E learinig

E Learning 


If you could stop time and inexpensively bring together all of the people in your organization who need to learn and the resources to teach them, you would not need e-learning. In the real world, people have jobs to do and budgets are limited. Your learning program will need the power of technology to overcome the limitations of time, distance and resources.
E-learning refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. E-learning is broadly inclusive of all forms of educational technology in learning and teaching. E-learning is inclusive of, and is broadly synonymous with multimedia learning, technology-enhanced learning (TEL), computer-based instruction (CBI), computer-based training (CBT), computer-assisted instruction or computer-aided instruction (CAI), internet-based training (IBT), web-based training (WBT), online education, virtual education, virtual learning environments (VLE) (which are also called learning platforms), m-learning, and digital educational collaboration. 

 How does it work?
It works by giving the user what ever they need which normally falls under certain categories
 

• Knowledge databases -- While not necessarily seen as actual training, these databases are the most basic form of e-learning. You've probably seen knowledge databases on software sites offering indexed explanations and guidance for software questions, along with step-by-step instructions for performing specific tasks. These are usually moderately interactive, meaning that you can either type in a key word or phrase to search the database, or make a selection from an alphabetical list.

• Online support -- Online support is also a form of e-learning and functions in a similar manner to knowledge databases. Online support comes in the form of forums, chat rooms, online bulletin boards, e-mail, or live instant-messaging support. Slightly more interactive than knowledge databases, online support offers the opportunity for more specific questions and answers, as well as more immediate answers.

• Asynchronous training -- This is e-learning in the more traditional sense of the word. It involves self-paced learning, either CD-ROM-based, Network-based, Intranet-based or Internet-based. It may include access to instructors through online bulletin boards, online discussion groups and e-mail. Or, it may be totally self-contained with links to reference materials in place of a live instructor.

• Synchronous training -- Synchronous training is done in real-time with a live instructor facilitating the training. Everyone logs in at a set time and can communicate directly with the instructor and with each other. You can raise your cyber hand and even view the cyber whiteboard. It lasts for a set amount of time -- from a single session to several weeks, months or even years. This type of training usually takes place via Internet Web sites, audio- or video-conferencing, Internet telephony, or even two-way live broadcasts to students in a classroom.

Advantages of E Learning 

 

 

Disadvantages of E Learning

 

Instant messaging

Instant messaging 
 

What if you could send someone a short email and get a response almost instantly? That's basically what chat and Instant Messaging (IM) are: short messages that are sent and read in real time, allowing you to easily have a conversation with one or more people while online.
You can use chat or IM to touch-base with family members throughout the day or to send quick notes to co-workers about the projects you are working on. Many people like chat and IM because you can have a conversation without being disruptive to those around you. 
Technical definition Instant messaging (IM) is a type of online chat which offers real-time text transmission over the Internet. A LAN messenger operates in a similar way over a local area network. Short messages are typically transmitted bi-directionally between two parties, when each user chooses to complete a thought and select "send". Some IM clients can use push technology to provide real-time text, which transmits messages character by character, as they are composed. More advanced instant messaging can add file transfer, clickable hyperlinks, Voice over IP, or video chat.

How does it work ?

 

Real life example 

 

Advantages of Instant Messaging 

• You don’t have to wait for a response like email text – the person you are communicating with is normally connected to the site
• It’s free you don’t have to pay for it
• You can monitor who talk to means you an make sure that only friends you excep
• You can control what information you wish to share with people

Disadvantages of instant messaging 

• Saying one thing and meaning another when you can be misunderstood
• Distractive- like when you are trying to get work done and chat to friend instead
• Can be addictive and when you are with others rather than focusing on what they are saying you could be IMS on the phone or ITouch for example you can’t see or hear the person voice, no emotional contact.
• Viruses you could open a link and allow something to get into the computer
• Hacking- Someone could break into your computer and find things out things about you
•  Impersonating- someone could make account and pretend that it’s someone else than who you think it is.
• Very dangerous for young people who will trust others easily and be taken advantage off.  

Online Banking

Introduction

When was the last time you went inside a physical, brick-and-mortar bank? A little weird, wasn't it? It's kind of like walking back in time, to an age where tellers knew you by your first name and little kids were given leather-bound savings account passbooks for Christmas. Bank branches can feel like ghost towns at times. Big, half-empty rooms with a bored branch manager, an even more bored security guard and one lonely teller retrieving an account balance for a septuagenarian customer.
Most of us prefer to do our banking online, whether from a home or office computer or our Web-enabled smartphone. According to the American Bankers Association, 62 percent of American adults prefer banking online in 2011. And that holds true for older Americans. An impressive 57 percent of Americans above age 55 prefer to bank online, up from 20 percent in 2010

Online banking (or Internet banking or E-banking) allows customers of a financial institution to conduct financial transactions on a secure website operated by the institution, which can be a retail or virtual bank, credit union or building society.

