Abstract

In systems approacth to teaching and learning, the environment is one of the elements of the
system. Learning environment is very important in the educational process. Online learning
environment provides all the comfort of the trafitional classroom and overcome two of its
greatest limitations which are time and location. This paper focuses on the online learning
environment and its approaches. Virtual learning, mobile learning, online learning and
blended learning were discussed and their characteristics. Behaviourism, cognitivism and
constructivism theories of learning were discussed. This paper also discussed the diffrences
between the traditional classroom environment and online learning environment. this paper
also highlighted the challenges of online learning and suggestions were made to solve them.
This paper concludes that
Introduction
Online learning environment is a learning environment where the instructor and students are

separated by time and/or distance and primarily use the Internet and a personal computer as a

means of content delivery and student/instructor interaction to communicate and participate

in a variety of educational activities. in the past, learning took place in person, either in a one

on one session, or in a classroom setting where there is limitation in time and space but

recently learning is not bounded by time and space. An essential part of the traditional

teaching and learning ssetting is the learning environment. The learning environment refers to

the diverse physical locations, contexts, and cultures in which students learn. They are are

educational approaches, cultures, and physical settings for all types of learners and activities.

In the traditional class, location is very important but the in online learning the location does

not matter. The evolution of the Internet has provided new opportunities for storing, sharing,

discovering and interacting with information, including the development of online learning

environments. In the online learning environment. Online environments require essentially

different teaching and learning strategies from those used in the traditional face-to face

contexts (for on-campus students) or with print-based material (for distance learners). Online

teaching and learning is usually mediated by educators, using information and

communication technologies as the vehicle for connecting, sharing and collaborating, is

gaining an increasing presence in higher education due to its perceived benefits. These
benefits include speedy and effective delivery of courses across geographical and time

constraints, opportunities for improved pedagogical support, increased access for

nontraditional students, and claims of cost savings

Conceptual Clarifications
Concept of Online Learning Environment

Britain, Sandy; Liber, Oleg (1999) defined an online learning environment (OLE)
in educational technology is a Web-based platform for the digital aspects of courses of study,
usually within educational institutions. OLEs typically
allow participants to be organized into cohorts, groups and roles
present resources, activities and interactions within a course structure
provide for the different stages of assessment
report on participation; and have some level of integration with other institutional
systems.
SANDY (1999) also defined online Learning Environments (OLEs) as learning management
software systems that synthesise the functionality of computer-mediated communications
software (e-mail, bulletin boards, newsgroups etc.) and on-line methods of delivering course
materials (e.g. the WWW).
An OLE is normally not designed for a specific course or subject, but is capable of
supporting multiple courses over the full range of the academic program, giving a consistent
interface within the institution and—to some degree—with other institutions using the
system. The virtual learning environment supports an exchange of information between a
user and the learning institute he or she is currently enrolled in through digital mediums like
e-mail, chat rooms, web 2.0 sites or a forum thereby helping convey information to any part
of the world with just a single click (Safa Naser Husain 2012).
An OLE may include some or all of the following elements:

 The course syllabus

 Administrative information about the course: prerequisites, credits, registration,
payments, physical sessions, and contact information for the instructor.
 A notice board for current information about the ongoing course
 The basic content of some or all of the course; the complete course for distance
learning applications, or some part of it, when used as a portion of a conventional course.
This normally includes material such as copies of lecture in the form of text, audio, or
video presentations, and the supporting visual presentations
 Additional resources, either integrated or as links to outside resources. This typically
consists of supplementary reading, or innovative equivalents for it.
 Self-assessment quizzes or analogous devices, normally scored automatically
 Formal assessment functions, such as examinations, essay submission, or presentation of
projects. this now frequently includes components to support peer assessment
 Support for communications, including e-mail, threaded discussions, chat
rooms, Twitter and other media, sometimes with the instructor or an assistant acting
as moderator. Additional elements include wikis, blogs, RSS and 3D virtual learning
spaces.
 Links to outside sources – pathways to all other online learning spaces are linked via the
VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).
 Management of access rights for instructors, their assistants, course support staff, and
students
 Documentation and statistics as required for institutional administration and quality
control
 Authoring tools for creating the necessary documents by the instructor, and, usually,
submissions by the students
 Provision for the necessary hyperlinks to create a unified presentation to the students.
(Safa Naser Husain 2012).

