SCORPION

E-Learning, e.g., online classes, has been around almost as long as the Web. Early, conventional online classes were based on instructional packets, which were delivered to students using assignments. At times, not was a cumbersome system and there were technical issues that got in the way as well. For beginners, especially people with limited computer skills, online training could pose barriers that didn't make it an ideal choice for continuing education or learning new skills.

The term E-Learning 2.0 came about with the emergence of Web 2.0, according to Wikipedia. E-Learning 2.0 places increased emphasis on social learning and use of social networking tools such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, and virtual worlds such as Second Life. This phenomenon has also been referred to as "Long Tail Learning" by researchers Seely Brown, & Adler. E-Learning 2.0 is socially constructed. Learning takes place through conversations about content and grounded interaction about problems and actions. Advocates of social learning claim that one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it to others, and I happen to agree.

Online class instructors are also relying more heavily on virtual classrooms (online presentations delivered live) as an online learning platform. A diverse set of education providers are moving toward this model. In addition to virtual classroom environments, social networks have become an important part of e-learning 2.0. Social networks have been used to foster online learning communities around subjects as diverse as test preparation and language education.

For these reasons (and many others that I will explore in future blog posts) I believe that online classes are a great choice for beginners, by which, I mean people who are exploring a field or topic to see if their initial spark of interest can be ignited into a passion that they want to commit a serious amount of time or resources to pursuing.

One place for a beginner to explore what e-learning options are available online is Universal Class. On the site, there is a great section called "How to Start", which you can browse. You'll never know what you'll find: how to persuade, how to manage rental properties, how to solve word problems, how to become a mediator, how to plan a wedding, etc. Enroll in one or more of these affordable courses to become informed about topics that interest you; but, also to determine how far you want to take your continuing education in a particular area of study--or even if taking online classes is right for your style of learning.