How Online banking works

Electronic banking transactions typically involve three parties the bank, the consumer and a merchant. In some cases, only the bank and the consumer must participate to complete the transaction. The consumer initiates the transaction by either submitting the request online, going to a store or visiting an ATM machine. The bank receives the request and either approves or rejects the electronic transfer of funds based on the accuracy of the data provided in the request (card number, address, routing number or account number) and the available funds in the case of withdrawals. After processing is completed, the funds electronically transfer to or from the consumer's account to reach the intended recipient.

History of Internet Banking

Advantages of online banking

24-hour Access to Your Account

You can get the account information you need whenever you need it in the privacy of your own home. Better yet, if you travel a lot like I do, you can access your account anytime, anywhere.

Real-Time Information

You'll stay up-to-date on the status of your account, including your current balance, pending items, most recent transactions, etc.

Help Prevent or Minimize Fraud

With online banking, you can check your account regularly and notify your bank immediately when you see a transaction that isn't familiar to you.

Automatic Savings Plan

You can make account transfers any time you want. Many banks will also allow you to set up an automatic savings plan to transfer money from your checking account to your savings account each month.

Planning Tools

Many banks offer financial planning tools to help you set and meet savings goals, pay off loans early with extra payments, and more. These tools vary, so be sure to check your bank for availability.

Financial Incentives

Some banks or credit unions offer you financial incentives for using online banking. The credit union I use offers a 3% APY on balances up to $15,000 and a $15 refund (per month) on any ATM withdrawal surcharges. To qualify for these financial bonuses, you need to have direct deposit, make a minimum of 10 debit card purchases per month, make at least 4 log ins to online banking, and sign-up to receive your monthly bank statement by email instead of the postal service.

Faster Account Balancing

With online banking, your account statement is typically available to view online or download on the first day of the month, so there's no waiting around three to five days after month-end for your statement to arrive. If you use personal finance apps like YNAB, Mvelopes, Mint, or others, you may be able to import your bank account information into that app, making balancing your accounts a snap. 
Disadvantages of online banking

 
Bank Relationship
A traditional bank provides the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with that bank. Getting to know the people at your local branch can be an advantage when you need a loan or a special service that is not normally offered to the public. A bank manager usually has some discretion in changing the terms of your account if your personal circumstances change. They can help you solve problems such as reversing an undeserved fee or service charge.
Your banker will also get to know you and your unique needs. If you have a business account, this personal relationship may help if you need capital to expand. It's easier to get the bank's support if there is someone who understands your business and can vouch for your operating plan.
Transaction Issues 
Sometimes a face-to-face meeting is required to complete complex transactions and address complicated problems. A traditional bank can host meetings and call in experts to solve a specific issue. In addition, international transactions may be more difficult (or impossible) with some direct banks.
If you regularly deposit cash, a traditional bank with a drive-through window may be more practical and efficient. Another potential drawback is that most direct banks do not have their own ATM machines. Unless an internet bank has a network alliance with another bank, you will be charged for your ATM use.

Service Issues
Some direct banks may not offer all the comprehensive financial services, such as insurance and brokerage accounts, that traditional banks offer. Traditional banks sometimes offer special services to loyal customers, such as preferred rates and investment advice at no extra charge.
In addition, routine services such as notarization and bank signature guarantee are not available online. These services are required for many financial and legal transactions.

Security 
Direct banks are subject to the same laws and regulations as traditional banks, and accounts are protected by the FDIC. Sophisticated encryption software is designed to protect your account information, but no system is perfect. Accounts may be subject to phishing, hacker attacks, malware and other unauthorized activity. However, one advantage of online banking is that you are likely to find a security breach more quickly, because your account balance is so accessible.
Most banks now make scanned copies of cleared checks available online, which helps to avoid and identify check fraud. It enables verification that all checks are signed by you and that dollar amounts have not been changed. The timely discovery of discrepancies can be reported and investigated immediately.

