What is e-learning?

Introduction

This question is the subject of much debate. Quite simply, e-learning is simply learning that occurs at the computer. In this day and age, this generally means over the Internet, with the information delivered via a browser, like Internet Explorer, or Netscape Navigator. Some may expand this definition to include any electronically delivered learning material - such as video or audio based learning.

Example 1: An e-learning 'learning object'. This learning object uses software simulation to teach you how to work with the timeline in a product called KnowledgePresenter.

More and more, people are drawing distinctions between the older, simpler, click-here-to-continue type e-learning, and the more interactive and collaborative e-learning that exists today.

Example 2: This learning object illustrates an interactive method of testing a students knowledge of geography and world flags.

Most would agree that to constitute e-learning, a learning object (a single unit of training) has to have some sort of quantifiable outcome or goal - i.e. to teach or test a specific task or tasks. Ideally, this goal is one that can then be measured using some form of interactivity or quiz to determine whether the user understood and/or absorbed what was learnt.

Example 3: An e-learning 'pre-test'. This learning object uses software simulation to test your knowledge of Microsoft Word.

E-learning today

For some people, e-learning may constitute the conversion of printed material to be displayed in a browser, perhaps with a series of linked pages, a table of contents, but not much interactivity.

These days, high quality e-learning material may constitute things like:

• high levels of interactivity
• vivid simulations
• video and/or audio
• community based, with access to tutors or fellow e-learners
• links to a learning management system for user progress tracking.

Example 4: This e-learning learning object uses audio and animation to help teach how stars are formed.

Learning Management Systems

A Learning Management System is software that sits between the user and the learning objects, and keeps a track of user progress through the training. It will record the activities taken, how long they took, and any scores recorded by those activities.

This allows a student themselves, or managers to locate where students may require extra help or revision, and even to certify students, all in an online environment.

Learning objects on their own can be used without a Learning Management System - it depends on the purpose of the training. If it is not required that results be scored or stored, then you may not need a learning management system at all.

Illustration 1 (below):
A screen image of a Learning Management System. Note that for each learning object (listed under Activity Name), the learning management system records times, scores, number of attempts, and status.