E-Learning and Training
Services

E-learning
or electronic learning services are one of the increasingly growing
content services segment having a wide application for government,
corporate, and education markets. E-learning is the conglomeration of
terms to describe the fields of web-based training, on-line learning,
distance learning, computer based training, and technology-delivered
instruction. While most software firms are providing e-learning
services, it is found that today most translation service companies are
also including e-learning services as a part of their overall services.
The translation companies are providing e-learning services not only in
English but also in different languages.
What is E-learning?
E-learning is defined as any form of learning that is provided using a
network for delivery and interaction. The network can be the Internet,
LAN or WAN. The process of learning can take place individually
(instructed by a computer) or as part of a class. E-learning classes
meet either synchronously (at the same time) or asynchronously (at
different times) or both. E-learning is basically preferable to distance
learning and flexible learning, but can also be used in combination with
face-to-face teaching.
Categories of E-learning
The categories of e-learning are as follows:
- Courses: One important aspect of e-learning is providing
courses. Existing educational materials on various subjects are
given a new and easy to learn look by adding various media,
sequencing the material etc., which is then transferred to the on
line environment.
- Informal Learning: Informal learning is another form of
e-learning where people become more informative through on-line
searches.
- Blended Learning: Blended learning is a combination of
online learning and classroom (or face-to-face). This is very
effective for providing efficiency to classroom instruction and
allowing increased information review or discussion outside of
classrooms.
- Knowledge Management: Knowledge management includes the
process of identifying, indexing, and making available knowledge in
various formats within the daily activities of an organization. Many
companies have found value in managing content, mining emails, and
creating communities of practice.
- Learning Networks: A cornerstone of personal knowledge
management, a learning network involves personal combinations of
communities, resources, and people.
- Work-based Learning: Another category of e-learning is
work-based learning which implies independent learning through work.
It is a process in which working personals can take up a course
supported by work-place mentors, learning contracts, and various
types of learning and guidance materials.
What Technologies are used?
E-learning use a wide range of technologies and media, which can be
categorized into two groups-delivery media and interaction tools.
Delivery Media
- Print: Textbooks, Study Guides, Workbooks
- Audio: Streaming audio, in which the instructors comments
are delivered over any network or audio tapes which could be mailed
to students.
- Video: Can deliver video over any network (Streaming
video), videotapes mailed to students or course segments aired in
various locations nationwide through
- Data: This can take the form of web page, CBT content
delivered via CD-ROM, computer files downloaded from server, on line
tests etc.
Benefits of E-learning
- Convenient
- Portable
- No time bound
- Economical
- Flexible
- Greater Collaboration
- Enhances computer and Internet skills
- Learning is self-directed
- Travel time and associated costs eliminated
Translation companies and E-learning
Providing E-learning services is also part of the entire services
provided by translation companies. Besides providing writing materials
for various subjects which can be viewed online, translation companies
can also translate the written materials in different languages
depending on the target audience.