2. Defining E-Learning 2
Defining E-Learning
E-learning is a very elusive term. In order to define e-learning, it is necessary to research
what e-learning means to different institutions. Sources that define e-learning have varying
definitions. Some sources put e-learning as any type of learning by electronics. Other sources
specifically link e-learning with distance learning. There are other sources yet that link e-learning
specifically with online learning. The e in e-learning stands for electronic and therefore, e-
learning should be defined as learning by way of any method that makes use of electronic
technology.
About e-Learning is a website dedicated to everything that concerns e-learning from the
definition of e-learning to the various programs available in e-learning format. According to
About e-Learning - Online Degrees and Colleges Information Guide, Definition of e-Learning
(2009), the definition of e-learning “basically boils down to learning that is facilitated and
supported via information and communications technology (ICT)” (¶ 1). The site further defines
e-learning as “simply a medium for delivering learning… e-learning covers a wide array of
activities from supported learning, to blended or hybrid learning (the combination of traditional
and e-learning practices), to learning that occurs 100% online” (2009, ¶ 4). About e-Learning
umbrellas any learning through information and communication technology as e-learning and
places equal emphasis on learning via a support in a physical classroom such as a program in the
computer-lab to hybrid learning that takes place both in a physical classroom to learning that is
completely online.
E-Learning Developer is another website dedicated to all things concerning e-learning.
Unlike About e-Learning, E-Learning Developer defines e-learning as four specific levels. Level
1, according to e-Learning Developer (2009) is described as “page turner eLearning” (¶ 2). This
3. Defining E-Learning 3
means that Level 1 e-learning is very simple and consists of reading and clicking on the next
page to continue. “Level 1 courses generally have very limited interactivity (where the user
clicks on the content and something happens)” (2009, ¶ 2). Level 1 may consist of a very simple
website with little to no multimedia. The next level is a bit more involved for the student. “Level
2 courses generally have in-line interactive elements such as drag-and-drop, hot spots,
categorize, and other items that require the user to manipulate objects on the page using a mouse
or keyboard strokes” (2009, ¶ 6). Level 3 is more complex in design than Level 2. Level 3
courses
may actually be custom interactivities rather than template-based standard
interactivities. The multimedia experience is also increased with sharper custom visuals,
more animations, and more complex instructional design. Courses at this level may also
have more complex SCORM communication built-in. For example, you may set the
course up to include multiple topics and require topic A as a prerequisit for the learner to
take topic B. You may also include remediation that points the learner back to previous
lessons if an interactivity or quiz question is not answered correctly (2009, ¶ 8).
Level 4 is only given a very brief description, “with Level 4 eLearning, the sky is the limit. This
level is repleat with high impact graphics, 3D illustrations/animations, complex interactivities,
and more” (2009, ¶ 10). Unfortunately there is no further description of what differentiates Level
4 from Level 3. E-Learning Developer seems to see e-learning as strictly online learning and
does not account for other information and communication technology.
WorldWideLearn is a website that proclaims itself as an “online dictionary of education”
(2009). According to WorldWideLearn on the E-Learning Essentials page, e-learning is defined
as “an umbrella term that describes learning done at a computer, usually connected to a network,
4. Defining E-Learning 4
giving us the opportunity to learn almost anytime, anywhere” (2009, ¶ 2). WorldWideLearn lists
various types of e-learning and methods in which e-learning may be delivered on its Types of E-
Learning page. E-learning includes
• Purely online - no face-to-face meetings
• Blended Learning - combination of online and face-to-face
• Synchronous
• Asynchronous
• Instructor-led group
• Self-study
• Self-study with subject matter expert
• Web-based
• Computer-based (CD-ROM)
• Video/audio tape (2009, ¶ 1).
WorldWideLearn gives a broad spectrum of what constitutes e-learning but specifies that it is
mostly done at a computer.
E-learning is a very elusive term that has been given many definitions, some definitions
similar and some differ greatly. E-Learning Developer and WorldWideLearn suggest that e-
learning is related to computers. WorldWideLearn has e-learning mostly done at a computer but
not necessarily connected to the Internet and online learning. WorldWideLearn mentions Video
and audiotapes but heavily supports computers and even more weight on the internet. E-Learning
5. Defining E-Learning 5
Developer lists different levels of e-learning and implies that these levels are done online
whether on an extremely simple webpage or an extremely complicated website. E-Learning
Developer does not take into account any other form of learning done with electronics outside of
learning down over the Internet. About e-Learning is the only one of the three sources that takes
in account all forms of information and communication technology.
E-learning can be a type of distance learning but does not necessarily have to be done
online. Similarly, distance learning does not have to be linked with e-learning. Distance learning
can be done through the postal system. E-learning is any learning that is done with any electronic
technology. E-learning can be conducted by using the telephone, a DVD or CD in a face to face
setting, strictly by CD or DVD privately or in a hybrid situation. E-learning can also be
conducted by using the Internet. Online learning may be gaining popularity as the most used
method of e-learning. Online learning is a specific subset of e-learning and of distance learning,
it is not the sole method of e-learning. E-learning is any type of learning that is facilitated with
some form of electronic information and communications technology.
6. Defining E-Learning 6
References
About e-Learning. (2009). Definition of e-Learning. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from
http://www.about-elearning.com/definition-of-e-learning.html
eLearning Developer. (2009). eLearning Development Levels Definition. Retrieved July 9, 2009,
from http://www.elearning-developer.com/2009/04/elearning-development-levels-
definition/
WorldWideLearn. (2009). E-Learning Essentials. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/elearning-types.htm
7. Defining E-Learning 6
References
About e-Learning. (2009). Definition of e-Learning. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from
http://www.about-elearning.com/definition-of-e-learning.html
eLearning Developer. (2009). eLearning Development Levels Definition. Retrieved July 9, 2009,
from http://www.elearning-developer.com/2009/04/elearning-development-levels-
definition/
WorldWideLearn. (2009). E-Learning Essentials. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/elearning-types.htm
