The
Three Views of e-Learning
by Donald
Clark
Electronic
eLearning
(electronic learning), as defined by ASTD, 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.
Internet
But
like the term training, different organizations and different people have
their own definitions. Some of the sources listed in this report
believe it is learning through the internet only. For example, Cisco defines it as the "online delivery of information,
communication, education, and training.
In BEYOND THE PODIUM: Delivering Training and Performance
to a Digital World, by by Allison Rossett and Kendra Sheldon
(2001), they define it as: Web-based training (WBT), also known
as e-learning and on-line learning, is training that resides on
a server or host computer that is connected to the World Wide
Web (WWW) (p. 274).
They
considers WBT or e-learning as falling under Technology-Based
Training: any training that is delivered partially or entirely
through electronic hardware, software, or both (p. 161).
And
all of the above falls under training: what the organization
provides to help its people to become more effective and satisfied
individuals and employees (p. 9).
Mystical
Others
have entirely different definitions. The Delphi Group's white
paper, Need to Know: Integrating e-Learning with High Velocity Value
Chains (12/14/2000), defines e-learning as "just in
time education integrated with high velocity value chains.
Whew! That that is some mouthful!
Elliott Masie defines the e in e-learning as "the EXPERIENCE
dimension of e-learning, which includes such factors as: engagement,
curiosity, simulation, and practice.
Which
View is Right?
Since
a definition for the term training has never been universally
accepted, I doubt that we will ever have a universally accepted
term for e-learning. However, I believe that it probably falls
between the version of electronic and internet. The third
view, which I labeled mystical, tends to view e-learning
as a magical savior of learning. This is false. e-Learning is
a method for the delivery of a learning package. The designers, developers, and implementers
make or break the courseware. Whatever you can do right or wrong with conventional
courseware, you can also do with e-learning courseware. There
is nothing built into e-learning that guarantees a perfectly designed
piece of courseware. e-Learning is simply a medium for delivering
learning and like any other medium, it has its advantages and
disadvantages.
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