrative personnel), human resources training (sexual harassment, appropriate use of e-mail), and compliance training.

Compliance training ensures that the employees are familiar with and comprehend the legalities of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – or any other accreditation organization that the corporation might adhere to, explains Dave Simon, president of WeComply Inc., a New York-based law firm that trains corporations in the legal aspects of HIPAA compliance.

“The most compelling argument in favor of Web-based training is that it is cost effective for a corporation to put a program online and have the employees take the training rather than ‘herding’ a large group in a conference or flying in a presenter,” he says.

Flexible Spending

The actual cost of remote training can range from $15 an hour per person to $50 an hour per person, whereas conferences requiring people to gather from all over the country (or even worldwide) could cost a company thousands of dollars.

“The corporation also sees a quicker return on their investment,” says Bellinda Minkener ofV4 Consulting, an Indiana-based consultancy that specializes in Healthcare.

Maintaining the consistency of the training message is an added benefit of the Web-based method.

“Web learning offers a consistent message on a consistent platform,” Minkener says. When an employee learns the material in an educational or conference setting, the message often is delivered with different ideas, perceptions or biases, depending on the instructor. When the program is delivered via a vehicle such as the Internet, it can be presented in the exact same way to an infinite number of trainees, which helps to increase consistency of the training message.

But like many other “disruptive” technologies – those that provide a significant departure from the status quo – Simon admits that there are some drawbacks as well. Que is the fact that many trainees never bother to finish the course completely. Because there is no direct personal interaction, finding new ways to keep the programs engaging and compelling often can be a challenge.

One of the most overlooked disadvantages of online training is the “inability to teach actual motor skills or soft skills, meaning facial expressions, tone of voice, et cetera,” Minkener says – a set of factors that Rowe refers to as the “human touch.”

Training Is Mandatory

However, the increasing liability corporations face make Web-based training a viable option. The tracking capabilities for online courses are almost limitless. Simon points out that many corporations are required to train their employees in certain areas, including sexual harassment, confidentiality and compliance of new laws and regulations. Therefore, the need for supervisors to be able to check on the course completion and have it documented that a person did in fact take the course is a necessity.

The majority of these online programs are password-protected and require the trainee to log into the program. This process documents the date and time the training was taken, whether or not the individual finished the program, and what they scored on the test following the training. Such concrete documentation provides some protection from liability by proving the company offered the training to the individuals, and it leaves an electronic paper trail as proof.

“This is still such a new way of thinking for many,” Simon says. “But with the slowing economy, the cost savings really are becoming an increasingly important issue.”

Minkener says that although the process of online training is not completely streamlined yet. she believes that it has unlimited possibilities. Its ability to provide training to large groups of people, and the flexibility it offers, make it an alternative whose acceptance is growing, she says.

“The number one [hindrance] to e-learning deployment is the lack of interactivity.”

Mathew Simond is a journalist and copywriter. He is also a webmaster of many websites including http://www.paralegal-degree.org and http://www.humanservicesdegree.net He aims to provide healthy information and advice on academic degrees.

Flexible learning [FL] is all about delivering quality education around the needs of the student who has work and family commitments. The philosophies and theories of FL concern making education accessible to a broad range of students, and enabling students to make the most of it in the time frame and course structure that is right for them.

Thanks to the technologies of e-learning, such as the virtual learning environment and online degrees, flexible learning is a strong feature of many online courses available to students in full time work.

FL suits employers too, because students often find that an online or distance education course will fit in around their work /family schedule. Furthermore, staff at colleges that offer courses delivered via the FL format will also understand that their students are also professional people.

This helps in two main ways – that teachers of online degrees and FL will recognise that the course needs to be delivered with the student’s other responsibilities in mind, and that they could be in a career that will both contribute to, and benefit from, their chosen path of FL.

Engaging students in the e-learning environment is the key to making sure the technology is accessible, functional and easy to use. This sits comfortably with the philosophy of FL, where focusing educvation resources and course work in tune with the professional schedule of the student can achieve better engagement with the online education.

