A Definition for E-Learning - Page 1 of 2 |
By Vaughan Waller, eLearning Network and Jim Wilson, The Forum for Technology in Training
Egg-learning?
Business has been carried out for centuries but not e-business - that's very recent. Mail has been around for a long time but now there is email. People have always learnt, but now we have e-learning, so what has changed? Many pundits have tried to say what the 'e' means. This is actually very simple - from the other examples the 'e' in e-learning means not eggs or elephants but electronic.
The Debate
But that is not the end of the story. Electronic or computer-assisted learning has been around since the 1970's, and so was that, done on green screen monitors via a chronically slow mainframe computer, e-learning? Clearly the answer is no - or is it? Without a clear definition of what makes e-learning, it is very difficult to decide what should and should not be called e-learning.
The authors decided that the time had come for the debate. There is no real problem to solve but the aim is to clarify and create better understanding.
Definition
To get the ball rolling a meeting of the IDTG was held and a statement was developed. A classification matrix was devised so any form of technology-based training could be easily identified and understood by others. This article has been sent to members of the eLearning Network and The Forum for Technology in Training. Many have suggested changes or posed further questions and in a month or so all this will be collated and a revised definition and matrix will be announced.
It should be said straight away that this intended only as a starting point. The e-learning industry and whole learning community is invited to refine the statement and matrix until everyone is happy.
The definition so far:
E-Learning is the effective learning process created by combining digitally delivered content with (learning) support and services.
Important Words:
- Effective - there are many types of learning but some are ineffective. There is no point in making or applying a definition to something that fails.
- Combining - it is the combination that makes the difference not the individual parts, although each part is perfectly valid on its own.
- Digitally delivered content - this excludes paper-based materials, which, although a valid medium for learning, are not e-learning. We will return to this later.
- Support - a CD-ROM based programme can, theoretically, be done anywhere and anytime, but is often not supported by tutors (although of course it could be).
This definition is all very well but it could be made more accurate - which is why we hope that many will contribute to the debate.
Discussion revealed that learning could stop being or become e-learning in a moment. The conversation went like this:
"A man takes his laptop to a remote cave in the Outer Hebrides away from any tutor support and sits there doing a training programme. Is he doing e-learning?"
"No, because there is no tutor support and other services."
"What if he had a mobile phone and was able to call a tutor?"
"That's different - that is e-learning!"
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