FAQ - Can you give me a quick introduction to 'elearning'?

Answer

The term 'eLearning' covers a wide set of computerised applications and processes used in learning and teaching from formal education through to corporate training and personal lifelong learning and continuing professional development. Educational or training content is delivered by digital computers and communication technologies. Computers deliver Web-based learning, computer-based learning, computer assisted learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration, communication technologies can be via the internet, intranet/extranet (Local Area Networks/Wide Area Networks), satellite broadcast, interactive TV, CD-ROM, DVD, videoconferencing, chat, discussion boards, listservs (email lists such as networked-learning@jiscmail.ac.uk), electronic filesharing etc.

It is widely accepted that eLearning provides some of its best returns when used in an environment incorporating a blend of 'virtual' learning, including remote mentoring, with more traditional 'face to face' learning and teaching methods such as lectures, seminars and laboratory work, apprenticeships, tutorials etc.

eLearning can additionally be used to engage wider communities of learners who are remote from the central educational or training delivery site to enrich the learning experience of disadvantaged learners (by for example geography, economics or culture). eLearning is not intended to replace the teacher/lecturer, but to add to their list of available delivery tools as described above. It is not usually cheap either, but can offer the opportunity for anyone to take advantage of learning in whatever way suits them.

Examples of current eLearning software packages used in HE and FE are Blackboard and WebCT. Interestingly, few medical schools use proprietary products to deliver eLearning, and many are developing homegrown solutions. Examples of eLearning in more training/vocational applications include learndirect. The Open University uses eLearning as one of its distance learning methods. There are many published eLearning studies including those which detail the hidden costs of implementing an eLearning or virtual learning environment, and those which discuss how to evaluate a virtual learning environment pedagogically, and those which detail how to deliver staff and professional development using eLearning/virtual learning environments click here for further information.

The eLearning concept is being explored in the NHS through the development of the NHS University which, it is proposed, will have an electronic learning environment supported by regionally based Learning Networks to facilitate face to face contact in order to fully maximise learning opportunities for all NHS staff. The concept is explored in Working Together, Learning Together, published by the DoH in November 2001

There has been much discussion about how the NHS University will fit into existing formal and informal healthcare education provision. There is plenty of scope for everyone to contribute to the process through discussions (RLN eCommunity), meetings of Regional Learning Networks and via correspondence with the education, training and development (ETD) teams in your region, or the national team at the NHS Information Authority.

Author: This FAQ was written by Suzanne Hardy and does not reflect an official endorsement by the LTSN or any other organisation. Any questions or comments can be sent to: suzanne@medev.ac.uk

Last updated: 04 July 2011