E-learning refers to electronic learning facilitated by web-enabled technology that allows people to learn at their own pace and place. There are two main types: synchronous training involves real-time interaction with instructors through video conferencing or chat; asynchronous training is self-paced without live instructors through online modules, videos or articles. The benefits of e-learning include just-in-time knowledge access from anywhere, reduced costs, and interactive learning, while drawbacks can include a lack of self-discipline, face-to-face interaction and flexibility.

1. E-Learning

2. Introduction
 E-learning is an abbreviation of the term electronic learning.
 E-learning refers to any form of learning that can be accessed through
web technology. It is facilitated and supported by web-enabled
technology, moreover it enables people to learn at their own time and at
a place convenient to them.
 The objective of an e-learning course is to help learners learn by
themselves, while at the same time allowing them to collaborate and
interact with their peers for a social learning experience.

3. Characteristics of E-learning
 Created because there is a learning need.
 Designed with one or more learning objectives in mind.
 Created with a particular audience and its needs in mind.
 Created with the help of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
 Development of e-learning follows a very streamlined process.
 Followed up by an assessment.
 Connected to electronic media.
 Self-paced and reaches a wider audience.

4. Pros of e-learning
 Just-in-time knowledge (JIT)
 Anytime and anywhere learning
 Uniform training to a geographically dispersed workforce
 Reduced training time and costs
 Interactive and collaborative learning
 Self-paced learning
 Effective and efficient life-long learning – on demand

5. Cons of e-learning
 No self-discipline
 No face-to-face interaction
 Lack of flexibility
 Slow evolution
 Good e-learning is difficult to do
 Lack of transformational power
 Problem of the extent of security of online learning programs.
 The assessments that are computer marked generally have a tendency
of being only knowledge-based and not necessarily practicality-based.

6. Types of e-Learning
There are fundamentally two types of e-Learning:
 Synchronous training
 Asynchronous training

7. Synchronous training
It “at the same time,” involves interaction of participants with an instructor via the
Web in real time. For example – VCRs or Virtual class rooms that are nothing else but
real classrooms online. Participants interact with each other and instructors through
instant messaging, chat, audio and video conferencing etc and what’s more all
the sessions can be recorded and played back. Its benefits are:
 Ability to log or track learning activities.
 Continuous monitoring and correction is possible
 Possibilities of global connectivity and collaboration opportunities among
learners.
 Ability to personalize the training for each learner.

8. Asynchronous training
It means “not at the same time,” allows the participants to complete the WBT (Web-
based training) at their own pace, without live interaction with the instructor. Basically,
it is information that is accessible on a self-help basis, 24/7. These include computer
based training,(CBTs) modules on CD-Rom’s, Web based training accessed through
intranet (WBTs) or through well written articles and other write ups. Its advantages are:-
 Available ‘just in time’ for instant learning and reference.
 Flexibility of access from anywhere at anytime.
 Ability to simultaneously reach an unlimited number of employees.
 Uniformity of content and one time cost of production.

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