The types of e-Learning one can deliver...

There are many variations and possible combinations to e-Learning delivery. Pick the one that’s most suitable for you.

• Simply online with no face-to-face meetings
• Blended or mixed learning: A combination of online with face-to-face
• Synchronous
• Asynchronous
• Instructor-led group
• Self-study
• Self-study with subject matter expert
• Web-based
• Computer based (CD-ROM)
• Video or audio tape

Possible delivery methods

It is possible to do e-Learning over the World Wide Web (WWW), networks, or by CD-ROM. Some variations of distance learning and face-to-face sessions can also be built-in incorporating traditional media. Some common methods adopted are:

• Print: e-Books, e-Zines, m-Books
• Video: Video tape/disk, DVD, cable, Internet TV, streaming video, webcasts,
• Audio: CD-ROM/DVD, streaming audio, internet radio
• Review and Exams: electronic, interactive, paper

Communications

• Asynchronous: E-mail, listservs, threaded discussions, weblogs, RSS, wikis, forums
• Synchronous: Chat, video conferencing, web conferencing, virtual classroom, teleconferencing

What is e-Learning?

I know it is difficult but I am a firm believer of Impossible is nothing! So I am taking the plunge to answer this question. IMHO e-Learning is a term that describes learning done at a computer, usually connected to a network and/or internet giving us the opportunity to learn almost anytime, anywhere.

I don’t distinguish between e-Learning and any other form of education. E-Learning is as rich and as valuable as the classroom experience and in some cases even more…

Just like in the physical classroom world instructional design (ID) is important its even more so in the e-Learning world. ID has been perfected and refined over the past few decades for e-Learning using established teaching principles and making learning/education student centric. This is the reason why we are seeing a trend of colleges, universities, businesses and organizations world-wide offering their students fully accredited online degree, vocational and continuing education programs.

E-Learning is frequently interchanged with the following terms:

• Online learning
• Online education
• Distance education
• Distance learning
• Technology-based training
• Web-based training
• Computer-based training (CD-ROM)

Qu'est ce que le e-learning ?

Le e-learning, ou apprentissage en ligne, est une méthode d'apprentissage qui repose sur la mise à disposition de contenus pédagogiques via un support électronique (Cédérom, Internet, intranet, extranet, télévision interactive, etc.).

Le e-learning comprend aussi bien des outils et des applications pédagogiques que des contenus pédagogiques.

Le e-learning concerne autant les jeunes qui utilisent ces supports électroniques à des fins pédagogiques que les adultes qui perfectionnent leur formation ou mettent à jour leurs connaissances. L’apprentissage en ligne, constituant une des facettes du e-learning, se différencie par l’utilisation de la technologie Web. Ces applications et ces contenus sont dispensés via un ordinateur relié à un intranet, à un extranet ou encore à Internet et constituent une étape plus avancée que l’utilisation du Cédérom. L’apprentissage en ligne offre des possibilités de collaboration et d'interactivité.