Components such as project work and team exercises are accessible through FL online courses, thanks to the capabilities of the virtual learning environment. Web based applications can facilitate a range of functions that in many ways can have a better impact on student results than a conventional campus based college.

So, although FL is not necessarily dependent on a range of web based technologies, when the technology exists to support and develop the delivery of online education, then it can only expand the range of students who may not otherwise find it possible to study for an online degree.

The future of FL seems to be more and more linked to the development of the virtual education environment. For instance, distance learning courses now feature a much greater range of study activities thanks to innovations and development of Internet education applications.

Yet the self-motivation and discipline attributes of the student remain the same as any education platform for any flexible or distance online education programme to be of benefit.

Studies show though, that employers see flexible learning as a necessary path to increasing their employee’s skills and knowledge, with a professional attitude to studies already engrained from study-related aptitudes in the workplace.

Far from being an easy approach to learning, FL merely exists to support students who would otherwise find it impractical to attend a college in a traditional setting. For employers and staff alike, FL is the education platform of choice.

Sarah Maple writes about marketing courses and distance learning

A wise old sage once commented that age is a mind over matter: if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. That’s as true for thoughts of returning to education at a riper age as it is for all aspects of facing the aging process.

Taking the decision to ‘go back to school’ can be daunting enough for adult learners as they cope with the psychological challenges alone. Of course ‘returning to learning’ as an adult can also be an exciting time: a chance to learn new skills and gain new qualifications that could lead to a job, promotion or new career.

There are also practical challenges, such as finding the right provision, paying course fees and getting the right support. Yet it is widely considered that more now than ever before there is a need for more and more adults to be engaged in lifelong learning.

So the need is there, and while there are people looking to education in order to improve their social, economic and professional standing, there will be demand. Lifelong learning is a reality that is here to stay for many adults, and returning to education plays a significant part in the process.

The longer someone has been away from their studies the more daunting the prospect of returning can be. But if the will is there the doubts and nerves are surmountable, leaving the challenge of financing and finding an appropriate education provider.

An investment in improved and/or new qualifications is not an unwise one, and there are many financial options that can be considered, from career development loans to straightforward bank loans. Getting the right education provider can prove trickier, certainly from a conventional point of you.

Most people think of an institution, a building, a college or university campus when they think of an education provider. So geographic location is important. Then there is access. When and where are lectures held, what times are involved? How easy or difficult will it be to get to and from the campus? How much access to lecturers and support will there be?

It can add up to added cost, added hassle and added challenges. But that’s if you look at the challenges of being an adult learner returning to education the conventional way.

Distance learning has moved with the technological times, and it is now perfectly possible to study from the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits, and with scheduled online support. The opportunities currently available over the Internet for studying online, whether as a returnee or newcomer, are many and varied.

When time is precious, as it increasingly is, and the need to return to education is required, whether pressing or desired, taking the step has obvious challenges, particularly if families have to be considered. But thanks to technology in this day and age it is possible to study for a distance learning degree online.

Saving time, having flexible hours and the comfort of your own surroundings all add up to one less challenge to worry about, and one that can make the others seem less challenging too!

Many things can lead a teen to choose dropping out as the only possible solution to school-related problems: run-ins with bullies, learning difficulties in the classroom, unpleasant relationships with teachers and countless other issues. For a parent trying to keep a young learner on course, it’s not always easy to steer through a complicated maze of cause-and-effect to make sure their student reaches the high school finish line. Virtual schools are a good alternative that can lead straight to that all-important high school diploma. What are the factors to consider when selecting an online school?

