Week Five: E-Learning on the Internet - The end of the Analog Era?

It has been five weeks already since the start of this module, and I'm really starting to feel the jadedness sink in. Honestly speaking but I'm still finding this topic interesting, its probably just the overall drag of having to drag(literally) myself to school from Bedok.

Well then, on to the lesson proper! E-Learning

E-learning! What is it actually? The definition states that E-Learning is "learning that is facilitated by the use of digital tools and content". Interaction is limited to online interaction between learner and teacher/peers. Types of E-Learning platforms include(but not limited to):

1. Virtual Classrom
2. Audio/Visual/Graphics Animation
3. Rapid eLearning
4. Simulation-based
5. Game-based
6. Mobile Learning
7. Learning management system

However, the one topic I want to focus on is Game-based e-learning. Having been an avid gamer since my early ages(i put it at 6-7 years of age) when the internet was just in its infancy stage, there was literally no access to online teaching material. I however, had the opportunity to play one of the few most enriching games of my childhood time.

Memories. ahh

In this game, if I recall correctly, it involves this purple car pictured above and his pet dog, Pep. You go around solving series of puzzles and mathematical problems while going on some sort of adventure and I LOVED IT. I believe it was one of the earliest forms of interactive learning for kids in an electronic form.

Soon after, other more advanced games came into play. Today's gaming industry is only growing, and there are no signs of slowing down:


1. 911: First Responders. A game about para rescue teams and firefighting rescue units. Players are put into the shoes of your everyday civil worker like a paramedic or firefighter, and are given scenarios to respond to. It teaches one about the things our civil defense workers face.

2. Driving School Simulator. The title is pretty much self-explanatory. If you are starting to learn how to drive, or really suck at driving and need to pass your much dreaded driving test after repeated attempts, I would recommend you take a look at this.

Driving for dummies. Literally.

3. Rocksmith: 2014
Now THIS is one of my favorite titles. Apart from being an awesome game where you can jam to your favorite tunes, this game also doubles as a learning application for aspiring rock stars or just anyone who plain wants to take up guitar as a hobby. It is truly the first authentic guitar playing simulator. Guitar Hero? Oh please.

Eric Clapton eat your heart out.

These are just a few of the many learning and simulation games that developers are coming up with to enrich and entertain the minds of kids AND adults worldwide. Its no longer a stigma that gaming is associated with restlessness and lower grades. Instead, studies have proven that games like first person shooters and RPG's help increase a player's reflexes and improve their problem-solving abilities.

Killing Zombies: Good for health

I hope more and more games like these will gain exposure and popularity not only as an entertainment platform, but also as a learning tool. Lets not see games as something only to be enjoyed, rather lets look at it as a new form of e-learning.