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22 March 2002, Singapore
To many, e-learning means electronic-learning, but to Thambiayya Thanalakshmi it connotes the most efficient and effective way of learning. Said PurpleTrain online facilitator ThanaLakshmi: “I basically believe that everything is of mindset. Nothing is impossible. To me, there are no cons but only pros in e-learning. Online facilitation has helped me to save lots of my time and cost of traveling and printing. It has uplifted me from hassles and have placed me on the forefront of the industry.” Lakshmi facilitates learners on some of the subjects/modules from Certificate In Computer Studies to Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies, which include Business Organisation & Communications and Business Management, amongst others. Having involved in the teaching profession for many years, Lakshmi found online facilitation a nourishing, motivating and rewarding career. Commenting on some of the differences between e-learning and the traditional taught mode learning, the passionate online facilitator said: “Unlike in a traditional classroom setting, students tend to participate more in a virtual class sessions. As such, it increases interactivity among students and facilitators. This high level of participation and enthusiasm further encourages me to provide even more and better services to learners.” According Jim Smith and Andrea Spurling, writers of ‘Lifelong Learning: Riding The Tiger’, teachers draw on their own or other people’s stock of knowledge in order to help others to learn. The techniques they use range a wide spectrum, from prescriptive and didactic at one end, to facilitative and supportive at the other. The teaching of adult learners tends towards the latter. “Teaching is my passion and I see it as a service to the world and a learning tool to all. Imparting knowledge to someone is like giving him/her an in-sight to view the world with all relevant knowledge and skills gathered through lifelong learning,” said Lakshmi. According to Lakshmi, the greatest challenge she has faced so far is to convince a student with the intention to withdraw to continue on his study. This is especially critical when a student finds a unit/course difficult and hence decided to dropout in the middle of the course. She has never failed to encourage this type of students to continue and ensure that these students are given enough time and coaching to complete their work and unit successfully.” The case for having facilitators is that good facilitation can help learners to learn better and sometimes more cost-effectively than they can on their own. This is why self-instruction or self-learning is seldom in itself, even among skilled learners. That’s where facilitators come in to facilitate the entire learning process. Lakshmi holds a Diploma and Advanced Diploma from the Informatics Computer School. She later earned her Bachelor’s degree from Curtin University majoring Information Systems. Good teaching goes hand-in-hand with good learning. The best teachers
are also experienced learners, constantly challenging themselves in new
areas. At present, Lakshmi is pursuing her Master of Business degree with
Curtin University. Her message to the students: “It (e-Learning) is the BEST method for the present and future. So go for it! Get the most worthwhile and fruitful education through e-learning.” Visit http://www.purpletrain.com/catalog.htm
for a full listing of the courses available or email enquiry@purpletrain.com
for more details. About PurpleTrain.com PurpleTrain.com is a 100%-owned venture of Informatics Holdings Limited, a leading training and education provider listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. For more information, please contact : To subscribe, send a blank email to: subscribe@purpletrain.com All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of
their respective owners. Certain of the statements in this press release
are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and
uncertainties. The actual results may differ from those described or contemplated. |