Concept of e-learning
Webopedia (2017) defines Education via the Internet, network, or standalone computer. e-
learning is essentially the network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. e-learning refers
to using electronic applications and processes to learn. e-learning applications and processes
include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital
collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape,
satellite TV, and CD-ROM.
Virtual College (2017), defines e-learning is electronic learning, and typically this means
using a computer to deliver part, or all of a course whether it's in a school, part of your
mandatory business training or a full distance learning course
E-learning was first called "Internet-Based training" then "Web-Based Training" Today you
will still find these terms being used, along with variations of e-learning such as elearning,
Elearning, and eLearning.

The main Characteristic of e-learning includes interactivity, which is possible through

animation authoring tools. Interactivity can be broken down into four levels: simple
clicking/activity, making basic choices, problem solving, and creation. These levels can be
used sequentially, primarily to build learner confidence in the content or the instruction, or
they can be used to complement one another (Julie, Y. Tausend, 2012)
The current applications of e-learning include the means of instructional training in fields that
have limited accessibility such as microscopic research and limitations due to travel such as
environmental training for the armed forces, as well as a multitude of other fields. The use of
animation software to create interactive multimedia provides stimulation, activity, and
visibility (Julie, Y. Tausend, 2012).
The benefits of e-learning includes
Is more cost effective.
While the initial cost of developing an eLearning course can be significantly higher than that
of traditional training this expense is more than offset by the savings in implementation and
delivery of the course.

Saves time without sacrificing quality.

Hundreds of independent studies have shown that eLearning has yielded time savings of 35-
45% over traditional classroom instruction while obtaining equivalent or better gains in
education.
Minimizes travel cost.
Numerous studies have shown that eLearning can cut the travel and entertainment cost
associated with training by at least 50%. Other studies have shown that if implemented
properly these costs can be reduced by at least 80%.

Better Suited for Geographically Diverse Employees.

eLearning is flexible. It is self-paced and can occur any time and any place. As such, it is
ideally suited for training employees who are dispersed globally.

Provides More Consistent Course Delivery.

Just like a live performance, classroom training is slightly different each time it is given;
Instructors vary the way they present material each time they give a particular class.
eLearning is like a taped or recorded performance.

Offer More Individualized Instruction.

Learners have the ability to learn at their own pace and at times that are convenient for their
schedule.

Concept of Mobile Learning

Mobile learning is a combination of two different terms mobile and e-learning. Webopedia
(2017) defines Mobile learning (m-learning) as education via the Internet or network using
personal mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones to obtain learning materials through
mobile apps, social interactions and online educational hubs. It is flexible, allowing students
access to education anywhere, anytime.
Mobile learning provides a way for educational institutions to deliver knowledge and
educational content to students on any platform, anyplace and at the time of need. Students
use mobile apps and tools to complete and upload assignments to teachers, download course
instruction and work in online social groups to complete tasks.
Crompton, (2013), sees mobile learning as "learning across multiple contexts, through
social and content interactions, using personal electronic devices.
Approaches to the use of mobile learning are
Classroom
Applications in classrooms and other learning spaces combine the use of handheld
computers, PDAs, smartphones or handheld voting systems (such as clickers) with traditional
resources. (Tremblay 2010).

