E-Learning Strategies: Integrating Technology in the Classroom

E-Learning Definition Basically, eLearning is learning with the use of electronic technologies in order to access educational curriculum or training outside the customary classroom.  It usually is a course, program or degree that is administered totally online. Other terms used to describe learning that is conveyed online through the internet are computerized electronic learning, Distance Education, internet learning, online learning and many others.  However, eLearning is commonly defined as courses delivered through the internet from a location other than a classroom with a professor teaching.  The course is not conveyed by a CD-ROM, television channel, CD, DVD or video tape.   It can’t be conveyed by these because it should be interactive allowing you to communicate with professors, teachers or other students in your class.  At times, it is conveyed live, and the raising of your hand can be done electronically allowing you to communicate in real times.  It may also consist of a prerecorded lecture.  Nevertheless, a professor or teacher should always be present and available to communicate and interact with you as well as grade your assignments, tests and participation.  Of all the uses of technology, E-Learning is considered to be an effective, up-and-coming method of education and training. Online Classroom Tools One of the ways teachers are integrating technology in classrooms is by using white boards also known as SMART Boards.  The idea behind these electronic SMART Boards is that they are interactive.  The SMART Boards are replacing the dry-erase white boards in the everyday classrooms and are electronic devices that operate along with computer software.  Offering a large variety of color and tools, the SMART Boards allow students and/or teachers to draw or write on the board.  They can also use their hands to draw or move objects.  In addition, just as you can save your work on a computer, you can save your work on the SMART Board. Teaching with technology through the use of apps makes it possible to not only write and sketch on SMART Boards but to also customize them with fun features.  The results of this are that your students will be kept alert and their attention spans will also improve. Apps for the SMART Boards include: ·        Sketchlot:  This free app is designed to be used on any device with a web browser such as an iPad, MacBook or an Android tablet.  Both teachers and students can use it.  Teachers can create their own account and create a list of students within that account as well.  The teacher assigns a password to each student, and the student can then use his or her password to share drawings with the teacher.  After teachers create as many drawings as they want, these drawings can be shared with one student at a time or all the students at the same time.  Science diagrams, math questions or text can be produced by the teacher.  After viewing these, students can reply and interact.  Students can also create their sketches to share with the teacher as well, thus completing the interaction. Teacher sketches can be posted on the class website, tweeted on Twitter, or pinned on Pinterest. ·        Awwapp.com: Using your laptop, desktop computer, Smartphone or tablet, teachers can work on a whiteboard in the classroom.  Without requiring any downloading, this app provides a few tools that are easy to use and have a lot of versatility.  A color tool offers a rainbow of colors for use in a diagram, and a pencil tool offers three different size tips along with an eraser function. Besides using this app with the classroom white board, it can also be used on a classroom or school website.  However, to embed it into a site currently costs $10 a month. ·        PixiClip: With PixiClip, you can doodle, record an audio message and create a video.  On its whiteboard space, besides drawing you can upload images and mark and type onto them as well.  A teacher or student can add elements to their PixiClip whiteboard and while talking record a video.  These videos can be put onto social media for sharing or be embedded into blog posts.  In order to use PixiClip’s service, you don’t have to start an account.  However, creating a free account is necessary in order to save your recording, therefore, allowing you to later edit it and, of course, present it again. ·        Stoodle: With Stoodle, teachers and/or students create collaborative whiteboard space.  For a complete, comprehensive presentation, you are able to draw, type and upload images as well.  While you draw, type and share images, you can converse with your collaborators by connecting Stoodle to the microphone on your computer.  You do not have to create an account in order to use Stoodle.  You simply click “launch a classroom” and name your classroom as well as the URL that has been assigned to your      E-Learning Apps The following apps can be used in classroom as well as business presentations.  The most obvious of the advantages of e-learning provided by them is the inspiration and their captivating elements. ·        Prezi: All teachers at one time or another try to improve their instruction by learning strategies.  Prezi is an app you will find superior to the PowerPoint presentations you most likely have created in the past when presenting your lesson or when making a presentation to parents, other teachers or administrators.  For that reason, it’s time to replace PowerPoint with the Prezi slide show program that will enable you to create spectacular, skyrocketing presentations.  The Prezi app provides users with templates to choose, images to add, text, arrows, frames, videos and more.  Instead of static slides, the zoom, motion and spatial relationships will engross you audience in such a way that they will most likely remember your message.   When your presentation is complete, you have two options.  These include your sending the URL of your presentation to your students for the first option.  For the second, you can download your presentation in order to present it to your students later. Discounts are available for both teacher and students when a school email address is used to sign up. ·        Animoto Video Maker: With the Animoto Video Maker, you can create videos that are both engaging and fun.  You choose a template for the background and a song to create a style for your video.  Your photos, text and videos can be added by you to create the customization of your video.  This app is great for teachers, professionals and photographers.  Teachers can create 30 second videos for their student for free with the Animoto Lite Plan.  The finished videos can be produced and shared via email, messages, Facebook and Twitter. ·        Glogster Edu: Glogster Edu  can be used to create and present interactive posters or as a resource for digital learning.  In creating an interactive poster, you can customize it by adding images, text, arrows, shapes, captions, videos and other media. The Glogpedia Content Library is a digital resource for teachers and students to find both information and inspiration.  This library currently consists of over 40,000 Glogs from classrooms around the globe. Students can create their own Glogs individually or in cooperative groups to present to the class as an assignment or project.  When the Glogs are complete, students should click “save” in order to later present them to the class. ·        Kizoa: With Kizoa, you can create slideshows, videos or animated collages.  In order to create a collage or slideshow, you begin by selecting a picture that will be the background and adjusting the picture so that it blends in nicely.  You then select animations, transitions and music that suit your presentation.  Create and edit the text, and you have a fantastic presentation to share with either a link or email.