Creating collaborative e-learning environments Essay

Creating collaborative e-learning environments - Essay Example This distance is covered or bridged with the help of technology such as the internet. E- Learning may or may not be real time. A more formal definition of e-learning is as follows: It is the â€Å"the delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. E-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device (e.g. a mobile phone) in some way to provide training, educational or learning material† (Maneschijn, 2005). There are basically two types of e-learning. One is through an instructor and is called synchronous. The other is through oneself without the instructor called asynchronous. Another definition of e-learning covering it in a broader perspective is as follows: Two forms of web-based training is found with synchronous (instructor-facilitated) and asynchronous (self-directed, self-paced). In both cases the instructions are given through static means like power point lectures, text web pages, video lessons and streaming etc. and through interactive methods like portal chats, discussions, conferencing etc.) â€Å"What makes e-learning effective is, of course, typically in the eye of the beholder. One persons toast and jam may be another persons steak and kidney pie. This is what makes the drafting of a set of guidelines for effective e-learning so difficult†. (Downes, 2005) The main principle of e-learning is flexibility. E-learning is a very flexible method of learning. It can be done at any time and any place that suits the user especially those living at distances and cramped up schedules but want expert opinion or knowledge. INTERACTION: E-learning is a process of creating a learning environment and hence in this environment it enables interaction with peers interested in the same topic or the instructor who is teaching or imparting knowledge on a particular topic. USABILITY: This enables the user or the student to effectively use the entire system or concept of e-learning. E-learning