Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
4. E-LEArnIng BEnEfItS
And dIffIcuLtIES for
EngInEErIng EducAtIon
in 2004. During the last 15 years, a number of
activities and publications addressed the questions
of MEP Education and Training. These led to rapid
development of the profession worldwide and now
the next stage of e- Learning is to be addressed.
A special issue on the subject was published by
the Journal of Medical Engineering and Physics
in 2005. Based on the paper and on the authors'
12 years' experience in e-Learning, the following
key elements can be specified for the introduction
and use of e-Learning in MEP:
E-Learning system for engineering education
is able to be interpreted in various ways such
as ''computer based, education delivery system
which is provided through the Internet'', or ''an
educational method that is able to provide oppor-
tunities for the needed people, at the right place,
with the right contents, and the right time'' (Lee
& Lee, 2008).
Some difficulties have been noted in using
technology for professional development and
four suggestions offered for product refinement
and use. The learner must: (a) understand the
navigation system, (b) spend time focusing on
domain knowledge, rather than on navigation,
(c) be prepared in domain area knowledge [e.g.,
mathematics] or be experienced in learning in
technology environments, or (d) all three aspects.
These attributes and concerns suggest the need
for continued investigations about outcomes of
the use of these programs in education and dis-
cussions about further product design (Pryor &
Bitter, 2008).
E-Learning for engineering education offers
unique pedagogical opportunities to enhance
student learning: In the realm of e-education,
there are clear benefits that can be derived from
e-Learning as follows:
•
e-Learning is imperative for engineers
because it offers quick and easy update
of teaching materials - a very important
function for this dynamic profession. This,
combined with the fast delivery of the con-
tent through Internet, makes e-Learning
materials the first choice for many engi-
neering lecturers;
•
e-Learning proposes an elegant way to
solve the engineering problem through the
understanding of complex physics models.
Using interactive simulations, computer
diagrams or images leads to increased ef-
fectiveness of the engineering learning
process.
•
Images are specifically important for engi-
neers and e-Learning provides a cheap and
effective means for publishing large num-
ber of images (either on CD or through the
Web). Additionally e-Learning can offer a
means of image manipulation, which has
no analogue in other means of publications.
•
It promotes exploratory and interactive
modes of inquiry.
•
The search function offered by various
e-Learning materials is another impor-
tant advantage. This is also imperative for
engineers.
•
It supports and facilitates team-orientated
collaborations and expands the ease of ac-
cess to engineering education across insti-
tutional, geographical and cultural bound-
aries, among others.
•
Finally, the fact that many engineering stu-
dents from around the world can use the
materials through the guidance of most
renowned specialists has no analogue in
the other educational methods and media
(Tabakov, 2008).
•
Class notes and materials are posted on the
Internet and students can access the sites
from anywhere in the world.
•
This is quite unlike distance learning,
where an engineering student is given
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