2. Definition
• A learning system based on formalised teaching but with
the help of electronic resources is known as E-learning.
While teaching can be based in or out of the classrooms,
the use of computers and the Internet forms the major
component of E-learning. E-learning can also be termed
as a network enabled transfer of skills and knowledge,
and the delivery of education is made to a large number
of recipients at the same or different times.
3. Types of e-learning
Fundamentally, there are two categories of eLearning:
• Synchronous
• Asynchronous
• Synchronous eLearning is when the learners and the
instructor interact with each other in real time, from
different locations.
• Asynchronous eLearning is when learners complete self-
paced online training. In this case, the learner and the
instructor are not online at the same time.
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• 1. SYNCHRONOUS E-LEARNING
• set time (phone/Internet classroom sessions)
• Synchronous eLearning is real-time learning. In synchronous learning, the learners and the
teacher are online and interact at the same time from different locations. They deliver and
receive the learning resources via mobile, video conference, Internet or chat. In this type of
learning the participants can share their ideas during the session and interact with each
other and they get detailed queries and solutions. Synchronous eLearning is gaining
popularity because of improved technology and Internet bandwidth capabilities.
• Learning from the sources of:
• Virtual Classroom
• Audio and Video Conferencing
• Chat
• Webinars
• Application Sharing
• Messaging instantly
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• 2. ASYNCHRONOUS E-LEARNING
• student directed, self-paced learning
• Asynchronous eLearning is pause-and-resume kind of learning. In this type of
eLearning the learner and the teacher cannot be online at same time.
Asynchronous eLearning may use technologies such as email, blogs, discussion
forums, eBook’s CDs, DVDs, etc. Learners may learn at any time, download
documents, and chat with teachers & also with co-learners. In fact, many learners
prefer asynchronous instead of synchronous learning because learners can take
online courses to learn at their preferable time by not effecting their daily
commitments.
• Learning from the sources of:
• Self-paced online courses
• Discussion forums & groups
• Message boards
