Dear all,

Brothers and sisters,


Warm greetings from Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, a Deemed-to-be University, popularly known as SBV

I am happy to welcome you to this second episode of ‘Dear All’. Today, I am going to speak on a trending topic namely, e-Learning. 
E-learning as you may be aware is defined as the use of the internet and digital technology to educate and disseminate knowledge to a greater and wider audience. You will be surprised to note that though e-learning was initiated in the year 1999, it was only two years later that the definition for the same was accepted universally!!!!
The time period between 2001 and 2005 witnessed extraordinary happenings in the e-world, linked to e-learning. Upgraded technologies in the IT sector drew more people into the folds of teaching-learning. The use of PowerPoint and learning management systems are among some of the important tools that revolutionized education and at the same time made it interesting too. During this golden period, we witnessed enhanced access to wireless communication, digital graphics, and social media networks – all leading to improved efficiency in the teaching-learning process.                                                                                                                                      
The next five years spanning from 2006-2010 constituted the Platinum era that witnessed several important changes. This meant that any individual could develop e-learning tools and content.                                                                                                                 
The e-Learning tools were standardized at a global level. Introduction of mobile internet, podcasting, and augmented reality emerged as boons in the design, development, and implementation of online courses. Cloud computing entered the scene with a bang. Other notable achievements during this time span included the digitalization of the Library, eBooks, and mobile learning. All these advancements have enabled the extensive use of e-Learning over the last decade.
E-Learning is of high relevance now, especially in these rapidly changing times. Covid-19 has changed the world in many ways. People suspect if we will ever return to the old norms. Maybe we will eventually, but the world would be different soon.

With respect to education, institutions are evolving and adapting to change. E-Learning, a path-breaking technology is upon us. E-Learning is no longer the process or method of teaching-learning. It has evolved into practice. As with every practice, there are good and bad practices. 

The stakeholders in e-learning include students, teachers, parents, and the society at large. We are no longer talking about whether e-Learning should be adopted. The focus now is on how to make e-Learning efficient, cost-effective, and accessible by all. These are some of the challenges we need to overcome.

My dear students, I wish to tell you that: e-Learning needs a lot of intrinsic motivation. e-Learning is mostly a self-directed learning process. It is easy to get lost in the world of digital media. There are too many distractions. Too many to count. For example, it is hard to continue to read biochemistry when your friends are into online gaming. In earlier days, one had to go to a playground to play. We had to travel for recreation. You don’t have to!!! You have distractions on your fingertips; at the tap of a button! It is hard to concentrate when you are hyper-connected. You need to find newer mind skills to stay focused and on track.

Dear colleagues, I wish to share that we need to recognize a huge opportunity right now - the Sunrise period. Newer avenues are opening up. New tools can be created. New learning sciences, theories, and practices are waiting to be rediscovered. We can now access rich data. There are many possibilities to ensure optimal e-Learning. Students need to be mentored through different platforms. Parents and the society at large need to be reassured that Institutions around the world and in India are gearing up to face the challenges of this web 2.0 era. Requirements of funds and workforce need to be balanced while sustaining such endeavors. 

Dear all! So, let us be aware of the fact that we have plenty of choices with regard to e-learning tools. But, I strongly advocate that higher educational institutions such as SBV need to develop indigenous and noteworthy e-learning tools that would go a long way in strengthening the SKILL INDIA campaign.

In the subsequent podcasts, we will be taking up newer facets of technology-driven education. I will be touching upon Massive Open Online Courses, nowadays commonly referred to as MOOCs. The role of MOOCs in skill development, capacity building, and employment opportunities as applied to the health sector will be discussed.

We wish you all the best in each of your endeavors. At this time, I also wish you the best of health. I eagerly look forward to staying in touch. Till then...

Namaste, Jai Hind.