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Singapore, 24 June 2002
How to find out if
you are suitable for e-learning? |
It is true that each person learns in a unique way — think about the way you remember a person’s contact number or address. We all learn most efficiently when we are able to receive and store information in the manner in which we best process that information. For example, a person who learns by hearing will have more difficulty if all information is given as text, which must be processed visually.
But our learning styles go beyond the style in which we process and remember information. What do you need to know about yourself to make wise decisions about a course, and then to get the most out of that experience? To be successful in an online environment, you also need to consider your learning habits, work patterns, and comfort zone.
As you begin to explore this new adventure, it will help if you assess yourself on a grid system. Regardless of what your score is, you may want to pay attention to the features of each course you consider taking, to make the most of the environment for your style and needs. Here are a few examples:
| If you prefer or enjoy: | Try a course that includes: |
| Face to face interaction | A combined format course, with several face to face meetings |
| Lots of interaction with the instructor | One-to-one online independent study course |
| Immediate feedback on assignments | Ask the instructor for a plan of feedback, and assurance of multiple communication channels |
| Deadlines for work assignments | Traditional timing (following a school schedule) |
| Hands-on technical support | A locally offered online course, with contact information for assistance |
| Discussions with class members | A well functioning threaded discussion that is easy to follow, plus an occasional face to face meeting |
| To complete the course quickly, on your own | Completely online course, regardless of geographic location; ability to move ahead on your own |
| Ongoing support for your work | An instructor willing to engage in dialogue |
| Authentic assignments | An instructor with an open-ended syllabus and flexibility |
| Help staying on task | Pick a course that someone you know will take too! |
According to humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow, humans strive for self-actualization, and share a desire to acquire knowledge, be creative, and reach their full potential.* Perhaps we should look to educators as an excellent example of this statement! Happily, the world of graduate and continuing education has changed dramatically and we are now given many choices of where, when, and how to pursue lifelong learning.
It is helpful to think of the variety of professional development courses as a continuum. One end of the continuum is a traditional face-to-face course, with online support. Activities might be posted on a website, discussions might take place online, but basically the course is similar to many others we have taken. Also clustered around this end of the continuum might be a traditional course that only replaces a few of the scheduled sessions with Web interaction or assignments.
Finally, at the other end of the continuum, we might find a totally online course. The participants never meet physically, and the course interaction takes place through a variety of tools. There may be a threaded discussion that is organized by topics, often called a bulletin board. Video clips and photographs may introduce the instructor and the students to each other. A synchronous chat may be organized for once per week.
Another type of course found at this end of the continuum would be an updated, technologically enhanced version of a traditional independent study (correspondence) course. The student might have several months in which to complete various assignments, and the student interacts with the instructor but probably does not work with other students. This type of course would possibly include many of the same types of communication tools, but they are used to facilitate the interaction between the student and the instructor.
At PurpleTrain.com, all of the above facilities contribute to the success of our e-learners. We ensure that facilitators answer students’ enquiries within 24 hours of a posting whether in a discussion room or email. The students are also given open communication channels and know that they are indeed not alone when they have a burning desire to know the answer. Discussion rooms are well indicated on the online environment via easy, eye-catching icons. Chat rooms are also easily accessible from even a cyber-café if the student finds studying there conducive. With the new Learning Management System, students are able to enjoy an ultra-smooth online session on PurpleTrain, up to almost 5 times the previous speed. So navigation within and through the various interaction tools on PurpleTrain will happen in the blink of an eye!
To find out more about the variety of e-learning courses available, visit PurpleTrain Course Catalogue or send your email request to enquiry@purpletrain.com
About Informatics Group
The Informatics Group, established in 1983, is a multinational corporation providing training and educational services in information technology and business management. Through its international franchising program and strategic acquisitions, Informatics presently has a global network of more than 450 centres spanning 42 countries.
The company presently offers five franchise products: Informatics Computer School, Thames Business School, CAL Computer Training Centre, Cambridge Child Development Centre and RACC. For more information, please visit http://www.informaticsgroup.com.
About PurpleTrain.com
PurpleTrain.com is the e-learning service provider which offers a one-stop service for business and IT education programmes, corporate training courses and education-related services. By combining innovative technology with world-class training content, PurpleTrain.com offers companies and individuals a high value, quality and effective online training solution. Over 1000 online courses are available, offering PhDs, masters, degrees, diplomas and certificates in business and IT programmes. Its e-community now stands at over 55,000 users.
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 :
Andrew Yap
Marketing & PR Manager
PurpleTrain.com
Email : pr@purpletrain.com
Website : www.purpletrain.com
www.informaticsgroup.com
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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.
Copyright © 2002. All Rights Reserved. PurpleTrain.com Pte Ltd.
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