Before the first lecture, I had no idea that E-learning has such vast definitions. I guess E-learning is used interchangeably under different contexts and situations. To me, I think E-learning is a type of learning whereby the medium of instruction is computer based/technology and the process is web based.
I tried to recall whether I had gone through any E-learning when I was in primary school and even secondary school but I could hardly think of any. I could only vaguely remember trying some grammar and mathematical exercises in primary school and learning basic html coding in secondary school. But when I talk to my little cousins now, they tell me how they always use computers to do their assignments at home and learn in the computer labs in school. I was very impressed when I heard my seven year old niece telling her elder sister "Just google it to find out!" (about some games). I think I didn't even know how to use a computer, let alone GOOGLE something back then!! But I guess this is a sign of technological advancement.
I realised we have all been using computers so much for our school work I sometimes find it nostalgic to just use a pen and paper to produce a handwritten assignment! If I were to definite E-learning as computer-based only, I think all NUS students are proficient E-learners by now... I'm sure many are going to use IVLE as an example of E-learning so I'm gonna say FASS GAPS and CORS are actually pretty good examples of E-learning. There are so much plannings and research done during these two significant online exercises.
I do agree with Prof. Low that E-learning should not only revolve computer technologies alone but also design technologies. I guess the element of design is largely to avoid the alienation of learning in E-learning. But I understand from the readings that the design technologies are being compromised because of computer technologies and also that there is a lack of emphasis on design technologies. I really think that design technologies shouldn't be neglected! Because there is already no face-to-face interaction in E-learning, we will probably lose social skills and become such uninteresting people after depending the computers too much for E-learning!
Also, I think we Singaporeans should really appreciate the high accessibility of internet. The high access has made E-learning possible for us. But of course, we should not take it for granted that everyone has a computer and internet access at home. This is where we should take a step back and look at E-learning from an even bigger perspective -- Digital Divide. The rich have effective access to information technology, acquire the proper skills and benefit from E-learning the most while the poor will lag behind due to imbalance of resources and skills.
Alright, I think E-learning really has many issues for us to discuss. Till then, take care!
