E-learning refers to electronic learning, which involves learning facilitated by electronic devices and resources. It utilizes various technologies like online courses, video conferencing, and digital libraries. E-learning has several advantages like flexible access, individualized instruction, and the ability to reach remote learners. However, it also faces challenges like requiring technical skills, costly equipment, and feelings of isolation from a lack of in-person interaction. The document discusses the definition, characteristics, modes, advantages and disadvantages of e-learning.

1. E- LEARNING
Dr SAJEENA S
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (ICSSR)
School of Pedagogical Sciences
Mahatma Gandhi University
Kottayam

2. E-learning is an abbreviation of the term electronic learning.
 Electronic learning in its literal meaning stands for the type of learning carried
out, facilitated or supported by some or the other electronic gadgets, media or
resources.
Judging in this sense, the learning facilitated by the use of an electronic media
or means like microphones and listening devices or audio and visual tapes can
be termed as e-learning.
In this sense, e-learning calls for the services of the advance electronic
information and communication media and means like teleconferencing, video-
conferencing and computer based conferencing, e-mail, live chat, surfing on
the Internet and Web browsing, online reference libraries, video games,
customized e-learning courses etc.

3.  NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF E- LEARNING
 Empowered by digital technology: E-learning is pedagogy empowered by digital
technology.
 Computer enhanced learning: E-learning is a term which is used to refer computer
enhanced learning.
 Technology enhanced learning: E-learning includes all types of technology enhanced
learning (TEL), where technology is used to support the learning process.
 Online learning: Use of e-learning is generally confined to "on- line learning" carried out
through the Internet or Web-based technology, with no face-to-face interaction.
 More than CBL and CAI: E-learning conveys broader meaning than the terms CBL
(Computer based learning) and CAI (Computer assisted instruction).

4.  More than on-line learning: E-learning is broader in its meaning that they conveyed
through the simple terms like "on- líne learning" or "online education".
 Not synonymous to audio-visual and multimedia learning: E-learning should not be
considered as synonymous to audio visual learning, multimedia learning, distance
education or distance learning. Although the audio-visual and multimedia technology and
distance education programmes are based on the Internet and Web services provided
through the computers, yet these are not identical but complementary.
 Confined to Web-based and Internet-based learning: The use of the term e-learning should
be confined to the type of learning carried out, supported or facilitated through Web
enhanced instruction and the Internet based communications like email, audio and video
conferencing, mail list, live chats and telephony.

5.  MODES AND STYLES OF E-LEARNING:
 The essential condition for calling a particular learning as e- learning lies in its
characteristics of delivering the instructional contents through advanced electronic means.
While fulfilling this condition, various e-learning situations may be seen to adopt any of
the following delivery modes and styles:
 1. Support Learning: E-learning can play a more supporting role to the teaching-learning
activities organized in the class. As a result, a teacher may make its use for his better
teaching and a learner for his needed learning, e.g., they may use multimedia, Internet and
Web services for their teaching and learning to enhance their class room activities.

6.  2. Blended learning: In this mode, attempts are made for making use of a combination of
traditional and ICT enhanced e learning practices. The programmes and activities are so
planned and executed as to present a happy combination of both the traditional class room
teaching practices and learning based instructions. Thus, one can reap the benefits of both
the practices of traditional and e-learning.
 3. Complete e-learning: In this mode of learning the traditional class room teaching-
learning is totally replaced by the virtual classroom teaching-learning. There is no
existence of class rooms, schools and teaching-learning environment as happens in the
traditional setup of school education. The learners are free to take the learning tasks
independently with the help of properly designed e-learning courses.

7. Most of the learning activities are carried out entirely on-line, but at the same
time, they may have also access to the well stored information and learning
packages available in the form of recorded CD-ROM, DVD, etc. Such type of
e-learning activities may be found to adopt the following two distinctive
communication styles narrated:
 Asynchronous communication style: In this style, the course information or
learning experiences are passed to the learners through e-mail, discussion
forum, Web pages, Web logs, wikis or through the recorded CD-ROM and
DVD. As a result, the teachers and learners do not interact simultaneously.

8. Synchronous communication style: Here the communication
between the teacher and students directly occurs in an online chat
room or through live audio-video conferencing.
It allows them properly together at a specified time for
communicating with each other regarding the course material.
As a result, a teacher can provide valuable information, lecture or
share one or the other learning experiences with his students.

9.  PROMOTION AND ARRANGEMENT FOR E-LEARNING IN OUR EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS:
 E-learning is the demand of the time. We have to prepare our students and bring suitable
modification and improvements in the prevailing system of our educational institution to
face this challenge. The following steps for promoting e-learning are:
1. The first and foremost thing that need to be done is to develop a positive attitude towards
the processes and products of e-learning. The students should be made to appreciate the
fruits of e-learning.
2. Provide the need facilities for training and equipping the students and teachers with the
essential technical knowledge and skills related to the operation.

