Table of Contents

Introduction to E-Learning.................................................................................... 2
What is E-Learning?................................................................................................ 2
What are the benefits?........................................................................................... 3
Whats the Value of E-Learning?..........................................................................4
How Has E-Learning Evolved?............................................................................... 5
E-Learning Methods................................................................................................ 6
1.

Text Driven...................................................................................................... 6

2. Visual Methods............................................................................................... 6
3. Interactive...................................................................................................... 7
4.

Simulation....................................................................................................... 7

5. Lesson-based Podcasts................................................................................7
6. Online assessment and quizzes..................................................................8
7. Educational blog posts................................................................................. 8
What Software Is Used to Create E-Learning?...................................................8
Form-based authoring tools...............................................................................9
Free-form authoring tools.................................................................................. 9
How Is E-Learning Shared?.................................................................................... 9
Informal distribution........................................................................................... 9
Formal distribution............................................................................................ 10
Different types of e- Learning............................................................................. 10
1.

Synchronous................................................................................................. 10

2.

Asynchronous............................................................................................... 10

What Makes an E-Learning Project Successful?..............................................11

Tools..................................................................................................................... 11
Instructional design.......................................................................................... 11
Conclusion.............................................................................................................. 12
References............................................................................................................. 13

Introduction to E-Learning
E-Learning is emerging as the new paradigm of modern education. Worldwide, the E-Learning
market has a growth rate of 35.6%. We understand that the term E-Learning can be confusing.
Aimed at practitioners who are just starting out in incorporating E-Learning into their teaching,
this document will demystify the term, outline key terminology and its relevance, and introduce
commonly used E-Learning terms.
E-Learning can encompass a wide variety of online initiatives. So a good, broad way to think
about E-Learning is as the use of electronic media (computers, tablets, or phones) to educate or
train learners.
This report will focus on E-Learning in terms of course development and content authoring, and
then explore what it is, why we use it, how its evolved, and much more.

What is E-Learning?
Many people would recognize a basic E-Learning course as a slide-based online activity that
contains simple navigation buttons (such as Next and Back). But not all E-Learning courses
share the same fingerprint. For example, an E-Learning course could be a software simulation
that demonstrates the click path through an application. Or, it could be a very interactive course
that features role playing and complex decision-making. In this article, we will take a
deliberately broad view of E-Learning, and appreciate its near-infinite and ever-evolving forms.

E-Learning can be defined as 'learning facilitated and supported through the use of information
and communications technology'. It can cover a spectrum of activities from the use of technology
to support learning as part of a blended approach (a combination of traditional and E-Learning

approaches), to learning that is delivered entirely online. Whatever the technology, however,
learning is the vital element.
Quite simply, E-Learning is electronic learning, and typically this means using a computer to
deliver part, or all of a course whether it's in a school, part of business training or a full distance
learning course.
In the early days it received a bad press, as many people thought bringing computers into the
classroom would remove that human element that some learners need, but as time has progressed
technology has developed, and now we embrace smartphones and tablets in the classroom and
office, as well as using a wealth of interactive designs that makes distance learning not only
engaging for the users, but valuable as a lesson delivery medium.
Building partnerships with quality training providers, and combining this with a dedicated
experienced technical team and support staff, Virtual College provides the perfect blended
learning environment, offering anyone the chance to take their online training to the next level.

What are the benefits?

There are several benefits to E-Learning whether instructor choose to use it on its own, or to
enhance existing in house training. I have listed a few below, but for more information on how
business can save time and money.

It's cost effective and saves time:

By reducing the time taken away from the office, removing travel costs and doing away with
printed materials, online learning helps instructor to save money and increase workplace
productivity. It also means that the staffs will be happier and focused.

Learning 24/7, anywhere:

Many face to face courses only operate within normal office hours. By allowing staff to complete
the course when and where they like instructor can make sure disruptions of busy working
schedule are minimized. This also means that instructors staff will be happier because they don't
need to travel to specific training centers, and if they have important work to catch up on
mandatory training can be done outside of office hours in exchange for lieu time. Most of our
courses have an average learning time, and our CPD approved courses allow learners to print out
certificates of proof.

It makes tracking of course progress a breeze:

Perhaps the most important aspect of using computers for training is that it with a well
implemented Learning Management System (LMS) makes it easy to track and prove progress for
staff and learners. This can be essential for our most popular courses where proof of mandatory
training is required.

It is discreet:
Not everybody feels comfortable learning in a large group, especially if they find something hard
to understand that co-workers have no problem with. E-Learning allows each individual to tackle
the subject at their own pace, with interactive tasks being set in place to ensure a thorough
understanding throughout each module.

But a computer can't do everything can it!

