What is e-learning?

E-learning is differently understood by different people. It has caused to change our idea of what a classroom is. Multimedia are increasingly becoming a part of teaching and learning. The term covers a gamut of similar concepts. Some call it "Distance Learning," "Distance Education," "Digital Learning;" others call it "Open Learning," "Virtual Education," and yet others may term it as "Multimedia Discourse" or "Online Education." All these are substitutes each with a slightly different meaning but all essentially referring to electronic or 'e'-learning.

In this process of implementing e-learning, we have come across a number of obstacles which we will have to overcome through sustained effort.

E-learning is not only promoted by supply side techno reforms but also by emerging global markets demanding techno-savvy, digitally literate and skilled manpower.

E-learning can be mainly classified into two types: Synchronous e-learning and Asynchronous e-learning. You can see the details here.¹

In synchronous e-learning, activities of the teacher and the students are ''in sync.'' They work with each other from different locations but at the same time. They use Virtual Classroom platforms, Audio and Video Conferencing, Chat facilities, Webinars, Application Sharing, Instant Messaging or some such tool which allows them to interact in real time. Here the students have to learn keeping pace with the group/ instructor.

In asynchronous e-learning, the teacher and the students need not work at the same time, wherever they are. Instructions are pre-recorded and delivered while the students can access the resources at convenient time and generally at convenient pace; or are able to reaccess the resource. Emails, blogs, discussion forums, e-Books, CDs, DVDs, PPTs, movie clips, data storage units, self-paced online courses, discussion forums & groups and message boards are some of the resources for asynchronous e-learning. In fact we could include printed material as asynchronous learning.

Conventional books are an example of an asynchronous learning (though not e-learning) resource whereas e-books are an asynchronous e-learning resource. (Our regular classes are an example of synchronous learning though it is not e-learning).

Online digital lessons need to be designed with an *imaginative mix of synchronous and asynchronous resources.* The resources need to be delivered in a logical sequence. Students need to develop study habits to prepare themselves using asynchronous sources first and then refine their understanding through synchronous resources of live classrooms. Thereafter students should be encouraged to revise and consolidate learning through exercises provided for the purpose.

(1. https://blog.commlabindia.com/elearning-design/types-of-elearning)