3.0 INTRODUCTION

As discussed in the previous unit, Internet has many applications for its user. In the recent times, one of the major applications of Internet has been the Web 2.0 technologies that are identified by more interactive Internet based applications. Some of the popular technologies used in Web 2.0 include XHTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), eXtensible Markup Language (XML), Asynchronous JavaScript on XML (Ajax), Ruby on Rails, Adobe Flex, Java and its frameworks, PHP, ASP.net and many more. The aim of this unit is not to introduce you to these technologies but familiarize you with some of the important applications that have been developed using these technologies under the Web 2.0. These newer applications are allowing you to do a number of activities that were unthinkable in the last decade. Today, you can go to social networking sites through which you can find and remain in touch with your friends. You can share your pictures, videos, ideas with them. You can go on to make many new friends. You can also register and study through online means. You can get access to online study material, tutorials, feedback system and so on. Thus, internet has the ability to transform your life. However, you must use Internet intelligently otherwise it can be very distracting also. You must use the online activities for benefit and advancement of your career.

This unit is an attempt to provide you information on some of the popular applications of the Internet in recent times.

3.1 OBJECTIVES

After going through this unit, you should be able to:

 define the purpose of e-learning;
 describe the processes in e-learning;
 explain the use of Wiki;
 participate in Collaboration on the net;
 take steps to do Social networking; and
 create a simple Blog.

3.2 E-LEARNING

E-learning is one of the most used terms on the Internet that describes any form of learning that is facilitated academically by the electronic means. Such means may be in the form of multimedia rich contents, web based lectures and web based tutorials or training programmes. In general, E-learning is strongly supported electronically by the administrative, academic and assessment processes. 

Some of the activities that may be done using such electronic form using web sites include providing multimedia based contents, providing assignments, conducting on line tests, lectures or discussions through web conferencing, feedback on students work, student progress report to faculty etc.

Some of the major advantages of E-learning are:

  • It allows creation and fast update of online contents.
  • You may use the contents at your own pace and convenience. 
  • E-learning also provides a possibility of standardization of contents that can be changed much faster.
  • It has the potential of providing new learning opportunities.
  • It has the possibility of student’s interaction.
  • Flexibility of programme/course management such as student may choose courses of their choices.
  • Allows creative development of new courses in specific areas.
  • E-learning brings people together and allows sharing their experience and thoughts.
  • You can do an e-learning programme from anywhere in a much easier way. 
  • It allows expanding boundaries and gain knowledge without having to leave home. 
  • Overall, in general e-learning allows saving of resources.
  • Some of the key requirements for a good e-learning system are:
  • A successful e-learning system depends on good student interaction, self motivation of individuals.
  • A student has to study in an effective manner. This is essential as there is no teacher to motivate or drive the student.