ITEC 745 - eLearning Introduction

What to Call It:	Online Learning, E-learning, eLearning, Elearning, Distance Education, Web-Based Training (WBT)... These terms ( and a host of others) all loosely describe a range of activities using computers, networks, the World Wide Web and, increasingly, a range of other devices to provide learning to users. We will call the general term online learning. Within this general term will be various other terms that will define different aspects of it.
Definition:	When learning takes place using computers and networks, that is in its most general sense, online learning.
Pros:	Anytime, Anywhere Access Self-paced Learner focused Can be accessed just in time (at the moment of need for learning) More effective for certain learners Can be customized or personalized Can utilize different ways of presenting learning (visual, text-based, levels of depth) Lower costs (somtimes) Faster learning (somtimes)
Cons:	Time consuming to develop Time consuming to teach/interact/facilitate Prerequisite knowledge for learner/for instructor Lack of face-to-face interaction Accessibility Requires greater self-motivation for learners Lack of social aspects of traditional campus or corporate training
Types of Online Learning:	Margaret Driscoll, whose book "Web Based Training" and other writings identifies four types of online learning. While this is only one of way of viewing online learning, it is very popular and serves as a very good way to start an organized concept of this topic: WBT, Electronic Performance Support Systems, Asynchronous Classroom, Synchronous Classroom But pigeon-holing online learning into these categories can be a mistake. A better way of approaching categorization of different online learning types or models is approach these as a mix of approaches which an Instructional Designer can aptly choose from when designing instruction. Examine more about Types and Models of Online Learning.... Next »»»»

[Online Learning -- Intro | Types | Technologies | Structuring | Questions | Examples]