Identity theft is a significant concern, but some online banks take this risk more seriously than others. Before opening an online account, thoroughly investigate the bank's security policies and protections to ensure they meet your expectations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emails

Introduction 

Almost everybody has an email account which they can use to send and receive emails with and most social networking sites like facebook ,myspace and  twitter require the user to have a email account but what are emails really, how do they work and more will be considered in this article.

What are emails  

Electronic mail, most commonly referred to as email or e-mail since approximately 1993, is a method of exchanging digital messages from an author to one or more recipients. Modern email operates across the Internet or other computer networks. Some early email systems required that the author and the recipient both be online at the same time, in common with instant messaging. Today's email systems are based on a store-and-forward model. Email servers accept, forward, deliver, and store messages. Neither the users nor their computers are required to be online simultaneously; they need connect only briefly, typically to an email server, for as long as it takes to send or receive messages.
When and by who was email made
VA Shiva Ayyadurai (born 2 December 1963 in Mumbai, India) is an American scientist and entrepreneur.
As a high school student in 1978, he developed a full-scale emulation of the interoffice mail system, which he called "EMAIL" and copyrighted in 1982.

Types of emails
There are four main types Web-based email, Provider-based email, Institution-based email and Self-hosted email.
In Web-based email it is  entirely online: you visit a website to log in to your account, your email is stored on your email service’s computers, and nothing is ever stored on your computer unless you choose to download it and save it. You can log in to web-based email from any internet browser in the world and from that service’s app on your smartphone or tablet.
Provider-based email is email that your internet service provider offers you as part of your service. Comcast, Verizon, RCN, or any other service provider may offer email that they store on their servers, like web-based email. You access this email using a web browser or from a web-ready television.
Institution-based email is email you get through work, school, or another organization. You usually access this email using a web browser or directly through a client (see below) on your work computer.
Self-hosted email is email you or a friend/acquaintance hosts for you. If you run your own website, you may also get email with that website address provided as part of your web hosting service.
How do emails work 

  

In a real life situation example Gmail

  
  



What is Email Protocol
In computing, a protocol is the language used by computers while talking with each other. In its simplest form, a protocol is the rules used in talking and communication between
computers.
Types of email protocol
 
Imap
Short for Internet Message Access Protocol, a protocol for retrieving e-mail messages. The latest version, IMAP4, is similar to POP3 but supports some additional features. For example, with IMAP4, you can search through your e-mail messages for keywords while the messages are still on mail server. You can then choose which messages to download to your machine.
Pop(Post Office Protocol 3)
 POP is short for Post Office Protocol, a protocol used to retrieve e-mail from a mail server. Most e-mail applications (sometimes called an e-mail client) use the POP protocol, although some can use the newer IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol).

Smtp
(pronounced as separate letters) Short for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, a protocol for sending e-mail messages between servers. Most e-mail systems that send mail over the Internet use SMTP to send messages from one server to another; the messages can then be retrieved with an e-mail client using either POP or IMAP. In addition, SMTP is generally used to send messages from a mail client to a mail server. This is why you need to specify both the POP or IMAP server and the SMTP server when you configure your e-mail application.

 Advantages of email

1. EMail enables speedy communication
2. Email provides the receiver an option to respond immediately
3. Email saves tons of trees daily (Alternative to papers)
4. Email saves tons of fuels daily (Freight vehicle fuels)
5. User enjoys sending colorful and attractive messages using HTML
6. Businesses enjoys no or low cost communication
7. A new business opportunity for email service providers through Ads
8. A free communication media for users
9. More delightful fast and rich media presentation for receiver
10. After all, email is the first source to interact with a person personally when he is free unlike in a telephone or any real time we need the receiver to be engaged
11. e-mail is a low cost way to transmit messages
12. e-mail messages are always easy to locate
13. it is always a secure means of sending messages
14. it eliminates the need for conventional surface mail
15. you can choose priority (high which is fast or low which is slow)

Disadvantages

1. Lack of computer knowledge among people, so not sure all receiving parties use email system
2. Unwanted SPAM emails
3. Illegal contents including VIRUS damages end user systems, data & reputation
4. Email might not send due to loss of connection to the internet
5. Emails cannot really be used for official business documents. They may be lost and you cannot sign them.
6. Your mailbox may get flooded with emails after a certain time so you have to empty it from time to time. 

  References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_client
http://blog.bpl.org/lifeonline/index.php/2011/07/email-definitions/
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/IMAP.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_advantage_and_disadvantage_of_email
http://www.english-online.at/media/emails/advantages-disadvantages-of-electronic-mail.htm