• Virtual Schools - For today’s technology-focused teen, online learning and a cyber school can be the e-ticket to graduation success. A virtual high school can provide an alternative education path with an assortment of features such as a state-accredited college-prep study program and 24/7 access to online classes.
• Locally-based Online Instruction - Some virtual schools use locally based teachers who supervise students and teach the online classes. These educators know exactly what’s happening in the community and can bring learning alive with real-world examples taken straight from their students’ neighborhoods. There are often more opportunities to meet face-to-face with locally based teachers, which can be critical to your teen’s experience.
• Web-based Resources for Diverse Learning Needs – Teens with various learning styles (auditory learners, visual learners, read/write learners and kinesthetic/tactile learners) can benefit from the diverse types of resources included in the online multimedia experience: interactive materials, videos, tutorials and links to educator-approved multimedia-rich websites.
• Adaptive Curriculum - Each student working in an online setting has the ability to pace the work to meet their own learning requirements. Some online programs include assessment testing that identifies the areas where learners need additional study and then automatically develops individual activities to help meet these needs.
• Skills for Success – To make the most of the virtual high school experience, your teen will use and strengthen an important array of skills. He or she should be self-directed, able to create and work within a task-based learning situation and have a strong sense of motivation.

As young learners take ownership of a successful learning process, they may build a corresponding increase in self-esteem and a growing interest in planning for a future career. Keep in mind, however, that parental involvement will play a key role in the success of any online education program. Teens learning in this setting still need adult oversight, support and collaboration. Be prepared to be a strong presence in your student’s efforts to navigate the world of cyber learning.

Eric Sweiven is the tech coordinator for Horizon Charter School (http://www.HorizonCharterSchool.org), which is located in Northern California and serves 3,000 students in grades K-12. Mr. Sweiven has taught for over 20 years and never tires of the privilege to guide students through the learning process. He is an expert in effectively integrating technology into education. He currently oversees Horizon’s new Virtual High School that is opening for the 2010/2011 school year.

The future of E-learning is very bright, indeed. This concept has been expanding at a very rapid rate as more and more uses for the computer in education have been discovered and attempted. On the traditional college campus, there is a trend toward the development of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE concept integrates the full range of electronic enhancements into the classroom setting. Under the VLE idea, the instructor is not replaced by the computer but rather uses the computer to reach more students and to reach them more effectively.

Distance education is becoming more popular as more and more households obtain personal computers. Many schools have developed the idea of the virtual classroom to a high degree. One instructor located at a central location and using video equipment can teach simultaneous classes in several satellite locations. There is no limit to the distance these satellite locations can be from the instructor. Computer based training can be done in much the same way. Such things as emails and chat rooms are being used as part of the E-learning arsenal.

Distance education is becoming more popular as more and more households obtain personal computers. Many schools have developed the idea of the virtual classroom to a high degree. One instructor located at a central location and using video equipment can teach simultaneous classes in several satellite locations. There is no limit to the distance these satellite locations can be from the instructor. Computer based training can be done in much the same way. Such things as emails and chat rooms are being used as part of the E-learning arsenal.

One major trend in Elearning is the spread of distance education from traditional subjects to all areas of knowledge. Trade and vocational schools are entering into the E-learning field. Such things as .net training videos have allowed the computer to be used for teaching any subject that can be imagined. Do it yourself manuals have entered the computer age. Informational websites can conduct practical training in any subject using videos that are accessible on the website to illustrate proper techniques. This trend has spread to include everything from dog training to basket weaving.

The past decade has been a time of rapid change as E-learning has replaced traditional learning methods. It can be expected that we have not peaked out and the future is going to bring innovations that can hardly be anticipated. The internet access of cell phones, and the wide spread use of palm pilots and lap top computers is opening new opportunities for education and learning.

Natalie Aranda writes about learning and technology. Distance education is becoming more popular as more and more households obtain personal computers. Many schools have developed the idea of the virtual classroom to a high degree. One instructor located at a central location and using video equipment can teach simultaneous classes in several satellite locations. There is no limit to the distance these satellite locations can be from the instructor. Online classes [http://www.cbtplanet.com/online-computer-training-class.htm] can be done in much the same way. Such things as emails and chat rooms are being used as part of the E-learning arsenal.

