smlogs

Advantages of E-learning include a reduction in the overall cost due to reduced training time and resources. Learning times are reduced and the retention of information is increased. The material that is delivered is consistent as all learners are viewing the same expert information and is on demand as required by learners. Portability is the strongest force for E-learning.Disadvantages include a large upfront investment and the development of a new technological framework as well as the costs involved with changing the culture of the organization. Social interaction is a large factor for the movement against e-learning. It may take the team mentality from a workforce if it is not applied properly.

This is my weblog, which has been set up for the publication of my assignments and blog entries. Blogging allows self-expression through an electronic platform, which can be accessed by a chosen list of people or universally. It is an efficient way of transferring thoughts from the mind to a medium and is the modern ‘diary’.
* An interesting fact is that blogs are often used to determine the state of mind for victims of homicide other crimes and criminals.

Social bookmarking is the online ‘library’ of tagged websites, which can be shared amongst users.
In E-learning social bookmarking can be used to share relevant websites between the lecturer and class. A great example of this is http://del.icio.us, which is a social bookmarking tool that will be used for E-learning purposes.Aggregation is the combination of web-feed updates into a ‘newsletter’ to reduce the time necessary to sift through and identify new information.
RSS is the abbreviation for Rich Site Summary and it is the technology that allows users to receive ongoing information about websites in the form of feeds, which the user subscribes to.RSS feeds are used in Elearning via the program Netvibes, which is an example of an aggregator. Netvibes receives the updates from all the feeds and as a result builds a page of feeds, which the owner has subscribed to. This can be used in E-learning as information can be quickly obtained through the constant updates, reflecting the flexibility of e-based learning.

The term E-zine is short for ‘electronic-magazine’ and refers to online publications of existing magazines or magazines that are only available online, which are distributed via a multimedia platform.
An E-newsletter is very similar to an e-zine in its distribution methods. An E-newletter, however only contains information that is relevant to the recipients.E-zines can be used for promotional purposes, where as E-newsletters are more suited to informational purposes. Both online experiences closely reflect the purposes of their materialized siblings newsletters and magazines. E-newsletters can be found in a variety of websites, which use it for business purposes or membership purposes. E-zines can be found on websites set up specifically for the marketing of magazines such as:
http://www.cosmopolitan.com.au (reflects the articles in each month’s magazine)
http://www.bardot.com.au (website of a female retail outlet, which provides –newsletters to members to advise them of approaching sales and general info) For a subscription, most administrators will request some personal information such as a full name, age, email and gender. This information can give them a general idea of the demographics of their clientele. E-newsletters are then mass generated to this email database.

Activity 1.3!

E-learning at work..
There is an E-learning training program for merchandisers, where online quizzes must be answered to ensure that they are constantly logging in to the website. THe quiz form of E-learning is also present in the daily palm questions which must be filled out. Also used is a web-based sms centre called fonelinc, from which sms are sent directly to merchandisers to inform of palm pilot sync times and general information.
I’ve also experienced meetings, which have been conducted with the melbourne office through cyber-meeting media with employees that are unable to attend in person.

Relation to previous definitions of E-learning?!
E-learning is STILL…
` a – promotes individual learning
` b – conducted through a technological medium
` c -  involves training and education
` d - asynchronous and sychronous

