The core of learning is based on human collaboration in knowledge and work. With the revolution of telecommunication in the late 1960’s, with the invention of the email in the 1970’s and with the expansion of the networking innovations in the 80’s and 90’s, eLearning was born. It was the start of learning management systems allowed students and teachers to exchange learning materials, do tests ,communicate with each other in many ways and track their progress. The term “eLearning” has first appeared in 1999 along with “online learning” and “virtual learning”. Today, with the new wave of eLearning driven by universities offering online degrees, Lynda and even websites like YouTube, individuals and companies alike are using all the possible and available outlets to grow their knowledge and skills. 

A little history on eLearning

In 1960’s, under the prime minister Harold Wilson, Jennie Lee as Minister for the Arts took over the distance learning project or air project of the Open University UK which has as a mission the following, “The Open University was one of the world’s first successful distance teaching universities, founded on the belief that communications technology could bring high quality degree-level learning to people who had not had the opportunity to attend traditional campus universities.” A selection of TV programmes broadcast between 1971 and 1993 to support OU students and inform them and other viewers about the University.

Modern eLearning

In 2019, as we advance and become more tech-oriented, a multitude of technologies are now in use to facilitate even further the learning process. LMS is no longer confined in the traditional form of knowledge exchange, which was going until very recently in one way, from teacher to students. The purpose of learning management systems is to dissect the cognitive process and customize as much as possible the learning progression of each student or group of students. Interactivity is at the first step of customization in eLearning. Let’s take geometry exercises per say, they can now be be scanned and viewed in 360° to give the student a real experience and understanding of triangles, spheres, etc.  In chemistry, 3D modelling can be used, where an atom is viewed as an entity and zooming in allows us to penetrate its surface, reach its nucleus all while studying the protons and neutrons. Moreover, the benefits of a learning management system isn’t only its game-like features, it’s all the advanced measuring tools that can be integrated in the software to help teachers reach their courses’ objectives through insightful analysis. It’s the analysis that allows for differentiation, giving the teachers the opportunity of customization as per students’ different levels. The examples given above are only a drop in the ocean of  possibilities, an LMS is caters fully to the schools or companies educational needs. 

Statistics

The Statistical indicators for Internet, October 2018, shows that 55% of the world citizens are accessing the internet, or 4.176 Billion internet users. As per Statista in 2019, the internet penetration rate in the Middle East compared to the global internet penetration rate from 2009 to 2018 has grown by 65%. The same source states that the mobile internet user penetration rate in Saudi Arabia has grown by 60% in 2018 and is projected to grow to 62% by 2023. What does this mean? It means that the future of eLearning has already dawned upon us. Employees and young students are presented with the opportunity to learn independently on interactive platforms, following their own pace and focusing on the disciplines that interest them. The notion of human collaboration in knowledge which was based on human interaction has now widened and is comprised of a virtual network that practically consists of the all of us earthlings.  

Meet EDUCONERA: Learning Management System from Go Smart

Educonera is a learning management system designed to take in consideration all aspects of learning management. With features such as students management, academic management, exam, attendance and accounting, Go Smart LMS is also flexible and customizable to cater to your needs. Contact us today for more information.