Learning how to play piano online has its benefits. There are many benefits of learning online as one could quite possibly work out. The most obvious benefit is accessibility. These days everyone is connected to the Internet. For some, it is hard to go a day without having access to the Internet.

The Internet connects people together and has enormous amounts of information that can be searched quite easily. The number of web pages on the Internet are in the millions and websites are getting created everyday. People just love the Internet. Online learning has been taken up by people quite rapidly. There are now Universities online and people attend classes through the web. People from anywhere around the world with Internet access can access online learning material quite easily.

I am one of those people that love to play the piano to friends and family. I stopped for many years and recently taken it back up. Having tried first hand at learning how to play piano online via online learning has showed me the benefits over traditional methods. In the past I would travel to a piano teachers house and the piano teacher would teach me on their piano. I will get tutored for an hour and then travel back home and practise throughout the days leading to each tutorial. The money that I spent back in those days was easily in the thousands over a few years.

The main benefits of learning how to play piano online are:

Accessibility – You are able to access learning material via the Internet. I could be in anywhere with Internet connection and learn how to play piano.

Cost saving – The traditional methods of getting tutoring cost in the thousands for only like 50 or so lessons. It is still very expensive compared to online learning how to play piano which costs under 100 dollars in some cases up to a few hundred.

Learn in your own time – You can learn how to play piano at your own pace and you can learn at whatever time you felt suitable. Traditional tutors wouldn’t stay up to 2am in the morning to help you out on your piano scales.

Repeatability – You are able to repeat your online lessons over and over again until you have perfected it. In most cases of online learning, videos are provided and you can watch them over and over again.

Constant help and support – Getting help when you need it is essential to learning. A private tutor is not going to be available 24/7 in traditional methods of learning how to play the piano. The tutor doesn’t want to be disturbed in the middle of the night. Online learning provides this 24/7 support and help to you via online learning materials that are constantly made available.

The vast amount of material that is offered in online courses is just phenomenal. You usually get hours of video and loads of downloadable material to help you in learning how to play piano. Videos will typically show you quite clearly how to play different musical pieces or piano techniques such as scales and chords.

Online learning is not a new thing and learning how to play piano online has many benefits. I have discussed the many benefits that online methods have over traditional methods of learning how to play piano. The number of people that are taking online lessons are increasing on a daily basis. There are a few great online piano lesson programs out there that many have tried and achieved great success. If you to believe the benefits of learning online, then you should give it a go today.

Learn more about how to play piano online through online lessons at: http://how-to-play-piano-lessons.blogspot.com.

Good news for those who want to advance their education but lack money for tuition! It is possible to earn a degree from a highly reputable university free of charge. Below is a list of the 10 best free university courses (in no particular order) available for you:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (mit.edu) – MIT is ideal for those looking for a wide range of free courses offered online. The university’s OpenCourseWare project has more than 1,750 free courses that are in text, audio and video formats. OpenCourseWare is used by students worldwide, most of whom say they would recommend the site to other students.

2. Stanford (stanford.edu) – Stanford University, one of the world’s top universities, has teamed up with iTunes U to offer access to Stanford courses, interviews and lectures. Available courses can be downloaded and played on iPods, Macs and PCs and can also be burned to audio CDs and played in CD player.

3. University of California, Irvine (uci.edu) – UC Irvine, recently teamed up with the OCW Consortium to offer free university level courses online. Although currently there are only a few courses to choose from, the list is rapidly growing. Course materials include lecture notes, assignments as well as exams.

4. Open University (open.ac.uk) – Open University’s (UK) OpenLearn website offer both undergraduate and graduate learners free access to learning materials. The materials cover a wide range of topics, such as IT and computing, education, mathematics and statistics, science, health, business and more.

5. University of California, Berkeley (berkeley.edu) – For almost a decade, the University of California, Berkeley has been providing live webcasts of a number of courses including IT, legal studies, engineering, philosophy, psychology and astronomy. Many of the university’s courses, are currently available as podcasts and webcasts.

