e-learning involves using electronic technologies to create learning experiences. It includes delivering content digitally and providing learning support services. Broadly defined, any use of electronic technologies for learning purposes can be considered e-learning. The most popular modality is online or web-based learning, which allows learners to access resources, activities, and interact with others from a computer connected to the internet. Communication can occur synchronously in real-time or asynchronously through forums and messaging. E-learning provides many benefits such as flexibility, eliminating barriers of time and distance, and facilitating collaborative and self-paced learning.

1. e-learning essentials. What is e-learning?
e-learning
Is a learning process created by combining digitally delivered content with learning support services. Broadly
can be defined as any use electronic technology to create learning experiences.
Consists of the transfer of skills and knowledge using electronic applications and processes (Web-based
learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, collaborative learning, learning 2.0 ...). This may include ,
use of diverse media (audio or video recording...) and supports (web, mobile, PDA...).
on-line learning (web based learning)
Is the most popular modality of e-learning , who takes place via computer and connected to the Internet.
The learner use the computer to access to the learning environment and interact with resources (text, audio
video...), activities and persons (teacher, instructor, tutor, learners...). The teacher (instructor, trainer...) uses the
environment utilities to facilitate, advise and supervise the learning process.
The communication between learners and teachers can be on real time (synchronous mode), with chat o
videoconference o in asynchronous mode (forum, debate, mail...).
The interactive activity promotes an approach to continuous evaluation of learning process.

2. e-learning essentials. Face to face versus on-line learning
✔ e-teaching is closer to the
traditional education that e-learning.
It makes use of the technology
but not of philosophy.

3. e-learning essentials. On-line learning benefits
✔ Allows the learner to study when and where they are most possibilities (without
interfering their job or other responsibilities).
✔ Allows the student to adapt some aspects of learning to individual needs (time and
sequence of study, time to reflection, assessment of their process).
✔ Provides the opportunity to those that could not attend a face to face learning.
✔ Eliminates time and distance barriers to communication.
✔ Facilitates student centered learning approach and just-in-time advice and
evaluation.
✔ Allows for real time (synchronous) as well as asynchronous exchanges.
✔ Facilitates collaborative learning scheme.
✔ Encourages the formation of a communities (communities of practice) of learners
with similar needs after completion of learning.
✔ Allows the integration of a widely variety of Internet resources.

4. e-learning essentials. Planning and design learning
Needs Assessment
Analysis Audience analysis
(identifying needs) Content Analysis
Technical Analysis (course delivery and authoring tools)
Structural Analysis (organization and course duration)
Resource Assessment
Identify goals
Design Write learning objectives
Establish criterion reference
(activity, evaluation, media) Devise an instructional strategy
Design lessons and Materials
Plan media utilization
Design testing
Design evaluation approach
Design the Interface
Authoring
Development Media creation / integration / production
(perform materials and activities) Prototyping
Processing
Quality Assurance
Promotion
Implementation Distribution
Reporting
(deliver the instruction)
Maintenance
Evaluation
(the project)

5. e-learning essentials. Other aspects
Continuing Education (Long life learning)
Usually performed for adults learners in a context of professional development.
Adults learn of different form that the children (Andragogy). Adult learner:
✔ Are much more self-directed than children.
✔ Take responsibility for their learning experiences.
✔ Begin with previous experiences and knowledge.
✔ Seeks learning experiences that are learner-oriented.
✔ Prefer a practical and immediately relevant approach.
✔ Learn readily from their peers (colleagues).
✔ Have formed a learning style and preferences.
✔ Want immediate and regular feedback.
✔ Seeks an effective learning experience.