Work
M-learning in the context of work can embrace a variety of different forms of learning. It has
been defined as the "processes of coming to know, and of being able to operate successfully
in, and across, new and ever changing contexts, including learning for, at and through work,
by means of mobile devices (Pachler, N., Pimmer, C., & Seipold, J.2011)

 M-learning for work

 M-learning at and through work
 Cross-contextual m-learning

Lifelong Learning and Self learning

Mobile technologies and approaches, i.e. mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), are also
used to assist in language learning. For instance handheld computers, cell phones,
and podcasting have been used to help people acquire and develop language skills

Cahracteristics of mobile learning

The characteristics of mobile learning as identified by Fezile and Nadire (2011)
(i)Ubiquitous/Spontaneous: Mobile learning is more spontaneous than other learning types. It
is this spontaneity that is probably the most defining characteristic of mobile learning. Mobile
learning is context aware, meaning that students can learn everywhere.
(ii)Portable size of mobile tools: Mobile learning tools are small and portable. Students can
use it everywhere during their learning activities.
(iii)Blended: Teachers can use this approach with blended learning model Students can use
mobile tools for homework, projects or etc. in the education. Blended learning, which
combines classroom instruction with m-learning, can maximize the benefits of both face-to-
face and online methods.
(iv)Private: M-learning is private. It means that only one learner at a time usually has access
to the mobile tool and that when students want to access information connects and downloads
independently from other learners .
(v)Interactive: M-learning environments which utilizes the latest technologies to bring an
interactive learning environment into learning and teaching activities. Students are not
passive, the functions of mobile tools and environments allow varying levels of interactivity.
(vi)Collaborative: Mobile technologies are support communication between students and
teachers. So mobile technologies may use for collaborative learning activities in the
education
(vii)Instant information: Using a mobile tool is all about immediacy.

Concept of Virtual Learning

Virtual learning is a form of online learning that allows students to connect, interact, share
and learn with others outside of their classroom and school using virtual conferencing tools
such as Polycom, Adobe Connect, Microsoft Lync and Skype. Virtual learning can be
synchronous, where all students log in at the one time in a virtual classroom, or it can be
asynchronous, where students access session recordings in their own time.

Concept of Blended Learning

Blended learning is a form of instruction that combines online digital media with traditional
classroom methods. It requires the physical presence of both teacher and student, with some
element of student control over time, place, path, or pace ( Friesen, 2012). There are various
models of blended learning used in teaching and learning. According to ( Friesen, 2012) these
models include.

 Face-to-face driver – where the teacher drives the instruction and augments with digital
tools
 Rotation – students cycle through a schedule of independent online study and face-to-face
classroom time.
 Flex – Most of the curriculum is delivered via a digital platform and teachers are
available for face-to-face consultation and support.
 Labs – All of the curriculum is delivered via a digital platform but in a consistent
physical location. Students usually take traditional classes in this model as well.
 Self-blend – Students choose to augment their traditional learning with online course
work.
 Online driver – Students complete an entire course through an online platform with
possible teacher check-ins. All curriculum and teaching is delivered via a digital platform
and face-to-face meetings are scheduled or made available if necessary.

Xharacteristics of blended learning

Online and Offline Learning

Blended learning allows for online and offline learning . the two complement each
other.whatever the students learn online is reinforced in the classroom offline and whatever
they learn offline is reinforced offline.

Instructor Involvement

Blended learning programs require that an instructor be on hand to help students with all their
needs. Students taking online classes inside a school setting will have a teacher in the
classroom. Those who take online classes from home can interact with their teachers online
through message boards and emails. Teachers check their emails and respond to students
several times every day.

Independent Learning

The biggest benefit to blended learning programs is that it fosters the idea of independent
learning in students. Some students have a difficult time in their classes because they learn
differently than their peers do. They may do better in classes that require more hands on
interaction than they do in classes that require they sit and listen to a teacher talk.

Peer Interaction

Peer interaction is a key characteristic of these programs. Students working in standard

classrooms will have their peers sitting right next to them, which lets them work together on
assignments. Students who take classes online can interact with others via the class message
board or forum and through other means.

