E-learning can be defined as the use of computer and Internet technologies to deliver a broad array of solutions to enable learning and improve performance.
A great deal of what follows summarises information published in E-learning Methodologies - A guide for designing and developing e-learning courses authored by Beatrice Ghirardini, Instructional Designer, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).
E-learning and its predecessor Distance Learning have been around for many years. However the now almost ubiquitous accessibility to the internet provides an almost unparalleled means for distributing learning information using e-learning courses. This, coupled with social isolation measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, make an understanding of e-learning methodologies essential in all areas of training and education.
It should be remembered that the e-learning aspect of of a training or education course is secondary to the learning principles that need to go into the course design. An e-learning course can utilise many techniques that only become available because it is delivered via electronic means but the underlying learning principles become even more important as many e-learning courses are delivered as self-paced offerings or without direct instructional supervision.
E-learning lends itself to some situations better than others. The development costs of e-learning course material is usually higher but the delivery of this material electronically, especially over the internet, is usually less.
E-Learning is a good option when:
E-Learning delivery can be classified as being synchronous (occurring in real time) or asynchronous (time independent). The flexibility of Internet technology can create some overlap between synchronous and asynchronous delivery of material. A course might be initially delivered as a real time webcast (synchronous) which is recorded and later made available as a downloadable webcast session (asynchronous). An e-learning course might include a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous elements within its course content.