Management of Educational Projects

The e-Learning concept

1.1. A wide terminology…

e-Learning stands for “Electronic-LEARNING” with a clear emphasis on the learningdimension. This doesn’t mean that teaching has been neglected but it stresses thatthe target of every teaching process is more than ever enabling the learner to learn!Although concepts as eTeaching or eTutoring are closely linked to the previous one,the use of the e-Learning term wants clearly to prioritize a learner centred approach.There are numerous similar terms used to discuss the e-Learning issue, each ofthem trying to emphasize one or another specific characteristic:
 "Open and Distance Learning" (ODL)
 Distance education
 Teletraining
 E-Learning 2.0
 "Computer Mediating Communication" (CMC)
 Web-based learning
 Web-Based Training" (WBT)
 Internet-Based training
 Net-based learning
 "Distributed Learning"
 Online learning
 "Enhanced-Learning through Information Technologies"
 Cmputer supported collaborative learning
 Technology supported learning
 Networked learning
 Virtual learning environment
 Virtual classrom
 Virtual school
 Virtual campus
 Virtual univeristy
 Blended learning
 M-learning
 Etc.
Three key ideas emerge from this diversified terminology:
a) Distance: Distance Education, Teletraining, Remote, Distributed, Blended,Mobile;
b) Digital (electronic): Internet, Web, Online, Net, Network, Computer, Virtual,ICT1, Environment;
c) Learning: Education, Training, Classroom, School, Campus, University;

1.2. e-Learning Definitions

There are also many different definitions that try to figure out the e-Learning concept:
1. “An umbrella term for providing computer instruction (courseware) online overthe public Internet, private distance learning networks or in-house via anintranet.”2

2. “Electronic learning or e-Learning is a general term used to refer to computer-enhanced learning. It is used interchangeably in so many contexts that it iscritical to be clear what one means when one speaks of 'e-Learning'. In manyrespects, it is commonly associated with the field of advanced learningtechnology (ALT), which deals with both the technologies and associatedmethodologies in learning using networked and/or multimedia technologies.”3
3. “Education via the Internet, network, or standalone computer. E-learning isessentially the 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.”4
4. “e-learning was first called "Internet-Based training" then "Web-BasedTraining" Today you will still find these terms being used, along with variationsof e-learning such as e-Learning, E-Learning, and e-Learning”.5
5. “There may be other definitions, but I define e-learning (also called e-Learningor e-Learning) as the delivery of a learning, training or education program byelectronic means.E-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device (e.g. a mobilephone) in some way to provide training, educational or learning material.(Derek Stockley 2003)E-learning can involve a greater variety of equipment than online training oreducation, for as the name implies, "online" involves using the Internet or anIntranet. CD-ROM and DVD can be used to provide learning materials.Distance education provided the base for e-learning's development.

E-learning can be "on demand". It overcomes timing, attendance and traveldifficulties. An e-journey is one type of e-learning or online training.Blended learning is e-learning combined with other training methods.”6
6. “Internet-enabled learning that encompasses training, education, just-in-timeinformation, and communication.”7
7. “e-Learning is any virtual act or process used to acquire data, information,skills or knowledge. In the context of our research, e-Learning is enabledlearning, learning in a virtual world where technology merges with humancreativity to accelerate and leverage the rapid development and application ofdeep knowledge.”8
8. “Any educational content delivered in, or using, digital form.”9
9. “Electronic or digital learning on a computer.”10

10. “e-Learning – for the purposes of this site, e-Learning is equated with onlinelearning. E-learning is an all encompassing term generally used to refer tocomputer-enhanced learning, although it is often extended to include the useof mobile technologies. The term is generally used to refer to the use oftechnology in learning in a much broader sense than the computer-basedtraining or computer aided instruction of the 1980's (source: Wikipedia). Asonline learning continuously grows exponentially, e-Learning is often beingused synonymously with online learning.”11
11. “e-Learning 2.0 – refers to a second phase of e-Learning based on Web 2.0and emerging trends in e-Learning. It can include features such as:e-Learning where students create content, collaborate with peers throughmechanisms such as blogs, Wikis, threaded discussions, RSS and others toform a learning network with distributed content creation and distribution ofresponsibilities.
e-Learning that takes advantage of many sources of content aggregatedtogether into learning experiences.e-Learning that utilizes various tools including online references, courseware,knowledge management, collaboration and search.The term itself is meant to imply that the traditional model of e-Learning as atype of content, produced by publishers, organized and structured intocourses, and consumed by students, is turned on its head. Insofar as there iscontent, it is used rather than read— and is, in any case, more likely to beproduced by students than courseware authors. And insofar as there is structure, it is more likely to resemble a language or a conversation rather thana book or a manual. The e-learning application, therefore, begins to look verymuch like a blogging tool. It represents one node in a web of content,connected to other nodes and content creation services used by otherstudents. The term first appeared in 2005 in an online article e-Learning 2.0,by Stephen Downes. (source:Wikipedia).”12