There are many different descriptions for e-learning, but on a basic level, if you are using Internet or computer technologies to study and learn, then you are taking part in e-learning. However, there are many different levels and types of e-learning out there. This information should help you to make sense of it all.
Definitions of e-learning
The Learning Curve
The image below will help you to define e-learning into recognised categories. When you are able to define what you want it makes it easier to search for courses and materials that suit your requirements. A more in-depth text description of each learning category is also provided below.
Descriptions of categories
Traditional learning- sometimes called 100% face to face training. This type of learning is purely tutor led with course content requiring no access to computers either for research or completion of coursework. Typically such courses will use text books for course materials and delivery will be in a classroom using traditional methods such as blackboard/flip charts and possibly some presentations using overhead projectors or slide shows. Assessment will generally be traditional examinations held in a geographical location, usually the institution where the training takes place.
IT supporting learning
Courses in this category would generally recommend that the attendee has access to a computer, either for word processing course work or for research and revision purposes. The course will typically be delivered in a traditional manner with tutor led instruction with text books and online resources used for completion of coursework and revision. Assessment will usually be traditional examinations held in a geographical location, usually the institution where the training takes place.
Traditional learning with online support
Courses will be very similar to the course type previously mentioned, but the trainee will have online access to support from a tutor outside normal hours. This contact may be via email or a forum chat facility which may be structured to certain times. Assessment may be traditional or may be a mixture of online and traditional examinations.
Blended learning
Typically courses will be a mixture of tutor-led training and online or computer based materials. Course material may take the form of computer based exercises, facilitated by a tutor. The course may also be a mixture of classroom sessions and remote access to online materials via the Internet, intranet or email. Blended learning is usually time constrained and synchronous with other trainees working together to achieve a common goal. The trainee may be required to complete online or computer-based assessments, or a mixture of traditional and computer-based. Hence the term "blended".
Remote e-learning in a Group - sometimes called synchronous e-learning
The trainee will work by themslves but synchronously with other trainees. The course will usually run within time constraints. Course material may incorporate access to training modules and tests via the Internet or CD ROM. There will be no tutor-led delivery, but the trainee will have access to tutor support via chat facilities at given times, or by email. Assessment may take the form of tests incorporated into the learning material and giving instant feedback or the submitting of assignments via email or through a Learning Management System. There may even be a traditional assessment procedure where trainees meet to be tested together under normal examination conditions.
Individual Remote e-learning - sometimes called asynchronous e-learning
Courses are taken at the trainees own pace and at a place and time to suit them. They are not synchronous with other trainees. There is usually no structured tutor support, The course material will incorporate the required help features and may provide the trainee with feedback in response to interactions with it. Tutor support and feedback may be available via email. Course material will be purely computer based either via the Internet, intranet or in some cases CD ROM. Assessment may take the form of tests incorporated into the learning material and giving instant feedback or the submitting of assignments via email or through a Learning Management System.
Pure e-learning
The teaching takes place via online or tailor-made CD ROM modules. There is no tutor support. Help features are incorporated into the learning modules. The trainee will work completely independently at a pace place and time to suit their needs. Assessment is taken via the course material with instant feedback being given by the software. Monitoring of trainees on such courses can be facilitated by a Learning Management System.
