What is eLearning?

Web-based teaching materials, multimedia CD-ROMs or web sites, discussion boards, collaborative software, e-mail, blogs, wikis, computer aided assessment, educational animation, simulations, games, learning management software, electronic voting systems and more.
Ah! The list is endless. For good or bad, all computer-based educational applications are grouped under e-learning. E-learning is an all-encompassing term generally used to refer to computer-enhanced learning often extended to include the use of mobile technologies such as PDAs and MP3 players. Before we delve greater into e-learning, the history of professional learning tools needs to be understood. There are currently three groups of learning tools: training, e-learning and coaching. Of these, coaching makes up less than 1% of the total spend in organizations, with training being the main spend, followed by e-learning.
Having undergone training at some point of time or other little about it needs to be explained. Coaching, while seemingly similar to training, is a relatively different and new learning tool. It is personalized ‘just in time’ learning, delivered one-to-one over time.
In the array of learning tools available, e-learning is an important, upcoming learning tool.
E-learning applications are generally build around the interactive multimedia. Learners see text, graphics and animations in e-learning courses. Other mediums that may be present primarily include video and sound. There is usually a feedback mechanism built-in for students to respond. This could be through the keyboard, the mouse, or through the microphone. The instructional approach varies widely from having plain multiple-choice questions to complex simulations.
Another important question is around which areas e-learning applications can be developed. The answer is everywhere!
E-learning can contribute to any business area, with any nature of content and performance outcomes. It can easily and effectively be used for building cognitive skills -procedures, facts, and conceptual knowledge. It has been remarkably successful in the area of soft skills – management, leadership, interrelationship management, etc – as well. Psychomotor skills such as playing baseball or swimming need practice. E-learning may not be able to teach you these skills but can definitely help you learn critical knowledge components.
E-learning is an omnipotent tool in the area of new emerging learning methodologies. Given the right designers and technology, e-learning will continue to grow to be an effective part of training programs.