Nothing is perfect, and we understand that in some cases (such as 17th Edition (BS7671:2008)
EAL and City & Guilds 2382-10 electricians course) it is vital that people are tested under strict
exam conditions. For that reason, Virtual College works with industry professionals to ensure all
of our online course materials are approved and available to help instructor prepare for that final
qualification. We also have a division dedicated to the implementation of 'blended learning',
which is to take use E-Learning alongside traditional face to face training to combine the
benefits. We call this section of the business YP Training. Blended learning is the perfect
approach for environments such as manufacturing plants where E-Learning can teach the theory,
but there is a need for practical training to ensure competency. The use of E-Learning for the
theory element of training means that shop floor workers spend less time away from the job.
We've even transferred this process into the Apprenticeship sector. If instructor is concerned that
some things can't be taught by a computer, or that E-Learning just isn't for instructor, why not
call our support team who'll be able to advise instructor.

Whats the Value of E-Learning?

E-Learning offers a lot of value compared to more traditional training options, like facilitated
sessions or lectures. E-Learning ...
Can be either an asynchronous or synchronous activity: Traditionally, E-Learning has been
asynchronous, which means there is no predetermined time for the learning to take place.
Everyone can go at their own pace, and take their time to learn what they need to know, when

they need to know it. However, more synchronous E-Learning is now being offered through web
conferencing and chat options. The great thing about E-Learning is it gives instructor the option
to do one, or both.
Has a global reach: E-Learning can simply be placed online and easily accessed by people
around the world. There is no need for expensive travel or meetings across multiple time zones.
Spans multiple devices/mobile: Online courses can work on computers as well as on mobile
devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This means E-Learning courses can literally be in the
hands of the people who need them, at all times.
Is just-in-time/needs-based: Its possible to create, publish, and share a course within a few
hours. The software is so easy to use that almost anyone can create engaging courses.
Reduces costs: All of the above-mentioned factors result in a cost savings for organizations that
use E-Learning courses to replace some of their traditional instructor-led training.
As the world becomes more connected and globalized, more people have consistent access to the
internet, computers, smartphones, and other technological devices. When we provide people with
learning opportunities on these devices, they can use them to access timely resources and
training while on the job.
The value of E-Learning is that it can save time and money. It can often be more efficient to
develop one course that can be distributed electronically and consistently to thousands, versus
one thats delivered in person to training groups, where the message, equipment, and other
conditions can vary enough to affect the outcome of the course.

How Has E-Learning Evolved?

The past decade has radically transformed E-Learning. In the early days, E-Learning courses
were typically custom creations, coded by programmers and developers who used highly
specialized tools and code to create these courses. In those days, it could easily require an entire
team to create a simple, linear E-Learning course. Very few people had the skills or knowledge to
do so on their own.
Now, with advances in technology, creating E-Learning is much more accessible. The course
development tools have advanced to a point where just about anyone can create an E-Learning
course, without any programming or coding knowledge.
Changes in technology have also impacted the types of hardware tools we use. Weve gone from
using desktop computers exclusively to a mix of desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Naturally, E-Learning has followed suit to span the array of devices we use. In fact, E-Learning
developed specifically for mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones, is sometimes
referred to as as m-learning, or mobile learning.

The learners experience of accessing E-Learning has also evolved. It wasnt so long ago that
learners had to first add custom applications and/or download players before they could view
course content. This setup often took time and was fraught with challenges for the learnereven
before the course started.
Then, in the late nineties, Adobe Flash became the standard for E-Learning, which made it really
simple to view and share E-Learning content. For nearly a decade, a majority of browsers came
with Flash, so learners could play courses through the Flash player in their browser. However,
now that many mobile devices and tablets are not Flash compatible, many developers are shifting
to HTML5 to publish and share E-Learning courses.

E-Learning Methods
For years, many people thought that creating an E-Learning course was just the matter of taking
an old PowerPoint presentation and publishing it in a fancy player. Over time though, E-Learning
began to evolve into something far more effective (although we still havent shaken the
PowerPoint past completely).
Truth is, different contexts drive different requirements for E-Learning. Some situations may just
need a basic course, while others need nothing less than an advanced, interactive module
presenting the content in a variety of ways.
While E-Learning varies across a large spectrum, in general E-Learning can be provided through
following methods:
1. Text Driven
In this level, the content is simple and includes text, graphics, some audio, and simple test
questions. Compliance courses are a good example of text driven E-Learning that usually has
one purpose or goal: present the learning and quickly test on the content.
The text driven course rarely has any interactive components, no gamification, and images used
sparingly. PowerPoint files converted to E-Learning often fall into this category.

