Way back then education was exposed through libraries, exposures and educational trips but now people are in the so-called “Digital Age” – a different learning strategy and different learning style. Technology has created different way of learning that such process becomes a tool to prepare students to be empowered and the ability for them to use technology as a means to achieve their own dreams, goals, and aspirations. Developing a variety of “hands-on” experiences in the online learning environment may help more learners learn more, enjoy learning and remain committed to engaging in the chosen course content and completing their degrees. Giving these online digital tools for the students give a lot of chance that the students can practice how to be digitally literate. By their experience in the online learning environment, they may enjoy learning more and realize the great help of using online
Further influencing factors are the spread of computer usage and the generalization of the internet. Infocommunication tools (ICT) play an increasing role in the renewal of teaching methods. This is reflected in the form of digital learning materials instead of printed books, interactive materials, e-communication between teachers and students etc. Digital pedagogy appeared both in the theoretical and practical literature (Benedek, *; Clark, 2015* Beetham, 2013*). Digital learning material can diversify the learning experience, and make education possible for learners who have difficulties in attending lectures in a traditional classroom (Sirkemaa, 2017*).
Computer-assisted learning (CAL) is an individualized method of self-study using the computer to deliver an educational activity. Computer-assisted learning involves the use of computers and modern computing technologies, embodied in both software and hardware devices, to enhance learning. It allows learners to proceed at their own pace with immediate and continuous feedback on their progress as a response to a software program. (Chuengkriankrai, Kaveevivitchai, Luecha Panijpan, Ruenwongsa,and Thanooruk, 2015). A study for undergraduates in health professions used computer-assisted learning to determine online learning’s omnipresence for a convenient and a cost-effective alternative of traditional demonstration (George et al., 2014).
Williams, Bland, and Christie (2008) define blended learning as a combination of traditional face-to-face learning and distributed learning, the latter of which "is an instructional model that allows lecturers, students, and content to be in different locations" (p. 43). Rovia and Jordan, as cited in Colis and Moonen (2001) perceived that “blended learning is a hybrid of traditional face-to-face and online learning so that instruction occurs both in the classroom and online”. Based on Sharma and Barrett (2007),blended learning refers to a course which combines face-to-face classroom element with an appropriate use of technology, such as the Internet, CD-ROMs and interactive whiteboards. It helps teachers to enrich their courses by making the environments, such as VLEs (virtual learning environments), blogs, chat, email, and wikis. Such environments are used as means of
Blended learning has been widely used in the academic setting and is defined to integrate e-learning with a variety of other approaches to create an integrated learning experience. Bersin (2004) further defines blended learning as the combination of different training “media” (technologies, activities, and types of events) to create an optimum training program for a specific audience. The term “blended” means that traditional instructor-led training is being supplemented with other electronic formats. Singh and Reed (2001) also describe the dimensions of blending at the simplest level, which is a blended learning experience combines offline and online forms of learning where the on-line learning usually means “over the internet or intranet,” and offline learning happens in a more traditional classroom setting. We assume that even the offline learning offerings are managed through an online learning system.
CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction This section relates to the various ideas propounded by the various researchers relating to the study topic and also look at the various practical experience that has being investigated relating to the research study 2.1 Concept of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) The concept of ICT is understood in a simple form by many researchers. Hence, ICT is put in simple form as the means through various schools use of computer-based communications technology which serves as a network to find information. This involves the combination of computer hardware and software that is use for teaching and learning and information resources (Goay and Wong, 2003). Therefore, there are three rationales
These devices such as computers and software serve as facilitators of making connections between people, ideas, and information. Furthermore, he notes that technology has a significant role in making connections and developing and enhancing cognitive skills. The connectivism theory of Siemens and Downes, which is referred to as the theory for the digital age, gives emphasis on technology as influential in the way people communicate, and learn (Kop and Hill) since knowledge is shared through a network of data or information and can be entered into different digital platforms (Kop and Hill, 2008). However, this theory does not concentrate on “online environment” only.
A) Web 2.0 teaching tools-are an internet tools that allow the teacher to go beyond, just receiving information through the internet, the teacher expected to interact and create content with learners. It has the offers opportunity to provide customized learning environments where students create their own knowledge, rather than passively receive information from the teacher, interact and collaborate with learners who have similar interests globally, and obtain opportunities to learn to become professionals in communities of practice. b) They can be used by teachers to transform their work and more specifically to support the students in the classroom. By teaching curriculum content through internet, create/edit video and so much more. They can be used to enhance teaching and collaboration among teachers and students as well as increase professional collaboration between educators and student.
Moodle (acronym for modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment) allows for extending and tailoring learning environments using community sourced plugins. Moodle as a learning platform can enhance existing learning environments. As an E-learning tool, Moodle has a wide range of standard and innovative features such as calendar and Gradebook. Moodle is a leading virtual learning environment and can be used in many types of environments such as education, training and development and in business settings. Smartschool Smartschool is a digital platform for schools.
Learning is an eternal process of acquiring knowledge. The present globalized world offers wide variety of opportunities to quench the thirst for mastering various skills. The modes of learning can be broadly classified into two categories, namely, traditional and online. The first type refers to an act of studying through hubs like schools, colleges, universities and research centers. On contrary, online learning facilities are generally independent of dedicated infrastructures and are based on gaining knowledge through computer or mobile like gadgets.