What is eLearning?

What is eLearning? Related Information:

In today’s highly competitive society, when the need for education and learning is more apparent than ever before, there is now a new and exciting way of learning – eLearning.

The term eLearning applies to any kind of learning where electronic technology is used to increase the effectiveness of learning, and to make it accessible to a higher number of people. Learning through online courses, through e-mails, computer learning, learning through ebooks, CD ROMS, virtual simulation, and other type of software, all come under the scope of eLearning.

Using a video to augment classroom discussions, or using virtual reality in understanding things and in teaching; everything is included in the definition of eLearning. Thus, starting from learning about things via e-mail, going up to taking a complete online course in a particular field or topic, and everything in between can all be referred to as different ways of eLearning.

Where can eLearning be used?

In the past few years, eLearning has gained a lot of importance and credibility, and can enhance all kinds of learning and teaching methods. eLearning techniques can be used in a variety of ways, such as:

Teaching a classroom full of students to make their everyday syllabus more exciting and increase interest in learning.

To train employees at work, about any applications used in business, and give them a working and live model to learn from.

Can also be used in the medical field for giving hands-on experience to doctors and nurses; by providing them with virtual reality simulation, which can help them to get practical knowledge, without taking any of the risks associated with training on actual patients.

eLearning can be used for a host of other things and the applications of eLearning are endless. As a new way of learning and teaching, it is prevalent everywhere. But why exactly has eLearning gained so much importance? Well, there are a number of reasons, which are highlighted below.

Importance and Benefits of eLearning

Easily accessible: eLearning does away with the need for traveling and spending valuable time in commuting to classes and other courses. eLearning can be done anywhere and at anytime, at your convenience, and the only thing that you need is a functioning computer. You do not have to re-arrange your schedule to fit classes in, and can thus learn about anything that you want, in the comforts of your home. eLearning has opened up a whole new world of learning for people, who otherwise did not have access to courses, due to their family conditions, geographical conditions, or even their own physical disabilities. Through eLearning, now you can take a course even if it is half way across the world!

Active learning experience: Education has always somehow remained a passive experience for the learners where they just sit and imbibe the knowledge imparted by lecturers or speakers. But with the introduction of eLearning techniques, learners can now actively participate in their learning programs and learn by ‘doing’ instead of just learn by seeing or listening.

Mobile learning: With people spending increased amounts of time traveling for work and constantly being on their feet, eLearning has made it possible to learn while on the move. You don’t need to sit in boring and stuffy classrooms anymore to get knowledge. eLearning has put education on to your laptops and even mobile phones, and literally the world in your pocket.

These are just few of the many reasons for eLearning gaining in importance. While electronic learning can also become boring and monotonous, there are many types of eLearning software available to keep the learning exciting and interactive.