Decoding Technology - eLearning Tools

Article Link: http://www.exchangepress.com/article/decoding-technology-elearning-tools/5016326/

eLearning Tools Early childhood professionals can now go to class in their PJs! An online world of training, credit courses, degree programs, and professional development opportunities is at your fingertips. eLearning never closes! Anytime, anywhere �" if you can get on the Internet, you can be an eLearner. Some basic tech tools will help you find eLearning opportunities and get you off to a good start. Tech Terms • Online course: Course information, materials, and assignments are stored on a Web site that students access and use online. May include text, graphics, audio, video, readings, discussions, and chats. • Netiquette: A common set of rules and guidelines for behavior when sending e-mail or in an online discussion or chat. • Discussion forum: A tool that organizes and groups comments into threads that contain a main posting and all related replies to encourage participation and interaction over a period of time. • Chat: A tool that allows real-time interaction, such as having small groups work together, virtual office hours for eTeachers, or having guest speakers take questions. Tech Tools • eLearning Resources �" Project CONTACT, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at www.fpg.unc.edu/~contact/index.cfm, has prepared a number of helpful resources for new eLearners including ...