What does ‘e’ stand for in e-learning?

Most of us are aware of the fact that ‘e’ in e-learning stands for electronic. E-learning presents education with a new spectrum of challenges and practices. I completely disagree with the fact that ‘e’ in e-learning solely stands for electronic. I believe that e-learning is technology centered and a hybrid version of education, but then you might question me “If e-learning is merely about technology where does the learner fit in"? Does it mean that e-learning is a technology driven learning where the learner is the passive recipient? I believe that e-learning is something beyond technology. It is a medium to deliver effective learning with the help of technology outside the classroom.

The technology and media act like a helping hand to e-learning to extend learner’s experiences by providing them superior quality learning in ways that suit their lifestyles.

Students who are unable to attend educational institutions can study at home or in workplace by connecting to tutors and resources. Students who are domestically committed can shift their study timings. They can access asynchronous learning sessions to maintain momentum of study along with their peers. E-learning is in a way an extended learning that makes time and place of study more suitable for the individual.

As practitioners we all strive to deliver good quality courses and the quality should reflect in our practices. Owing to versatility, E-learning is capable of acknowledging learning experience. E-Learning can deliver programmes to isolated rural communities, which are beyond reach by transforming lives and enhancing careers.

Gone are the days when we said world is a large place. The world is shrinking as each passing day brings in new technologies that are more advanced and the process of globalization which is rapidly growing. With the help of Multimedia the potential to take the classroom out in the world and this is really turning into a reality.

With the advent of technology, learning is no longer confined to classrooms. “Everywhere learning” is set to transform radical thinking of the way we practice education in the next few years to come.