E-learning refers to technology-based learning including web-based learning, computer-based learning, and virtual classrooms. It allows for distance education through various online models. Most institutions now see online education as critical to their long-term strategy as the number of students learning online increases each year. However, implementing e-learning faces barriers such as natural resistance to change, requiring new instructor skills and technology, and budget constraints. For e-learning to succeed, management needs realistic expectations and should lead by example through their own participation while supporting students. The basic styles of e-learning include synchronous, self-directed, and asynchronous learning.

2. what is e-Learning?E-learning (electronic learning) is a term covering a wide set of applications and processes, such as Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. There many different terms which are used interchangeably: technology-based learning, technology-based training, computer-based training, computer-based learning, computer-based instruction, computer-based education, Web-based training, Internet-based training, Intranet-based training, distance education, distance learning, distance training.

3. E-Learning ModelsTechnical Training Professional Skills New-Job-Role Training “Update” Training “Tip of the Iceberg”

4. Is Online Learning Strategic?The percentage of institutions that agree that online education is critical to their long-term strategy reached its highest level in 2010 (63.1%).

5. Likewise the percent disagreeing is at the lowest level (12.3%) for the eight years of the survey.

6. How Many Students are Learning Online?

9. What are Typical Barriers for Implementing e-Learning?Natural resistance to change — people don’t like change. Some students view traveling to class as a vacation from work and could be annoyed by online classes.New instructor skills — instructors need to learn new ways of teaching at a distance.New technology – new technology creates more problems, requires constant update of software, hardware, and employees skills.Course availability – sometimes it is difficult to find exact “off the shelf” e-learning courses, and you have to develop your own e-learning solution which requires more time and money.Budget – in many companies, training budgets are set years in advance, and the funding is allocated for traditional training. As you move to e-learning, you’ll find that there are new costs.

10. What does E-Learning Need From Your Management Team?Realistic expectations –e-learning takes time and effort by each individual student.Leadership – manages should know how e-learning works and the best way to do that is to take several e-learning courses.Support – some students need management encouragement to keep up their motivation.

11. What are the Basic Styles for E-Learning?Synchronous Self-directedAsynchronous learning

12. ReferencesHenderson A. J. (2003). The E-learning Question and Answer Book. New York, NY: American Management Association.The Sloan Consortium, Class Differences: Online Education in the United States, 2010.