E-learning is a collective noun of the creation of learning situations (as well formal as informal) with the help of information and communication technology (especially internet technology). At this moment, E-learning is mostly used in education, but it is also applied in companies.
E-learning is a relatively young term. Initially, the name for this phenomenon was ´online learning´. In 1999 the term E-learning was introduced.
With the introduction of the internet, E-learning came up very quickly. The expectations of E-learning were great. One thought that learning by means of the internet would be faster, more efficient and more interactive. Internet technologies should make it possible to learn complex tasks within a powerful, flexible and so called ´authentic´ learning environment.
Types of E-learning
E-learning can be applied in different ways to support learning methods, although this depends on the following factors.
Formal-informal
Didactic
Asynchroon- synchroon
Technology
Even so there are different forms of E-learning, I will only go in dept on the most important one which is formal-informal.
We can speak of formal learning when a student is learning purposefully and systematically. An organization (school) is the initiative taker of this process in the form of a course of a study.
We can speak of informal learning when the learning process takes place in a more spontaneous way. For example, when project teams have to execute very complex tasks. They analyze the situation, collect information, etc…There is hardly a separation between learning and working.
In both cases, one can use E-learning to advance the learning process.
Examples of formal forms of E-learning:
Online course
Course at a CD ROM
Online exam
Virtual work areas, like blackboard or aula virtual
Examples of informal forms of E-learning:
Databases, which can be consulted
Professionals who maintain a website to reflect their work
Online community where people can learn from each other’s experience
Advantages and disadvantages
E-learning has a few advantages and disadvantages. Besides, it does not mean that all of the following advantages and disadvantages are valid for every situation, but these are the most common ones.
Flexibility
Due to E-learning, students have access to a learning environment 24/7. Not only students but also employees have access to trainings possibilities where and whenever they want, at home or at work. The learning material can be separated easier whereby the student is able to get a better overview of the material. They are time and place independent and they can learn exactly the kind of subject material that they need, at the moment when they need it.
It saves time
At first with classical teaching, every student had to spend the same amount of time on studying. Now, with E-learning students can learn in their own speed and spent the time that they need to study on a subject. An advantage is that quick learners will have to spend less time on learning and other students can take as much time as they need.
Up-to-date
It is easier for teachers to keep the subject material up-to-date and to integrate it into the network, whereby the students have access to the latest information. Another advantage is that students get the same information presented.
Learning and working in a team
Thanks to E-learning, students can work at different locations on a common project and they can use ICT tools to communicate with each other from a large distance. Learning is also a social process whereby interaction, communication and collaboration play a crucial role in the capitation of knowledge and development of the students. Besides that, it is important that learning takes place in a relevant, complex and flexible environment. Therefore, students can transform their knowledge to other relevant situations. Due to E-learning, powerful and flexible learning environment can be created wherein students together can study.
Disadvantages
Studying by means of E-learning requires a great sense of discipline due to the fact that everything is aimed on self-study. In other words you have to be very motivated to study with E-learning. You also need to have a great knowledge of computers because everything goes by computers.
Resistance
The implementation of E-learning leads to another type of learning. Teachers and trainers have to changes their way of teaching and they are not always willing to do that. Sometimes it is because they do not belief in the new methods and they think it will cost more, than it will gain. Furthermore, the introduction of E-learning will lead to higher work pressure, due to the fact that with E-learning you can give more lectures to students.
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