Introduction
As online learning and training continues to grow, there are many companies that have developed products to support asynchronous and synchronous learning within the online world. This paper is a comparison of two of these products: BlackBoard, an asynchronous technology, and Elluminate Live, a synchronous technology. In the scope of this analysis, the general aspects, the technological and pedagogical views, and the strengths and weaknesses of these two products will be examined.
General Aspects of the Systems
BlackBoard, an asynchronous technology, is considered to be a Learning Management System (LMS). A web-based LMS, like BlackBoard, is a collection of tools within one application that allows the instructor to select what tools to use to enhance the online learning environment. Examples of some of these tools include mail, discussion board, announcements, etc. The idea behind asynchronous technologies is that it allows users to interact with one another at different times. For example, users can log into the technology and utilize the discussion board to interact. Users would continue to log in throughout the assigned period (as outlined by the instructor) and post and respond to other users. The key is that no set meeting time is required while collaboration can exist between the students and instructor.
Elluminate Live, is an example of a synchronous technology. Synchronous technologies require that users are logged in at the same time to the application. The instructor then utilizes a set of tools in real time with the participants. Typical synchronous tools include web white-boarding that uses audio and/or video conferencing, chat, and file sharing.
Asynchronous Technological View
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Works Cited
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The interactive whiteboard has been in use in the corporate arena for many years and has been successful in making impact on customers through a seamless presentation of data. The interactive whiteboard has made a jump to the classroom and has been able to have just as significant of an impact but for many different reasons. The interactive whiteboard has become a tool to engage students, provide for student involvement in the learning process and has generally made learning more fun for both teacher and student. There are many articles about the use of interactive whiteboards and there have been researchers throughout the world measuring the benefits that these boards are providing to the impact of learning and delivery of knowledge.
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It is a growing trend in today’s society in that the internet is spreading. It is more common for a young child before the age of 10 to use the internet more than an adult beyond the age of 25. [1] The internet and age of computers have enabled students and adults to search for information more efficiently. Everything possible can be found online by just a click of a mouse. It is fast, reliable, and functional in many settings, school for one. Education has taken a turn, online, in adapting to the advances with the internet. Colleges and Universities have taken advantage of their student’s use of online services and have taken school beyond the classroom. Educators are realizing the importance of computer programs, such as Blackboard, to achieve new goals in education.
Today’s generation is like no other. The nation as a whole has completely evolved from past times, with technology being one of the greatest improvements. Traditionally, schooling takes place in a classroom setting, but, with the many modifications in our world’s system, we are able to assimilate more modern means of education, such as online learning. However, with many changes comes differences and requires adjustments. The online learning system has proven to be just as effective as traditional learning, with some minor differences, however, nothing of great significance. A few of those insignificant differences include online learning being convenient, especially for the non-traditional students,
The roots of synchronous teaching can be date back to the use of closed circuit television in the campus university in decade of 1940. Video conferencing and interactive television which connected remote classrooms came into work in the 1980’s, which allowed students to ask their questions and have discussion’s (Bernard et al., 2004). “Synchronous communication and collaboration tools, such as synchronous text chat, audio-conferencing, video-conferencing, and white boards, are increasingly important components of online learning” (National Center for Accessible Media, 2005). The users of synchronous mode are not limited to individuals and can be multiply used, which have become common teaching applications, though they are considered optional course features (Burnett, 2003).
Salary Survey Report Job: Computer Technical Support Specialist(2006, November) Retrieved November 11, 2006, from http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Technical_Support_Specialist/Salary
With the advent of modern technology, a forceful impact of this technology has been observed in nearly all walks of modern day life. With the increasing access to these facilities, the lives of modern-day human beings have changed so dramatically that in many cases a reversal towards the old ways of life seems apparently impossible. Similar is the case with the process of education. In general the concept of e-learning has modified learning modes and behaviors to a much greater extent. It has...
Technology has had a large impact on the field of education. The proliferation of multimedia resources and limitless amounts of information available through the Internet has fundamentally affected the learning process. Students no longer search through cards and stacks for magazine articles; almost everything is at the click of a finger. Multimedia resources are increasingly utilized in the classroom to help instruct students. Some professors are making conscious efforts to use new technology, so as to introduce and familiarize their students with it. The significance of technology in education is now being elevated to a new plateau. Education through the Internet, the great equalizer, may make it more widely distributed through the phenomenon of online courses. It is the thesis of this paper that online courses are not an effective means to educate traditional undergraduate college aged students (people from 18-22 years old).