eLearning Software - Desktop or Web? Discussion

Author

Message

Mark

Posted: June 15, 2004 3:43 PM

Which is better for learning? eLearning software in the form of a desktop application, or a web-based form of elaerning software? Now, before you say that the obvious answer is web, consider that desktop software does not have to be an isolated, disconnected piece of software. Obvious examples, though not eLearning applications, are instant messaging and file sharing software -- both are desktop applications but their functionality is based on their ability to connect to others. So if both desktop and web eLearning software have the ability to connect learners and instructors (and others), which is more effective for eLearning? Of course the features of any eLearning software application are important. But assuming that a desktop application had similar features to a web application, which is better? Or would it not matter at all? Or is such an assumption imposssible, due to the user interface limitations that are inherent in any web interface? I don't have the answers, but I curious about what others think? Let me know what you think.

digitalMedia

Posts: xxx

Reply: 1

Posted: April 13, 2005 11:06 AM

I believe that the web based application is far superior to a desktop app for eLearning. First and foremost, stepping back and looking from a larger perspective, a great deal of business logic/application function is moving to web-based modules. Web-Services are quickly building steam in that area. Secondly, beyond connectivity there are issues of digital rights management, collaborative development of learning objects and the constant need to keep elearning content up to date. From the point of view of a system developer, it is far better to have a web app. Developing stand alone applications can be tedious. Updating localized software can also be haphazzard. Lastly, flexibility is important to students. Not all students own their own computer, and rely on publicly accessed machines to reach their course material. My $0.02, anyway dM

Konstantin Malyshev

Posts: xxx

Reply: 2

Posted: April 22, 2005 6:55 AM

Modern e-Learning authoring tool makes content development for web-based-training cheapest in thousands times then standalone learning applications. Web technologies allows realize all potential of standalone learning applications without serious less. Tools like LERSUS allow author without any special knowledge in web-technologies creates professional e-Learning materials on the fly. Author should just write his mind and experience in e-Learning module and publish result on the web.

ciaranoco

Posts: xxx

Reply: 3

Posted: June 3, 2005 12:09 PM

I think a personal training manager application for minding all your training achievements as well as allowing you to to archive off the training material in an organised way would be great. It could include browse and search capability too but would predominantly exist on the desktop.

Pankaj Taneja

Posts: xxx

Reply: 4

Posted: July 15, 2005 8:26 AM

Talking of web based applications. has anyone checked the new web based eLearning software called ScribeStudio?

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