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.