Explain how technology has changed the learning environment.
New technology such as E-learning has the use of Internet technologies to enhance knowledge and performance. E-learning technologies have provided learners with the capability to have control over contents, learning sequences, pace of learning, and media database at their fingertips which saves time. It also allows them to tailor their experiences to meet their personal learning objectives. Noe’s thoughts on new technology depicted on p.358 that new technology training methods are superior to traditional methods in one way because they allow trainers to participate in courses at any time or places (Noe, p. 358). I once read a case study which depicted an insurance company who was looking for new ways to cut cost while simultaneously maintaining their competitive edge in the insurance marketing industry. In this scenario, the company was a giant amongst its competitors, and all their employees were grandfathered in as there were practically relatives or good friends of the CEO. When the CEO died, he left the company to his son. After the first year of running the company, his son realize that he could expand the company, increase sales, make a profit, and cut expenses at the same time by using new technology such as multimedia, and E-Services. This was a great idea; very innovative marketing strategy; however, it also meant lay-offs and unemployment for most employees.
His concepts for change were based on the fact that that people change, technology changes, and how people should change with technology in order to remain competitive. With that said, the plan was to shut down 100 offices. The son was the CEO of 200 total offices; 2 in each of the 50 states. By shutting down those offices, he saved on the cost of utility bills, office supplies, employee management, labor cost, least/rental fee, and property taxes. As a substitute for shutting down those facilities down, the remaining employees learned about web designing, and advertising online, so that they could build their own web pages from the main office, or from the comfort of their homes. This new technology allowed the company to sell insurance online, provide training seminars on a self-pace basis, and provide incentives to employees with the most sales to boost their motivation. A few of the older employees did not support the idea, because they felt that the traditional face to face methods of selling insurance, and training employees was still more efficient. They depicted that a person’s personality sells insurance, and not the computers. The son gave those employees a choice to either get onboard, conduct some E-learning and training, or refuse the changes, and hand in their resignation.
List the advantages and disadvantages of HRDV 5610 on line vs. the traditional classroom HRDV 5610 class.
Advantages
a. HRDV 5610 online allows me the flexibility to complete my degree plan in the convenience of my own home, at the office, the library, or wherever I have internet access, versus traditional classroom attendance which makes it hard for traveling military service members to attend. b. HRDV 5610 online saves me gas, time, and money taken it online, versus driving to a local campus for traditional classroom setting. c. Class work can be scheduled around work and family d. Self-paced learning modules allow me to work at my own pace e. HRDV 5610 online allows me discrete interaction between the students, or instructor through E-tools, versus traditional learning where students are embarrassed to ask question for the fair of feeling stupid.
Disadvantages
a. HRDV 5610 online doesn’t allow for student to hear actual pronunciation of certainwords used in discussions. b. HRDV 5610 online c. Learners with low motivation or bad study habits may fall behind d. Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or confused about course activities and deadlines e. Students may feel isolated from the instructor and classmates f. Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help g. Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials frustrating h. Managing computer files and online learning software can sometimes seem complex for students with beginner-level computer skills

E-learning is emerging as the new paradigm of modern education. Worldwide, the e-learning market has a growth rate of 35.6%, but failures exist. Little is known about why many users stop their online learning after their initial experience. Previous research done under different task environments has suggested a variety of factors affecting user satisfaction with e-Learning. This study developed an integrated model with six dimensions: learners, instructors, courses, technology, design, and environment. A survey was conducted to investigate the critical factors affecting learners’ satisfaction in e-Learning. The results revealed that learner computer anxiety, instructor attitude toward e-Learning, e-Learning course flexibility, e-Learning course quality, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and diversity in assessments are the critical factors affecting learners’ perceived satisfaction. The results show institutions how to improve learner satisfaction and further strengthen their e-Learning implementation.

There are many advantages to online and computer-based learning when compared to traditional face-to-face courses and lectures. There are a few disadvantages as well.
Advantages of online or computer-based learning * Class work can be scheduled around work and family * Reduces travel time and travel costs for off-campus students * Students may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interest * Students can study anywhere they have access to a computer and Internet connection * Self-paced learning modules allow students to work at their own pace * Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms * Instructors and students both report eLearning fosters more interaction among students and instructors than in large lecture courses * eLearning can accommodate different learning styles and facilitate learning through a variety of activities * Develops knowledge of the Internet and computers skills that will help learners throughout their lives and careers * Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning * Learners can test out of or skim over materials already mastered and concentrate efforts in mastering areas containing new information and/or skills
Disadvantages of online or computer-based learning * Learners with low motivation or bad study habits may fall behind * Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or confused about course activities and deadlines * Students may feel isolated from the instructor and classmates * Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help * Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials frustrating * Managing computer files and online learning software can sometimes seem complex for students with beginner-level computer skills * Hands-on or lab work is difficult to simulate in a virtual classroom