E-Learning — Meaning and Concept

4. E-Learning — Meaning and Concept

What e-Learning means. E-Learning (electronic learning) is learning that is delivered, supported or enhanced through information and communication technology — chiefly computers, the internet, mobile devices and electronic content. Instead of learning only from a teacher and a printed book inside a classroom, in e-Learning the learner uses electronic materials (text, images, audio, video, animations, quizzes) delivered over a computer or the internet, and can often learn at a place and time of their own choosing. Watching a recorded video lesson, reading an e-book, attending a live online class, or taking an online test are all examples of e-Learning.

E-Learning compared with traditional classroom learning. In traditional (classroom) learning, teacher and learner must be in the same place at the same time; the pace is set by the teacher for the whole class; and the materials are physical (blackboard, textbook, notes). In e-Learning, teacher and learner need not be in the same place, and often need not be present at the same time; the learner can frequently set their own pace and repeat material as needed; and the materials are electronic and can include audio and video. E-Learning does not necessarily replace the teacher — in many forms the teacher is still present online — but it changes how and where learning takes place.

Distance learning, online learning and e-Learning. These overlapping terms are worth distinguishing. Distance learning is the older idea of learning when teacher and student are geographically apart (originally through posted study material). Online learning is learning delivered specifically over the internet. E-Learning is the broadest of the three: any learning that uses electronic technology, whether or not the internet is involved — for example, a lesson delivered on a computer from a CD or stored file is e-Learning but is not, strictly, online learning. In everyday use the terms are often treated as the same.

Key features of e-Learning. Whatever its form, e-Learning tends to share certain features:

• Technology-based delivery — content reaches the learner through a computer, device or network.
• Flexibility of time and place — learning can often happen anywhere and at any time.
• Self-paced or guided — the learner may control the pace, or follow a scheduled online class.
• Multimedia content — the use of text with audio, video, animation and interactivity to aid understanding. …