So, e-learning means what, exactly?

By TJ MacDonald |

One of the things I really push is the value of e-learning as a commercial tool to profitably shape marketplace learning. However, writing about e-learning if a reader doesn’t understand the term, is a little like talking about lollipops to a kid who’s never seen a candy store. I do hope that’s not you.

I’m getting people ask for an explanation - some just plain-and-simple don’t know the term. Its totally foreign to them. That’s OK - it is one of those terms ‘initiates’ use more freely than you hear in general usage.

Then there’s others who have widely different perceptions of what e-learning means. (There’s a bit of deja vu here. I seem to have talked about the same thing in an earlier post about the meaning of ‘marketing’.)

I have my own (hopefully) easy-to-understand definition of e-learning, but before I share that with you let me share the results of a Google search to find… Definitions of E-learning on the Web:

Learning that is facilitated by the use of digital tools and content. Typically, it involves some form of interactivity, which may include online … www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz/templates/Page____60.aspx
Education offered using electronic delivery methods such as CD-ROMs, video conferencing, websites and e-mail. Often used in distance-learning programmes. …
www.mba.hobsons.com/glossary.jsp
services which are delivered, enabled or mediated by ICT for the purposes of delivering education, and the technology and services which help create, manage and deliver those activities. …
www.ict.ox.ac.uk/strategy/plan/plan.xml.ID=appF
E-Learning is the learning process created by interaction with digitally delivered content, services and support. …
www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/teachingandresearchservices/elearning/elearningglossary/
Learning activities based on any electronic format.
www.teach-nology.com/glossary/terms/e/
Any technologically mediated learning using computers whether from a distance or in face to face classroom setting (computer assisted learning).
www.usd.edu/library/instruction/glossary.shtml
Gaining popularity in the early 2000s, the term e-learning refers to any electronically assisted instruction, but is most often associated with instruction offered via computer and the Internet.
education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1917/Distance-Learning-in-Higher-Education.html
A software application that allows people to create their own e-learning courseware. B Blended learning (Hybrid eLearning): The optimal learning path for true transfer of information and knowledge acquisition as defined by the content designer or developer. …
www.eng.wayne.edu/page.php
A key issue in pedagogy is individualization, ie, adapting the teaching to the needs of various learners. …
coeur-sw.idi.ntnu.no/wp6.htm
The delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. eLearning involves the use of a computer or electronic device to provide training, educational or learning material.
http://www.intelera.com/glossary.htm
A process that facilitates education using a network (Internet, LAN or WAN).
www.onlinedegreezone.com/distance-learning_terms.php
Learning that is done via a computer.
www.fastfind.com/Education/EduGlossary.aspx
Any learning that utilizes a network (LAN, WAN or Internet) for delivery, interaction, or facilitation. This would include distributed learning, distance learning (other than pure correspondence ), CBT delivered over a network, and WBT. …
www.iqat.org/glossary.php
Also called CBT (see the following definition). E-learning is a general term that relates to all training that is delivered with the assistance of a computer. Delivery of e-learning can be via CD, the Internet, or shared files on a network. …
www.thecatalyst.org/resource/2006/04/21/E-learning-glossary/
E-learning is an approach to facilitate and enhance learning through the use of devices based on both computer and communications technology, including personal computers, CD-ROMs, digital television, and more. …
www.cmapros.com/glossary.php

Which of these means the most to you? Why? I was planning to include my definition here too. But then I asked that “Why?” question. So I guess I too had better answer that. But I type slowly so I’ll split this in two.

If you haven’t done so already, take a second to request email updates. I’d hate you to miss why I think some of these definitions are rubbish, and stifle opportunities for profitable learning.

One Response to “So, e-learning means what, exactly?”

Marketplace Learning | TJ talks… about Marketplace Learning Says:
December 28th, 2007 at 2:41 am
[…] out thinking it would be helpful for readers to have a definition of e-learning. I listed some definitions currently being used then I condemn some of them as “rubbish” that “stifle […]