E-Learning: A Conceptual Framework

Basic concept of managing knowledge is not a new one, even though knowledge management is a new discipline it has emerged only recently and, given its newness is still developing its theoretical home. Knowledge management has always been conducted in one way or another, e.g. apprenticeships, colleagues chatting or a parent handing over her/his business to the offspring. E-learning is one of the tools used in the knowledge management to share the knowledge among groups. E-learning is an approach to facilitate and enhance learning through both computer and communication technology. KEYWORDS: e-learning, digital library, e-journals WHAT IS E-LEARNING? E-learning therefore is an approach to facilitate and enhance learning through, and based on both computer and communications technology (salmon, Gill 2002). Such devices can include personal computers, CD-ROMs, Digital Television, P.D.A.s and Mobile Phones. Communications technology enables the use of the Internet, email, discussion forums, collaborative software and team learning systems. WHY E-LEARNING? WHY NOW? Technology has changed the way we live, work, think and learn. Today's workforce has to process more information in less time than in the past. As production cycles and life spans of products continue to shorten, information and training quickly become obsolete. In the new economy, organizations and academic institutions need to find new, cost-effective ways to keep America's workforce cur rent and competent. Knowledge and skills have to be delivered more rapidly and efficiently whenever and wherever needed to account for the increasing complexity and velocity of the work environment. In the age of just-in time production, just-in-time training has become a critical element of organizational success. Social and demographic changes, such as declining birth rates, the aging population, and the severe shortage of skilled labor, are directing education toward new target groups. Today, traditional students—age 18 to 22—represent only a minority of the higher education student population. Working adults, the fastest-growing group attending higher education institutions, already account for nearly 50% of students, constituting a niche whose needs are severely underserved. For universities, these individuals are excellent candidates for education delivered to their homes or officers. The explosive growth of the Internet opens up opportunities to support demographic, technological, and lifestyle changes and offer quality education to those who would other wise not have access to it. COMPONENTS OF E-LEARNING E-Learning components include: learning management system (LMS) or learning content management system (LCMS), content, collaboration, testing and assessment, skills and competency, e-commerce, and Internet video-based learning. (Alavi, Maryam 1994). A complete e-learning portal represents the total integration of multimedia, instructor-led, and real-time training - in a human, collaborative environment. Organizing the content