Higher Education Online

If you ask 5 people what E-Learning is or isn't, you'll end up with 5 different answers. For the most part, E-Learning, or electric learning, is the use of the internet, or a computer network such as LAN or WAN, for the purpose of providing education. This can come through the use of what is as called a CD-ROM program, satellite broadcast or interactive television. The history of e-learning stretches back into the mid 1980's where a few progressive institutions managed to adeptly incorporate the method into their curriculum. Over the years as technology progressed and the dependence on computers grew, newer and more efficient features turned E-Learning into a mainstream aspect of educational curriculums.

The world of E-Learning has produced interesting and exciting facets never before seen in the classroom. While IT supported education has many advantages, it still must be paired with traditional teaching techniques. It can provide a learning environment where the teacher is present but only on screen. While it still allows for the opportunity of interaction, it is quite an adjustment from traditional classroom contact. Training programs that once required an entire class to keep up and follow a steady schedule can now be followed at each student's personal learning pace. The history of E-Learning has shown that despite its adjustments, it is a method that definitely enhances the classroom experience. It requires little in the way of computer of technological savvy and can also require less in the way of textbooks and other training materials.

There are many tools and instruments that have also been developed over the years since e-learning first came into existence. To enhance distance learning, the current use of features such as MP3 files and streamed video recorded lectures are often added to a curriculum. These features allow instant and anytime access to information. This quite an important bonus since E-Learning through online learning courses can consist of students from around the world in any time zone. Had it not been for the continuous and convenient advances throughout the history of E-Learning, it is doubtful it would have ever caught on as well as it has.

While many debate over whether or not E-Learning gratifies the actual educational learning experience as far as the student-teacher relationship goes, there is no denying the wealth of benefits this type of teaching method provides. Even with the youngest of school age children, who are often the most open to the innovations of technology, there are hardly any educational institutions left in the world that do not use E-Learning in some capacity. As seen throughout the history of eLearning, the benefits have only continued to grow. Its cost effectiveness has proven highly beneficial even for the least economically disadvantaged venues.

Higher Education Online |