6. Carnegie Mellon University (cmu.edu) – Carnegie Mellon University’s program called Open Learning Initiative (OLI) offers several free online courses. OLI courses are aimed to allow introductory college level students to learn about a particular subject without formal instruction. Courses cover a wide range of topics, such as economics, biology, French, statistics and physics.

7. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (kutztownsbdc.org) – The Kutztown University of Pennsylvania has a resource centre, Small Business Development Center, that boasts the web’s largest collection of free business programs.

8. Utah State University (usu.edu) – Utah State University is also a good choice for those looking for free online courses. The university offers a number of download-able text-based courses ranging from physics to anthropology and theatre arts.

9. University of Southern Queensland (usq.edu.au) – University of Southern Queensland, Australia, offers free online courses through its OpenCourseWare initiative.

10. Tufts University (tufts.edu) – Tufts University, a private research university in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts, has OpenCourseWare that is available free to everyone. Course materials include lecture notes, assignments and other supplementary materials.

Samuel Njihia blogs about popular online education courses [http://www.distance-learning-university-guide.com] and top online colleges & Universities [http://www.distance-learning-university-guide.com/popular-online-schools] in the U.S. and Canada.

Online learning has evolved from a thing-of-the-future to a practical approach to education. There was a time when people would (rightfully) doubt the effectiveness of learning via the World Wide Web. With time, technology used in web-based learning became more powerful. Today, there are advanced tools that can make web-based education interactive, convenient and productive.

Parents often feel uncomfortable breaking out of the conventional methods of education. They somehow cannot find it realistic that using the Internet and a computer, their child can get educated. For such parents, schools, private tutors and learning centers are the only possible ways of teaching/learning.

People who are skeptical about the effectiveness of online learning should try to look at research and statistics. Studies conducted by the US Department of Education show that students undergoing online education (partly or completely) perform better than those studying the same subjects through traditional face-to-face instruction.

Teachers at schools are doing a wonderful job. The problem, however, lies in ‘standardization of education’. The NO Child Left behind Act has almost crippled the American education system, thanks to its foolish ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy. God has made human beings using amazing permutation and combination. He is a great mathematician- no two human beings are the exact same. When no children can think the same way, how can we expect them to deliver the same results using the same teaching methodology?

Online learning is not something that can turn a skinny guy in to HE-Man overnight- if you think that by enrolling your child for 2-3 sessions of online classes, he/she will top the class, you better become realistic. However, its advantages are definitely visible in less time. Online tutoring does what it should do best- simplify education and make it more interactive. Children do not learn something because they do not find it interesting. The moment a teacher presents the same idea in a fun way, the child’s brain accepts the idea and retains it. Just teaching 2 + 2 = 4 is not enough.

While teaching it is important to answer the Whys and Ifs of children. Online tutoring services make use of images, pictures and diagrams to explain concepts in a simple manner. The greatest advantage of availing Online tutoring services is that your child would learn at a pace that he is comfortable with. Working parents find it difficult to spend time with their children, leave helping them with their homework.

An online tutor can provide homework help to your child in the desired subject. This way you can spend quality time with your child without having to worry about homework completion. Online math homework help is a popular service provided by online tutoring companies. Online classes can be availed according to your convenience. With online tutoring, your child would not have to leave home and travel a few miles to attend private tutoring classes- web-based tutoring gives you the freedom to let your child get quality education from the comforts of your home. And the best part about online classes is that they are affordable. Now if your child gets quality education that is interesting, productive and affordable, should you ask for more?

The Author brings over 6 years of e-learning and online tutoring experience. Having a deep understanding of pedagogy and child psychology, the writer has developed numerous strategies to improve e-learning and online tutoring for Grades K-12 and higher through various techniques that question the conventional ways of instructing.

website: http://www.brainquotient.com

As you plan your career development you need to answer the question: Is Online Learning the Answer?

As the famous urban philosopher, Woody Allen once said, “90% of success is showing up.” Nothing is truer than in the field of learning. And the fastest growing learning vehicle is online learning. Online learning is a favorite option for working adults who are interested in furthering and developing their careers.