2. Visual Methods
Visual learners do best when presented with vibrant and image-rich stimuli. They are also good
with words, so they easily understand written documents and textbooks. However, the
documents formatting also helps keep their attention. Ways to appeal to visual learners:

PowerPoint Documents Visual learners are attracted to colorful documents with a variety of
fonts and formatting, including images. Using PowerPoint to make creative, visual
documents will help focus visual learners.
Image Galleries A picture says a thousand words. Trainers can use images from their own
archives or search the web to link photographs, artwork, and PDF files.

Videos Trainers can also upload or link video feeds to their classrooms, allowing students
to watch the files from their home computers or mobile apps.

3. Interactive
An interactive E-Learning course is very similar to a text driven one, with the exception that
there has been more consideration placed on interactive components to enhance the learning.
There is also a greater use of visuals in general (graphics, charts, diagrams), all of which are
likely to have an interactive aspect.
Unlike the text driven course, interactive courses also take advantage of additional media types,
include videos. Several ways to appeal to visual learners:

Interactive Documents PDFs, PowerPoints, and Word documents can all be made
interactive. Trainers can ask students to answer multiple-choice questions, fill in the blanks,
and drag and drop words or images to graphs.
Polls and Surveys Trainees can interact with one another through polls or surveys, which
provides to all users. Learners simply answer the questions, and a graph or chart pops up for
them to see. These tools help kinesthetic learners by providing physical stimulation during
the training process.
Animations When teaching a technical skill, such as how to put together a machine,
graphics help kinesthetic learners. Consider uploading a 3D model of the device for trainees
to explore and manipulate. Have the learners click on different parts of the animation to see
what they do. These activities will keep kinesthetic learners attention, as their minds tend to
wander when reading or listening to a traditional lecture.

4. Simulation
Simulation E-Learning is highly interactive and relies heavily upon graphics, video, audio and
some level of gamification. Importantly, there are often custom simulations to aid in learning
acquisition, which could very well include 3D components. New software training is an example
of a course that often includes a high degree of interactivity and simulations. It isnt uncommon
for these simulations to also be accompanied with some sort of controlled test environment.
E-Learning that is simulation heavy puts an emphasis on portraying concepts through various
mediums, usually starting with text and graphics, with audio, and video examples. Afterwards,
there is often a try-it mode where users can practice the new skills, potentially earning
achievements or points along the way.

5. Lesson-based Podcasts
One of the most beneficial micro-E-Learning techniques used today is the educational podcast.
Recording a small amount of information, that can be discoursed far and wide, can give learners
the chance to gather important data and knowledge from the comfort of their own homes or
offices (or even on-the-go). Better yet, they don't have to set aside large blocks of time to absorb
this new information, as the lesson can be distilled into a few minutes and offered via podcast.

6. Online assessment and quizzes

Micro-E-Learning techniques can also come in the form of assessment or quizzes online. These
quick virtual exams can give instructors the opportunity to gauge the level of skill and
understanding of each of their learners, and can even offer learners the chance to determine how
they are progressing along the way. They can also prove to be a good source of motivation,
which always leads to enhanced performance both in and out of the office.

7. Educational blog posts

Even something as simple and straightforward as a blog post can serve as a micro-E-Learning
activity. Learners can visit the blog whenever they choose and gather the required information,
making it an ideal way to get the information across when and where the learners need it. Blog
posts can serve as a method by which instructor inform potential learners about the lessons being
offered, or keep current employees or students up to date on the latest news or knowledge. For
example, if instructor write a blog post dedicated to tips for success in banking, instructor can
keep bank employees informed about ways that they can improve their on-the-job performance
and client care skills, without having to offer a structured learning environment.

What Software Is Used to Create E-Learning?

In the early days of E-Learning, only programmers and coders had the complex programming
skills to create E-Learning courses. Then came applications like Authorware, which still required
programming, and Microsoft PowerPoint, which came into play in the late 1980s. PowerPoint
quickly became the go-to tool for designing slide-based E-Learning courses for much of the
1990s.
A huge leap forward for E-Learning development occurred with the advent of PowerPoint-toFlash tools. With that advancement, developers could convert PowerPoint courses, which were
rarely interactive, to Flash, without needing to do any programming. Developers could also use
form-based tools like Articulate Engage to push the creative envelope of their content beyond
what they could do in PowerPoint.
The new millennium saw even more advancements as new tools were introduced. With these, the
average layperson was better equipped to design and build their own E-Learning courses. For
example, Articulate Storyline offers the ease and familiarity of PowerPoint, yet has the power to
build complex interactions, all without the developer writing a line of code.
Todays E-Learning authoring tools are typically broken down into two categories: form-based
and free-form development.

Form-based authoring tools

Using a form-based application means certain aspects of the E-Learning course are prebuilt.
Instructor simply need to add in the proper text, images, and colors. With different combinations
of these, instructor can vary the look of the interactions created from the same form.

