The Aspects of Elearning

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What exactly is this thing that they call elearning? Well, the term is derived from or rather is short for "electronic learning." From that definition, it seems that it could be anything from learning about electronics or learning with the help of electric appliances. And it is more of the latter than the former. Basically, this term can be applied to a very wide range. Its uses are so many, all depending on the context they are used. It can be a little bit frustrating to keep up with a text if you are not really aware of what exactly you are talking about. It can be overwhelming as well as confusing. So what is necessary is a cataloguing of all this words broad range of meaning.

Elearning is anything that can be related to learning that is enhanced or assisted by technology. This means that it is primarily any kind of TEL (technology enhanced learning) which is basically just another fancy way of putting it. And also, that would be too broad a definition. What most people agree on is that this is learning that is either assisted or facilitated by the use of a computer. Some people define the term and at the same time limit it to simply learning that is empowered specifically by digital technology. Whether the pedagogical aspect (the set principles or method of teaching) is clear or not within the context of the word is another thing that is argued over by some people.

Even if one is to venture outside the field of electronic learning, the term is still quite full of different meanings. The diversity of meaning is especially apparent to other fields and industries. In the scholarly educational field, the word has a specific meaning that is either wildly or mildly different if one looks at the word within the field of say, corporate training. Universities think of elearning as a mode for a course of study where the students usually just do their studies, quizzes, tests, and even recitation (through forums) online. In this mode of learning, the students don't have to meet in the classroom. They do not even have to meet with the teacher often, if at all. In the corporate world, this usually entails the way a company is able to disperse certain skills and lessons to its employees. Training courses say on proper office decorum and compliance issues often fall under this field.

With all this range of meaning, there is no question why the term is so confusing. It is also a reflection of the how ubiquitous the industry of computer based learning has become. The internet and the information technology of today as certainly opened up so many barriers that were once impossible. Now, students from across the globe can study and be facilitated by a professor from continents away. Businesses no longer need trainer in order to train their employees about every little issue or new software rollout. Such is the massive influence of elearning.