What is e-learning?

The BeLA definition of e-learning: "e-learning is the use of digitally-delivered services and content to help people learn".

Other Definitions:

The systematic application of a body of knowledge to the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of teaching and learning. The body of knowledge, the fruit of research and practice, is based on principles of learning theory, instructional design and change management, but is grounded in an understanding of the underlying technologies and their capabilities. Thus: learning technology is the use of a broad range of communication, information, and related technologies to support learning and teaching; learning technologists apply, or support learning technology in practice, and/or undertake research relating to learning technology. http://www.alt.ac.uk/learning_technology.html

Education via the Internet, network, or standalone computer. Network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. e-learning refers to using electronic applications and processes to learn. e-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. www.learnframe.com/aboutelearning/glossary.asp

Education offered using electronic delivery methods such as CD-ROMs, video conferencing, websites and e-mail. Often used in distance learning programmes. www.mba.hobsons.com/sections/study_guides/GlobalGlossary/glossary.htm

The delivery of content, via all electronic media, including the internet, intranets, extranets, satellite, broadcast, video, interactive TV and CD Rom. E-learning encompasses all learning undertaken, whether formal or informal, through electronic delivery. www.ltsnhsap.kcl.ac.uk/site/resources/glossarykeywords.htm

The component of distributed learning that includes digital content, is experienced through a technology interface, and is Internet-enabled. Collaboration is a desirable feature but not a requirement. www.i-stt.com/resources/glossary/E.html

Covers a wide set of applications and processes such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content via Internet, intranet/extranet, audio and videotape, satellite, and CD-ROM. However, many organisations only consider it as a network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. www.neiu.edu/~dbehrlic/hrd408/glossary.htm

Any technologically mediated learning using computers whether from a distance or in face-to-face classroom setting (computer assisted learning). www.usd.edu/library/instruction/glossary.shtml

While the number of possible definitions for e-learning is considerable, in this study e-learning includes learning that has an electronic component in its delivery. For instance online learning or distributed learning where email or videoconferencing or digital formats are used. While it is considered by some to mean specifically learning across electronic networks, this study has taken the more general and widely used application of the term for ease of understanding. www.bbk.ac.uk/ccs/elearn/glossary.htm

Broad definition of the field of using technology to deliver learning and training programs. Typically used to describe media such as CD-ROM, Internet, Intranet, wireless and mobile learning. Some include Knowledge Management as a form of e-learning. Took awhile for the right term to come about, circa 1995 it was all called "Internet based Training", then "Web-based Training" (to clarify that delivery could be on the Inter- or Intra-net), then "Online Learning" and finally e-learning, adopting the in vogue use of "e-" during the dot com boom. The "e-" breakthrough enabled the industry to reaise hundreds of millions from venture capitalists who would invest in any industry that started with this magic letter. e-learningguru.com/gloss.htm

Covers a wide set of applications and processes, such as Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content via Internet, intranet/extranet (LAN/WAN), audio- and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV, and CD-ROM. www3.sympatico.ca/krewski/mde615groupc/glossary.html

Electronic learning or learning via Information and Communication technologies (ICTs) on the analogy with e-mail. But this interpretation could be contested (see Woodall, 2001) www.windeatt.f2s.com/ijet/glossary.htm

–refers to any type of learning that uses electronic media. It means many different things to people but is a popular media buzz word and should be avoided. www.plymouth.edu/psc/infotech/tlc/itcc/Glossary.htm

Network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. www.oslerbooks.com/telecom/cisco.eglossary.html

The learning byproducts from the marriage of the Internet and education. The Internet has transformed the way education occurs and creates new ways of learning. www.optasia.com/opguide/elearngloss.htm

Any learning that utilizes a network (LAN, WAN or Internet) for delivery, interaction, or facilitation. This would include distributed learning, distance learning (other than pure correspondence ), CBT delivered over a network, and WBT . Can be synchronous, asynchronous , instructor-led or computer-based or a combination. www.lct-waidmayr.at/e_glossary.htm