E-Learning approaches and Components

There are two general approaches to e-learning: self-paced and facilitated/instructor-led. Self-paced learners are alone and completely independent, while facilitated and instructor-led e-learning courses provide different levels of support from tutors and instructors and collaboration among learners.

Self-paced e-learning

Learners are offered e-learning courseware (also called Web-based training (WBT)), which can be complemented by supplemental resources and assessments. Courseware is usually housed on a Web server, and learners can access it from an online learning platform or on CD-ROM. Learners are free to learn at their own pace and to define personal learning paths based on their individual needs and interests. When self-paced e-learning is offered through an Internet connection, there is the potential to track learners’ actions in a central database.

Instructor-led and facilitated e-learning

In this model, a linear curriculum is developed that integrates several content elements and activities into a chronological course or syllabus. The course is scheduled and led by an instructor and/or facilitator through an online learning platform. E-learning content for individual study can be integrated with instructor’s lectures, individual assignments and collaborative activities among learners. Learners, facilitators and instructors can use communication tools such as e-mails, discussion forums, chats, polls, whiteboards, application sharing and audio and video conferencing to communicate and work together. At the end, a final step typically includes an exercise or assessment to measure learning.

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E-Learning Components

As we have seen, e-learning approaches can combine different types of e-learning components, including:

(a) e-learning content;

(b) e-tutoring, e-coaching, e-mentoring;

(c) collaborative learning; and

(d) virtual classroom.

Let’s have a quick look at these components.

(a) E-learning content: E-learning content can include:

• simple learning resources;
• interactive e-lessons;
• electronic simulations; and
• job aids.

Simple Learning Resources:?Simple learning resources are non-interactive resources such as documents, PowerPoint presentations, videos or audio files. These materials are non-interactive in the sense that learners can only read or watch content without performing any other action. These resources can be quickly developed and, when they match defined learning objectives and are designed in a structured way, they can be a valuable learning resource even though they don’t provide any interactivity.

Interactive e-lessons:?The most common approach for self-paced e-learning is Web-based training consisting of a set of interactive e-lessons. An e-lesson is a linear sequence of screens which can include text, graphics, animations, audio, video and interactivity in the form of questions and feedback. E-lessons can also include recommended reading and links to online resources, as well as additional information on specific topics.

Electronic simulations:?Simulations are highly interactive forms of e-learning. The term “simulation” basically means creating a learning environment that “simulates” the real world, allowing the learner to learn by doing. Simulations are a specific form of Web-based training that immerse the learner in a real-world situation and respond in a dynamic way to his/her behaviour.

Job aids:?Job aids provide just-in-time knowledge. They can take several forms and be delivered on different platforms (e.g. computer, printed document, mobile phone). They usually provide immediate answers to specific questions, thus helping users accomplish job tasks. Technical glossaries and checklists are a few examples of simple job aids, but sophisticated expert systems can also be developed to assist workers in complex decision-making.