The learning management system used in the e-learning environment has been able to raise the level of education in many countries due to a rapid increase in the use of the Internet and mobile devices, a catalyst in the growth of e-learning. Internet has become affordable even for people in remote areas, credit is due to wireless telecommunications and Internet companies, for removing communication barriers.
Governments are also supporting e-learning with initiatives to endorse and adopt it for mass education. Conventionally, governments used only the classroom training mode to deliver mass education; such as communicating government policies, educating the audience on social causes, etc. This created government jobs. However, it failed due to the vast geographic areas and the large number of students and educators with different schedules and time zones. Technology advanced and television, radio etc. came on the scene to educate the masses. The content could be broadcast to large masses at the same time. But TV and radio also could not be accessed at all times due to various obstacles.
Since the last few years, governments have aggressively adopted e-learning software for education. With technological advancement, it has become possible to provide digitized education anytime and anywhere. The learning management system, tablet, iPad and mobile phone have already marked a new revolution in the e-learning industry. The software, due to its responsive design, allows content to be accessed on multiple devices because it can adjust to the device screen size automatically.
Some of the e-learning initiatives taken by governments are:
- India: The Government of India has launched the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT) and the National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning, to harness the potential of ICT in disseminating Internet content. video and web-based courses. It also launched Sakshat, the world’s cheapest tablet (priced at around INR 1,500). The effort is part of the NMEICT scheme that aims to connect 25,000 colleges and 400 universities in the country in an e-learning program through the Sakshat portal. The Digital India initiative will bring breakthroughs in the corporate learning and education sectors. India has become the biggest market for e-learning after the US, with the expectation of receiving a Rs 1.13 trillion Digital India initiative upgrade from the government, says a recent report by the UK Business Council Kingdom-India.
- Saudi Arabia: The Saudi government has unified the national e-learning strategy to bridge the gap between the National ICT Plan and unilateral developments to encourage e-learning in Saudi Arabia in schools, universities and vocational training centers. The new upcoming universities will focus on e-learning and make their entire curriculum with these materials.
- Malaysia: The Malaysian government has boosted e-learning through projects like Malaysia Smart School, MySchoolNet, K-Perak e-learning group project, etc.
- Australia: The flexible learning framework in Australia was successful in developing content and engaging with state and Commonwealth governments working with the vocational education and training sector. The Australasian Council on e-Learning includes all New Zealand universities and the University of the South Pacific. This initiative has resulted in a set of comparative e-learning guidelines.
- United States and Canada: There is e-learning software for the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, which has e-courses on various topics. The US government has dedicated strategies to support and improve the development of e-learning content.
In conclusion, the availability of PCs, mobiles, tablets, etc. Low cost and the growing presence of broadband, particularly in rural areas, have forced governments to boost the e-learning industry in the country. The vision of making education accessible to anyone, anytime, anywhere is attractive to students, the business world, and the general public.