Part 1: The Definition. I suppose that this aspect is more or less clear for everyone; we are a technically progressive generation and E-Learning is something that we at least intuitively understand. I have found numerous definitions and it’s hard to say which is the best one. I think that they all reflect the true vision of E-learning and just put it in different words. My favorite one is:
“The delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. E-learning involves the use of a computer or electonic device (e.g. a mobile phone) in some way to provide training, educational or learning material”.
In my opinion, it’s brief and simple. It’s a kind of definition that everyone can understand and remember without having to learn it by heart. In case that one wants to go deeper into the definition, there’s a continuation:
“E-learning can involve a greater variety of equipment than online training or education, for as the name implies, “online” involves using the Internet or an Intranet. CD-ROM and DVD can be used to provide learning materials.
Distance education provided the base for e-learning’s development. E-learning can be “on demand”. It overcomes timing, attendance and travel difficulties.” (found on http://derekstockley.com.au/eindex2aa.html)
The only thing that is missing is probably an example of situations or institutions where eLearning can be used.
I’ve found this argument also fair because it shows that eLearning has much more sides and aspects than some people think and that it is changing constantly : “Just when we thought we had e-learning all figured out, it’s changing again. After years of experimentation and the irrational exuberance that characterized the late 1990s, we find our views of e-learning more sober and realistic. This is a good sign; we can make more rational forecasts of how the field will evolve. It also presents some challenges, and the direction we are heading may not be the path we originally thought we were on.” (Marc Rosenberg, Learning Circuits, March 2006 found on www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/eclipse/Resources/whatise.htm)
Part 2: Expectations, Advantages and Disadvantages. I expect that eLearning makes the learning process faster, easier and more flexible (because it “overcomes timing, attendance and travel difficulties” ); that it enables easier access to information and offer tools how to work with it. A great advantage of eLearning is that it makes mobile learning possible; e.g. at places and in situations where conventional learning forms would not be available or would not work. The biggest disadvantage in the whole thing is in my opinion the fact that one needs a lot of self-discipline and good organization skills in order to work with eLearning.
Part 3: Good Settings for eLearning. The first setting is geographical – it could be learning while traveling. As I’ve already mentioned, mobile learning is one of the greatest advantages of eLearning. W-LAN, notebooks, mp3-players, smartphones etc. are all modern gadgets that enable learning while traveling. I’ve been thinking about long hours spent in a subway, train, waiting for a flight at the airport etc. that can be used for learning. eLearning makes it possible!
The second setting is physical – it was very topical for me recently. There are situations in which people cannot go to learning institutions because they are e.g. ill. Some years ago reading a book or watching TV was the only activity one could do while beeing sick, but eLearning has changed it. Now it is possible to stay up-to-date: to order books online from the library, to search for information for an essay, to learn foreign languages and even to take part on lessons via Skype.
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