E Learning in Forestry

Workshop on “E-Learning: Methods and Instruments�

Organized by GIZ on June 11-12 2014 at New Delhi Dr. K.S. Jayachandran, Lecturer, CASFOS Dehradun

The different modes of e-learning are:

Learning Management System (LMS)

Web Based: Web portal, Live collaboration, Learning Management System (LMS)

What? A management system or a framework that handles all aspects of the online learning process

Computer based: CD ROM, pdf, E Books

Why? It can be used to deliver online courses and augment on-campus courses

Mobile based: Mobile Applications, sms, mms Game based Television based: Video conferencing Radio based: Community Radio

Which is the most interactive elearning solution for training institutions?

How? LMS delivers and manages instructional content, identifies and assesses individual and organizational training goals, tracks the progress towards meeting those goals, registering for courses, course administration, skills gap analysis, tracking, and reporting, all in an automated way!

What is required? LMS and Course Authoring Tool

Learning Management System (LMS) 1

LMS Examples: 1. Moodle: Free software but set up, maintenance and server issues plague 2. Blackboard: Completely hosted solution on budget basis 3. efront: Best LMS software in terms of usability and economic viability Course Authoring Tools (CAT): Converts presentations (.ppt) and videos into a form which is compatible with LMS CAT Examples: 1.

2.

3.

4.

SCORN TINCAR ARTICULATE ispring: best and recommended by workshop participants

POTENTIAL E-LEARNING SOLUTIONS FOR CASFOS INSTITUTIONS: Extensive use of CD ROMS: especially as pre workshop reading materials dispatched to State Governments Video Camera recording of rare/specialist learning sessions and creating online video platforms; so that any forester across the nation can learn without being physically present at CASFOS Creation of LMS and linking it with our websites: Loaded with learning materials, the online LMS can serve as an extending learning platform for Officer Trainees after passing out from CASFOS. It can also enhance and support “on the job training” of induction trainees. We could also offer our thematic refresher courses over LMS offering opportunities to all foresters (whether nominated by State Governments or not) to access the basic associated knowledge. For starters, GIZ would be happy to support us in developing e-learning modules on their ongoing project theme “Coastal and Marine Biodiversity”, which could be run by CASFOS, Coimbatore

iauthor: Software to include videos in e-documents HTML 5: new format to publish courses for mobile phone reading Asynchronous online course: non tutored and self paced, free of cost Synchronous online course: tutored on a cost basis

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