Form-based tools are great for people who want to develop content quickly. They also work well
for people who are less technical, or who are newer to E-Learning and want less of a learning
curve. Articulate Engage (part of the Articulate Studio suite) is a perfect example of a form-based
tool. The application comes with 20 prebuilt interactions, from a bulletin board to a circle
diagram to a pyramid interaction.
Form-based authoring offers instructor simplicity at the expense of some custom programming
options. As such, the constraints of the form become evident when instructor try to do more than
what the form is designed to do. Its a trade-off that most people accept for the gains in authoring
speed and ease.

Free-form authoring tools

While form-based tools offer prebuilt key functionalities, free-form software does just the
opposite. A free-form tool generally starts instructor out with a blank slide, and instructor then
build the entire functionality and design. This gives instructor more options for customizing the
look, and is better suited to someone who is comfortable with the technology. Free-form
applications are often used to create highly customized, complex E-Learning modules.
The trade-off with free-form authoring is that instructor have to make every little decision, which
requires more planning. For example, say instructor wanted to create a tabs interaction. In short,
free-form gives instructor more power and more options, but it also requires more skill and time.

How Is E-Learning Shared?

Once instructor has created an E-Learning course, instructor need to distribute it to learners.
There are many ways to do this, andlike everything else related to E-Learningthose ways
are constantly evolving and improving. Here, Id like to look at two ways to share content:
informal distribution and formal distribution.

Informal distribution
Informal distribution of E-Learning content typically means users are trusted to view the ELearning course, and are not tracked or scored for completion. One way to informally share an
E-Learning course is to put it on a web server, then send participants the link and have them view
the course. Instructor dont really have a systematic way of knowing whether learners have
completed the course, but sometimes thats not necessary.

Formal distribution
Sharing an E-Learning course formally means theres a need to track and record learner results.
Most organizations that have a need for formal distribution of E-Learning have specific systems
and standards in place for this.
Tracking is usually done in what is called a Learning Management System (LMS). Certain
standards are in place to report the information to the LMS, including AICC, SCORM, and, more
recently, Tin Can.

Here are a few important terms to understand related to the distribution of E-Learning:

LMS: LMS stands for Learning Management System and refers to software used to
administer, track, report, and document the delivery of E-Learning courses.
SCORM: A Shareable Content Object Reference Model is a collection of specifications and
standards for E-Learning, which allows communication between the E-Learning content and
the LMS. There are several versions of SCORM.
AICC: The Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee is a set of specifications
designed so learning technology vendors can spread their costs across multiple markets.
Tin Can: Tin Can API (Application Programming Interface) is a new specification for ELearning, which is not tied to an LMS and collects data about a persons learning experiences
across various devices. These devices are able to communicate with each other using this
new spec.

Different types of e- Learning

There are fundamentally two types of E-Learning:
- Synchronous training
- Asynchronous training
1. Synchronous, means at the same time, involves interaction of participants with an
instructor via the Web in real time. For example VCRs or Virtual class rooms that are
nothing else but real classrooms online. Participants interact with each other and instructors
through instant messaging, chat, audio and video conferencing etc. and whats more all the
sessions can be recorded and played back. Its benefits are:

Ability to log or track learning activities.

Continuous monitoring and correction is possible

Possibilities of global connectivity and collaboration opportunities among learners.

Ability to personalize the training for each learner.

2. Asynchronous, which means not at the same time, allows the participants to
complete the WBT (Web-based training) at their own pace, without live interaction with the
instructor. Basically, it is information that is accessible on a self-help basis, 24/7. The
advantage is that this kind of E-Learning offers the learners the information they need
whenever they need it. It also has interaction amongst participants through message boards,
bulletin boards and discussion forums. These include computer based training, (CBTs)
modules on CD-ROMs, Web based training accessed through intranet (WBTs) or through
well written articles and other write ups. Its advantages are
Available just in time for instant learning and reference.

Flexibility of access from anywhere at any time.

Ability to simultaneously reach an unlimited number of employees.

Uniformity of content and onetime cost of production.

What Makes an E-Learning Project Successful?

Many factors contribute to a successful E-Learning program, but the top two are:
1) a production process that uses good tools; and 2) solid instructional design.

Tools
Good form-based or free-form tools let instructor create the functionality and interactivity that
instructor wants. They help instructor make E-Learning that looks and works great, which goes a
long way toward a successful E-Learning course.
The easier the programming, the less time instructor have to spend on technical issues. This frees
instructor up to commit to the instructional design to craft a great learning experience.

Instructional design
One way organizations measure the success of an E-Learning project is by how much the
learners knowledge and skills have improved after theyve taken the course. To provide
instructors learners with the best odds, instructor should have content that is designed in an
instructionally sound manner. