E-Learning in Pharmaceutical Industry - Essay Example

?[Your full full October 14, E-Learning in Pharmaceutical Industry Before going to discuss e-learning in pharmaceutical industry, let us get a better understanding of what online learning environment actually is. Online learning refers to a virtual environment where teachers have no physical presence and students and teachers communicate with each other using communication technologies, such as, internet. “Distance learning is a course or program completed remotely from the school or university which offers the educational opportunity” (Rogers). There are three major forms of e-learning, which include computer-based learning, internet-based learning, and virtual learning environments. In this paper, we will discuss the role of virtual learning environments in enhancing pharmaceutical students’ knowledge. A slight overview of the effectiveness of web-based learning will also be included in the paper. In the present world, online learning is getting more and more famous because it is proving very beneficial for the students. "E-learning with its more active and interesting opportunities is gradually replacing the traditional form of teaching” (Roy). It not only helps pharmaceutical students manage their study schedule in accordance with other commitments of life but also provides a good overview of the market, which they need to serve. “E-learning is one way of helping to change the sales force’s perception of the market” (“E-Learning”). The pharmaceutical industry of any specific country has a well-established practice of providing effective training to the pharmaceutical students, medical representatives, and pharmacists. However, trainers related to this field cannot provide regular attention to every sales person properly in the field. “Much more personal support can be provided with a well structured e-learning programme as long as there is an effective tracking system in place” (“E-Learning”). Distinguishing Features of Online Learning Environment “E-learning is undoubtedly a more flexible way of learning” (Roy). Online learning environments provide an interactive way of learning to the students in which teachers and students can interact with each other without physical presence. Online quizzes, assignments, and threaded discussion boards are some of those features, which distinguish online learning environments from traditional learning environments. Discussion boards not only enable communication between students and teachers but also provide a way to the students to interact with other students enrolled in the course. Some online institutes make use of graded discussion boards to measure knowledge of the students. In graded discussion boards, teachers ask the students to write short paragraphs on the topics provided by them. Students need to have awareness of the ways to use internet and other modes of communication not only to participate properly in general and graded discussion boards but also to complete their quizzes and assignments within time. Ways to be Successful in Online Learning Environments “Although the online education is a popular option among the students, not all students suit the education style in online setting” (Harvard). The reason is that some students do not know the basics of learning in such environments. Some students do not have the required skills whereas some students do not have proper facilities to study in such environments. To be successful in online learning environments, students need to possess some key skills and abilities. There exist a number of strategies for the students to do well in online learning environments. Some of the main techniques include development of proper study schedule, written communication skills, and web navigation skills. All of these skills play a very important role in making students adapted to the online learning environments. Let us discuss these skills in some detail in order to know how these skills can help students of pharmacy learn properly in online environments. Communication through Writing In pharmaceutical sector, those students, who have a desire to become sales persons in future, need to be proficient in written communication. The profession of medical representatives is such that the sales reps need to note the information, which they hear from the people with whom they interact. E-learning enhances the ability of the sales reps to write down what they hear. “NOWADAYS WEB-BASED LEARNING is having a dramatic impact on the development of sales personnel” (“E-earning”). E-leaning in the pharmaceutical industry is successful only if students have a complete understanding of all underlying aspects of learning in such environments. Driscoll and Carliner state, “E-learning is different than designing classroom and workbook-based learning” (13). Ability to communicate through writing is very important for the students doing online studies. Harvard states, “In online learning environment, most communications will be done in written format”. Writing emails in proper format and sending assignments in required formats are very important for online pharmaceutical students. Although most of the learning takes place through televisions, video cassettes, and softcopies of the notes, but written communication also plays its role in making the interactions successful. If a student does not understand something properly, he/she needs to write an email to the teacher regarding the matter. The teacher then replies the student to make his/her concepts clear. If a student will not know how to communicate with the teacher using emails, it will create problems for the student. Therefore, every student studying in online environment should be able to communicate with teachers through writing. Web Navigation Another way for pharmaceutical students to achieve success in online learning environments is to get perfection in exploring different internet sites and regarding overall use of the internet. As most of the communication between teachers and students takes place through internet, students should be skilled in using different internet applications. Perfection in web navigation is very important for the students to participate properly in online discussions and online quizzes and assignments. Pharmaceutical students need to get awareness of different types of medicines in order to enhance their knowledge. Sometimes, mentors and trainers are not able to provide them with in-depth knowledge regarding some advancement in the field of medicine. Internet is one of the major electronic sources, which can provide sufficient amount of knowledge to a person. “Distance learning via the Internet combined with multi-media platforms can satisfy the demand for alternative forms of education” (Zu). This mode of knowledge transfer is known as web-based learning method. Using this method, students consult web for getting required information on any specific issue. The field of pharmacy is very wide. Students need to use different ways of learning to enhance their knowledge. So in order to get full awareness, the students need to explore the internet because internet provides a person with up to date knowledge regarding every thing he/she searches. Time Management Time management is also necessary for the students studying in virtual learning environments. In traditional learning environments, time management is not easy for the students and they have to sacrifice many of their important events of life to take classes. However, there is no such issue in case of virtual learning systems. Online students need to schedule their time properly in order to avoid mismanagement. Time management plays a very critical role in the success of such students because they have to submit quizzes and assignments within deadline considering all technological issues, such as, network failure or site overload. Virtual learning environments facilitate the students in designing their study schedules. Conclusion Summing it up, the role of such learning methods is very considerable for pharmaceutical students. Virtual learning environments and web-based learning are two such modes of e-learning, which not only help students manage their study schedule properly but also provide in-depth knowledge of all concepts and issues to the students. Therefore, we can say that e-learning is really playing a great role in the development of effective and knowledgeable medical representatives and pharmacists. Works Cited Driscoll, Margaret, and Saul Carliner. Advanced Web-Based Training Strategies: Unlocking Instructionally Sound Online Learning. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, 2005. Print. “E-Learning.” Pf Pharmaceutical Field, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2011. Harvard, Julie. “What Qualities Make For a Good Online Student?.” Ezinearticles.com, 14 Mar. 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2011. Rogers, Cathy. “What is Distance Learning?.” Wisegeek.com, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2011. Roy, Pranati. “Importance of E-Learning.” Ezinearticles.com, 27 Mar. 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2011. Zu, Sophira. “E-Learning Importance and Design.” Sfsu.edu, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2011. Read More