Although online learning has proven it can help put you on the path to career success the question is: How do you access the online learning experience and achieve a successful outcome?

The method of delivery is the primary difference between online and traditional classroom learning. Potential formats with online learning covers a variety of delivery systems ranging from live traditional set period teacher led courses to work at your own pace software. The software can be in the form of CDs or Quicktime or Flash files or even down loadable PDF files.

What learning environment are you looking for and what best suits your available time and study habits? Do you want to have an interactive environment or do you do best studying privately? Or do you want a bit of both? Are you looking for a structured program, like a college course with exams and projects, or do you just want the learning from the course.

Usually after some investigation you’ll probably find several online courses that look like they cover the same subject. You’ll have to get as much information as you can about the course, the delivery system and the teacher before you take the next step.

If the course fits your career development plan, what technology is required? Will you need a broadband connection, additional software or instant messaging? Check out the school and instructor. Is the instructor an expert in the field and do they have the depth of experience to be someone you can really learn from? What is expected of the student? Will this fit into the time you have to devote to the learning?

Sometimes the school has a demo of the course you can study. Perhaps they have a miniature version of the course that you can try before you commit to the full package. How about if you are dissatisfied can you get your money back or use it as credit toward another course? Study the guarantee, is it really a “no risk” offer.

Before making any final decisions about which course format to choose, think about your situation: How much time can you allocate to studying? Can you find more time? Will you have time to do any assigned homework and/or readings?

How have you found how you learn best? Is it listening, by reading, by observing or by doing? Factor this into the course you choose. Rarely will you find a proposed course teaching method that exactly fits your learning style. Many times the information is presented in a variety of methods. Bottom line: pick the course that presents the information in the way in which you learn and respond to best.

Personal career development and growth with online learning means scheduling and managing your time effectively. The course may be structured in many creative ways but you need to participate on a regular basis. Set aside adequate and regular time for participating and studying the course material. Get rid of distractions.

Online learning is an excellent tool to help you in advancing you career and more importantly to develop your career according to a well thought plan. Online success means showing up for the results you’ll achieve. If you put in the effort and the participation you’ll get back many times the investment. As an added bonus, many courses have reading lists, or you’ll discover new important areas to explore. This is where the big payoff comes with your additional reading and studying. Overall this makes the online course even more valuable to your career development and planning.

John Groth is a former HR executive and career coach. Find Career Development Ideas, valuable articles and a free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at our career idea blog; all to assist you in advancing and managing your career.

Over the past decade, learning online has become immensely popular amongst individuals across the globe. Individuals that are hoping to advance their careers are able to do so with online classes and don’t have to put their current career on hold. By removing the restrictions on when students have to attend class, a whole new crop of students has jumped on board.

Thanks to the ease and convenience online learning offers, web classes have grown in popularity ever year since the late 90′s. Plus, the unique asset of online learning is that it’s specifically tailored and suited to each student’s individual preferences. Most schools allow students to view webinars and live webcasts, chat with students, use forums to discuss class topics, and utilize online social networks. Plus, students can easily learn without being distracted by others, and can enjoy the comforts of home (yet they must have strong self-control and discipline to stay focused).

During the year 2010, the amount of online learners has increased significantly. In fact, about 60 percent of the world’s leading companies utilize this method of learning more in 2010 than in 2009.

Additionally, online learning is being used more and more within the office environment in the modern era, and many companies now use online classes to train their employees and managers. Plus, company employees that would like to up the ante and achieve a new position or pursue a new career path can easily do so by earning a graduate degree online.

As the availability of wireless devices and networks continues to grow year upon year, it’s clear that online learning has an opportunity to reach more and more new students and employees. Yet, not every online school may be all it appears to be. Thus, it’s important to research each online learning opportunity thoroughly via online social networks, forums, and respected educational publications. While online learning can certainly be an excellent method of learning new skills, the competition among online schools is very high, and a little research into your potential online school can go a long way!