Simply stated, e-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported education (i.e., e-education). This term is most commonly used for distance learning over the Internet where the remotely located students and instructors are interconnected through the Internet. Developments in Internet and multimedia technologies are the basic enablers of e-learning. In modern settings, e-learning typically includes Web/computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Public Internet, and intranet/extranet via media such as text, image, animation, streaming video and audio. e-Learning is being used heavily in K-20 and professional education. In some cases, e-learning is 100% online, with a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous methods (explained below).
e-Learning systems, as shown in the diagram, consist of the following key components:
Course development capabilities in electronic format
Course delivery mechanisms, typically over the Internet
Course management and administration facilities over the Internet
Course evaluation (e.g., exams and quizzes) over the Internet
The e-learning content is delivered by using the asynchronous (self-paced), synchronous (instructor-led) or mixture (e.g., virtual classroom) communications:
Asynchronous communications allow participants to engage in the exchange of information without the dependency of other participants involvement at the same time. These activities use technologies such as email, blogs, wikis, and discussion boards. Asynchronous e-learning gives students the ability to work at their own pace, thus reducing stress and scheduling problems.
Synchronous communications involve the exchange of information between several participants during the same period of time. A telephone call (through Skype, for example) or face to face discussion is an example of synchronous communication. Synchronous e-learning is typically instructor led and requires all participants to join in at once, as with a telephone conference call or an online chat session.
Mixtures of communication technologies are used in many e-learning environments. A good example is a virtual classroom environment. In virtual classrooms, participants use icons called emoticons (e.g., smiley faces) to communicate feelings and responses to questions or statements. Virtual classrooms commonly include text notes, microphone rights, and breakout sessions that allow the participants to work collaboratively in a small group setting to accomplish a task or to have private conversations with the instructors. Participants can also use a white board for discussions. Some virtual classrooms also allow sharing of desktops, with proper permissions. In short, virtual classrooms attempt to simulate as close to a real classroom environment as possible.
Distance learning implies education for people who are not physically close to the instructors. The term e-learning in the modern settings implies distance learning by using the Internet and the Web. e-Learning 2.0 goes a step beyond by relying on Web 2.0. Conventional e-learning systems are based on asynchronous model where instructional packets are delivered to students over the Internet, assignments are sent to the instructor through email, and sent back with evaluations. e-Learning 2.0 places increased emphasis on social learning by using the Web 2.0 software such as blogs, wikis, podcasts and virtual worlds (e.g., Second Life). e-Learning 2.0 is much more synchronous than the conventional e-learning it relies on conversations about content. e-Learning 2.0 also uses virtual classrooms (online and discussion forums) as an online learning platform. Terms such as Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) are used to describe language learning through handheld devices.