E-learning is the use of technology to enable people to learn anywhere and anytime. Simply put, learning accomplished with the use of electronic media is eLearning.
However, eLearning is NOT just adding audio to presentations or recording live sessions and uploading them on an LMS/the Internet/a website. While this is easy and incurs less cost, it provides very little to the learner. After all, it is a one-way communication without any consideration for learners and their needs. You can also visit https://www.the-clinx.com/elearning for eLearning module development information.
How is eLearning created?
E-learning is created taking into account adult learning principles, learning styles, and instructional design principles.
Adult Learning Principles:
Adults learn differently from children. According to the adult learning principles they
-
are autonomous and self-directed
-
have different learning styles
-
are hard-pressed for time
-
are motivated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors
-
are problem-oriented
-
are goal-oriented
-
need relevant and practical learning
-
bring knowledge and experience to each learning activity
In the case of adults, we need to facilitate rather than teach. We need to connect the current learning to what they already know, and we need to make the learning solve their problems. We have to bring in "What's in it for me" very clearly. Therefore, when designing eLearning courses, these factors need to be kept in mind.
Learning Styles:
People have different learning styles. Some learn better by reading, others by seeing, and some others by hearing or doing hands-on activities. E-learning needs to address these varied styles of learning. This is done by carefully integrating text, audio, graphics, and images so that it has a balance of all stimuli that appeal to all learners.