"A computer terminal is not some clunky old television with a typewriter in front of it. It is an interface where the mind and body can connect with the universe and move bits of it about."
DOUGLAS ADAMS
About e-learning
"Electronic learning or E-learning is a general term used to refer to computer-enhanced learning. It is used interchangeably in so many contexts that it is critical to be clear what one means when one speaks of 'e-Learning'."
Wikipedia definition - see more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-learning.
So as we can see from this definition there seems to be some grey area when it comes to the real meaning of e-learning, the answer however is a solution that enables individuals to learn via electronic means.
The most common application of e-learning today is software that allows trainers to implement learning material and display it to an unlimited amount of individuals by use of the internet, this is a far less restrictive approach than other previous digital delivery formats such as CD-ROM's or direct software as it can be interactive and pass data back to the system, along with the compatibility guarantee allowing all users to access it without installation requirements or technical knowledge.
A web-based e-learning software platform is commonly referred to as a Learning Content Management System or LCMS, this is a further development of the traditional Learning Management System in that it is a multi-user environment where trainers may create, store, reuse, manage, and deliver learning content directly using a web-based interface.
In some cases certain classroom based learning content cannot be deployed into an LCMS or e-learning environment as it may require practical or on-site training, so a solution called Blended learning / e-learning was invented to allow for practical training content to be blended into the online learning experience. As technology progresses the requirement of students to attend a classroom may decrease as the ability to incorporate video or live classroom streaming comes into effect.
Many organisations approach blended learning to support students with pre or post classroom work - background information, supportive documents, case studies and manuals. Real-time classroom activity can then be minimised to approach action based learning such as role plays and hand on practical training.
