16 min read

E-learning and the Mobile Internet

Online learning platforms, synchronous and asynchronous learning, and how 4G, 5G and mobile apps changed the web.

E-learning

A learning management system (LMS) such as Moodle or Google Classroom holds course materials, assignments, quizzes and grades. Synchronous learning happens live, at the same time for everyone (a Zoom class). Asynchronous learning is done at your own pace (recorded videos, reading, forums). MOOCs (massive open online courses) let thousands of people take the same course, often for free.

E-learning

$Advantages$	$Disadvantages$
$Learn anywhere, at any time$	$Needs a device and a reliable connection$
$Replay videos as often as you need$	$Requires self-discipline$
$Often cheaper; no travel$	$Less face-to-face contact with teachers and classmates$
$Instant feedback on quizzes$	$Mobile data costs can add up$

Most people in Sri Lanka go online with a smartphone more than a computer. Mobile networks have improved in generations: Generation Main change 3G Mobile web browsing and email became practical 4G (LTE) Fast enough for video streaming, video calls and maps 5G Much faster, lower delay, and many more connected devices This changed web design. Websites must be responsive — they rearrange themselves to fit small screens — and pages must load quickly on slower connections. You will learn how in the CSS course.

Generation	Main change
3G	Mobile web browsing and email became practical
4G (LTE)	Fast enough for video streaming, video calls and maps
5G	Much faster, lower delay, and many more connected devices

Practice

What is an LMS?

E-learning

A learning management system (LMS) such as Moodle or Google Classroom holds course materials, assignments, quizzes and grades. Synchronous learning happens live, at the same time for everyone (a Zoom class). Asynchronous learning is done at your own pace (recorded videos, reading, forums). MOOCs (massive open online courses) let thousands of people take the same course, often for free.

E-learning

$Advantages$	$Disadvantages$
$Learn anywhere, at any time$	$Needs a device and a reliable connection$
$Replay videos as often as you need$	$Requires self-discipline$
$Often cheaper; no travel$	$Less face-to-face contact with teachers and classmates$
$Instant feedback on quizzes$	$Mobile data costs can add up$

The Mobile Internet

Most people in Sri Lanka go online with a smartphone more than a computer. Mobile networks have improved in generations: Generation Main change 3G Mobile web browsing and email became practical 4G (LTE) Fast enough for video streaming, video calls and maps 5G Much faster, lower delay, and many more connected devices This changed web design. Websites must be responsive — they rearrange themselves to fit small screens — and pages must load quickly on slower connections. You will learn how in the CSS course.

Generation	Main change
3G	Mobile web browsing and email became practical
4G (LTE)	Fast enough for video streaming, video calls and maps
5G	Much faster, lower delay, and many more connected devices

Practice

What is an LMS?