Support for Students

Instructors blended learning programs offer students all the help and support they need both
through offline meetings and online contact

Comparision of online learning, blended learning, mobile learning and e-learning.

 online learning blended learning mobile learning e-learning
time Anytime Flexible Anytime Anytime
location Anywhere Fixed location Anywhere Anywhere
device Computers and Computers and PDA and other Computers
PDA PDA mobile devices. and PDA
Accessibility Open to All Members of the Open to all Open to all
Classroom or group
only
duration

Challenges of online ,blended, mobile and e-learning

1. Lack of awareness
One of the major challenges of eLearning is that the the learners are unaware of effectiveness
of eLearning. They might feel that online Learning is not as effective as classroom training
and that the trainees would miss the opportunity of face-to-face interaction.
2. Motivating Learners
Motivating learners is one of the common challenges faced by the eLearning developers.
When you deploy the course and leave the learners to their devices, chances are that the
learners may not take up the eLearning course effectively as they would do in classroom
training.
3. Course content:
Now, when the learner is onboard with the eLearning course, it is time that the content of the
course needs to be focused on. A well designed course depends upon the content of the
course. Most of the time, the content received from the client is unstructured and difficult to
comprehend. You may receive content which does not contain enough information to be
covered under a certain topic.
4. Evaluating effectiveness
One of the common challenges in eLearning could be to evaluate whether your course has the
intended impact on the learners. How do you determine that your course is attaining its goal
of meeting the learning requirements of the employees or trainees?
5. Mobile devices have limited screen size.
Mobile devices do not have a standard screen size. Some are small; others have
comparatively larger screen space. But none of the devices will have screens as large as
desktops. Thus, the layout and navigation cannot be the same as that of a traditional e-
learning course. Small screens will not be able to support too many images or heavy text.
 6. Restricted connectivity can hamper learning.
Limited connectivity at certain places may disrupt flow of information. They might not be
able to access the required information, at the required moment. There is no point to having
access to learning at your fingertips, if it cannot be used at the right time.

Conclusion
Online learning environment is not too different from the traditional classroom environment,
except that the components of the traditional classroom environment were improved on and
their limitations removed. Theories of learning that support online learning environment
includes behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism. in this generation with an outburst in
the number of students, such that the traditional classroom environment cannot contain them,
online learning environment thought and emerging technology in education should be readily
adopted by teachers to make up for the deficiencies of the traditional classroom environment,
Recommendations
The following suggestions were made to solve the problems of online learning environment
1. Promote eLearning: Promoting eLearning could be an effective way to initiate an
eLearning program. Arrange for the marketing campaign and use it as a base for
creating awareness among the audience. Other ways could be through publishing
eBooks, blogs and even through hosting an event on eLearning.
2. Develop the communication: Developing effective communication among the
audience could be another approach towards creating awareness. Your audience
would quickly accept eLearning once they get to know what eLearning is all about
and how it could be beneficial to them.
3. Stimulate learner’s curiosity: You need to motivate your learners in the beginning of
the course itself, so as to keep them engaged throughout the course. For this, you may
ask the learners some thought-provoking questions. Ask them to describe a situation
or use some surprising statements that would help the learners take up the course with
great zeal and enthusiasm.
4. Set clear objectives: Explain the learners in brief what they will learn after taking the
course and how the course would benefit them. For example, you might explain that
after completion of the module, they will be able to identify and respond to various
security threats that occur at the workplace.
5. Create a scenario or tell a story: Scenarios and stories are considered to be powerful
tools in motivating your learners because when the learners find something relevant to
their profession and experience, they would surely want to know and take up the
course.
6. Involve the SME: One way to overcome this challenge is to involve the Subject
Matter Experts (SMEs) in the eLearning project. A Subject Matter Expert is proficient
in various subjects and guides the instructional designers on the content received.
 They ensure that the content is accurate and has no gaps. This way, the SMEs would
greatly help solve the problems faced regarding the content
7. This challenge could be mitigated by incorporating effective assessments in the form
of quizzes and puzzles in your course. Publishing the course through an LMS helps
keep track of learner’s activities and progress. It also provides the scores and results
of the assessments taken by the learners.
8. Chunking content into short, logical, and relevant chunks makes it easier for the
learner to consume. Chunked content can be presented better on mobile devices

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