10. 3. Provide proper orientation to the staff and students not only in terms of making them
technologically capable for engaging in e-learning but also to have full awareness
about all the possible advantages and gains drawn from such ventures.
4. Make provision of the Internet facilities and class room Websites for giving
opportunities to the teachers and students to carry out the teaching-learning tasks using
the mechanism of e-learning.
5. Last but not the least, make adequate provision for the availability of the technical
support services to train and provide online support to both the teachers and students in
reaping maximum benefits from e-learning programme.

11. ADVANTAGES OF E-LEARNING:
Individualized instructions: E-learning provides individualized instructions
suiting to the need, abilities, learning styles and interests of the learners.
E-learning has much potential to make the education, instruction and learning
opportunities provided to the learners adaptable to their need, local need and
resources at their hands. Thus, it is learner-centered.

12. Easy access: The learner get access to learning by breaking all barriers of time,
place and distance.
The learners can access information and educational content any time and at
any place. E-learning is available even in areas where there is no school or
college. It can reach any remote or far off areas of the country or world.
Disadvantageous children: It is available for those with poor health or
disadvantageous conditions that can inhibit them from undergoing any
institutionalized education. E-learning enables even handicapped like deaf and
dumb to learn.

13.  Flexibility: The flexibility of e-learning in terms of delivery media (Like CD, DVD,
Laptops and Mobile Phones), type of courses and access may prove very beneficial for the
learners.
 Play-way spirit and learning by doing: Learning experiences via simulated and gaming
techniques may also provide the advantages of getting richer experiences on the useful
pedagogical footings of play-way spirit and learning by doing or leaving.
 Interesting and motivating: E-learning may make the students more interested and
motivated towards learning as they may get a wide variety of learning experiences by
having an access to multimedia.

14.  On-line, Off-line and live interaction: The opportunities of having an on-line, off-line and
live interaction between the students and teachers and among the students themselves may
make the task of e-learning a joy and best alternative to the lively face-to-face interaction
and real time sharing of the experiences in a traditional class room settings.
 Self-learning and self-improvement: E-learning leads to self-learning. It can be utilized
for improving technical and vocational skills.
 Evaluation and feedback: E-learning can also provide opportunities for testing and
evaluating the learning outcomes of the learners through teachers, peers and auto-
instructional devices and software available with the reading material online, or through
the internet and mobile phone facilities.

15.  DISADVANTAGES OF E-LEARNING
 1. Requires knowledge and skills: E-learning requires special knowledge and skills for the use of
multimedia Internet and Web technology on the part of the users. Lack of knowledge and skills on
this account may prove futile in taking advantage from the valuable services of e-learning.
 2. Lack of equipment: Most of our schools are not at all ready, willing and equipped for making use
of e-learning in the proper interest of the teachers and students. Leaving aside a small number of
self financing public schools meant for children of rich parents, most of the schools in our country
cannot even imagine for venturing in the area of e-learning.
 3. Costly: E-learning is more costly than traditional education. E-learning tools are very expensive.
Their repair is also very expensive. Hence, e-learning is beyond the reach of most of the students.
They do not have resources for purchasing electronic equipment.


16.  4. Feeling of isolation: The feeling of isolation experienced by the users of e-learning is one
of the main defects quite visible in any system of distance learning including e-learning.
There is no face-to-face interaction and humanistic touch profoundly available in the
traditional class room setup. Moreover the lack of social participation and community
sharing experiences may prove handicap to the students of e-learning in their adequate
physical, emotional and social development.
 5. Lack of provision for teacher training programme: There is lack of provision of
equipping the teachers in their pre-service or in-service programmes for getting acquainted
with the knowledge and skills required on their part for the use of e-learning at their work
places. As a result, the teachers neither have any inclination towards e-learning nor have any
competence for its organization in the school or providing guidance to their students in its
use.

17. 6. Negative attitude: an overall attitude of the learners, teachers, parents,
educational authorities and society is usually found negative towards the
processes and products of e-learning, E-learning is adjusted as second rate in
comparison to regular classroom teaching.
 7. Adverse effect on health: E-learning adversely affects the eyesight and some
other parts of the body. The learners become physically inactive. Sometimes
they become victims of physical diseases.

18. 8. Lack of co-curricular activities: Co-curricular have great importance in the
field of learning and education. But these activities are neglected in e-learning.
9. Technical defect: E-learning is based on technology. When technical defect
occurs, e-learning stops. As a result, continuity of learning is broken and there
is no progress in e-learning.