Activity 1.2

E-learning ‘Glossary’?.. it’s a list of words and corresponding definitions that are related to e-learning. It is a tool that can be used for the not-so computer literate few of us who are stuck in this technological whirlpool, which some would like to describe as ‘ Generation Z’. Glossaries originated back in the days of printed literature when the definition of terms was lost due to the extensive lifetime of the prints, for example Shakespearean literature.. without a glossary, we wouldn’t have a CLUE of what a coxcomb was, now would we?
What’s the relevance of that to E-learning, you ask?!?!
E-learning has it’s very own set of jargon, so, without it’s very own glossary the definitions would cause mass confusion. This jargon is prevalent on geek sites a place NOT for the technologically challenged (me), therefore i shall simply begin on my favourite engine: gOOgle!
—–> Just to make it a little more relevant i searched ‘geek jargon’..
and to my surprise.. there are a HANDFUL of subcategories for computer jargon:
1. Chat slang
2. IM lingo
3. Computer terms
4. Geek Jargon
5. Tech language
6. Computer slang
7. Web acronyms
….Just like every other academic paper.. the question is posed, how do you know it’s a credible source!?!?.. well.. here’s my answer..
                                                                 //YOU DON’T//

…. until of course (a) someone tells you that it is not reliable, (b) the title of the webpage is geek jargon jokes and when it clearly states that ‘ hardware is a collective term for any computer-related object that can be kicked or battered’ (c)the website has a bibliography, references (harvard style!!..hehe), update-date and perhaps a reputable author.

Personnally i think option b is a VERY crucial aspect of knowing the credibility and relevance
MY URLs!   (URL – an acronym/words that describe the location and access method of a resource on the internet)

http://www.netlingo.com/
http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/
http://www.webopedia.com/
http://www.techterms.com/
http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/

* new terms i have learnt posted on UTSonline!

Activity 1.1 

WHAT!??! E-LEARNING.. what kind of a subject is THAT!
is this familiar to any other students of E-learning?
.. it’s not a misunderstanding nor an insolent attitude towards the word, but rather it’s the repeated incomprehensible concept that YES!!! THEY HAVE MADE A SUBJECT out of it and once again YES, MY DEGREE DOES REQUIRE THAT THIS SUBJECT IS PASSED!

and then…to make matters worse..we have the druggos loitering outside Maccas Broadway,  “E -learning!! I’d do that ANYDAY” (lame, but true)
    
                             THE QUESTION REMAINS THE SAME!!!: E-LEARNING? WHAT!?

“The delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. E-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device (e.g. a mobile phone) in some way to provide training, educational or learning material.” (Derek Stockley)

PROBLEM: WHO IS DEREK.. and WHAT WOULD HE KNOW!? … lets try an ACADEMIC SOURCE  —>

“internet supported learning innovation allows workers to learn anytime and anywhere, promotes active and independent learning, and supports communication between experts and novices” (Lim, C.P. “What isn’t E-learning?”article)

and to all those people who still question HOW they can turn this into a subject….  i dunno..

Frustrated at textbooks?.. not enjoying “military” regimented study plans?.. trying to keep up with technological trends?.. sick of being inundated with legional amounts of paper in the form of apparently submittable ‘assignments’?
…E-learning comes to your aid!
Lets delve into te mind of a teacher…  the unlimited (and often excessive) loads of information that can be transmitted through a single click of a button, in addition subject requirments for  the use of the internet and other portals … would that not make E-learning a clear winner compared to the slow and monotonuous processing and distributing of paper to students… correct?
..or perhaps through the eyes of student… no more sleeping on filing cabinents (filled with lecture notes and text books which, collectively in their inital state are worth more than a beach front house in the caribbean) but rather a BED which, can now fit in his/her room. 
These are two of my reasons for saying Oh YAY, yes, Welcome E-learning into the life of a simple UTS student (ME, not U) who can now comfortably sleep in her room and remain content until she drowns in emails, online blogs and RSSs.
 

Hello world, this is me
Life should be fun for everyone

Every now and then I’m insecure
Let me show you life can be so pure
Seize the day, wear a big happy smile on your face

…….. yes.. life can be very pure, until the day you realise life isnt about riding around on a pony or anything related to ponies rather it’s an endless ratrace that requires lots of seizing, drama, spouse swapping, money and of course your very own fashion label… 
IT’S A VERY CYNICAL and OBLIQUE outlook!…. but BOLD&the BEAUTIFUL.. now THAT’s a little more realistic!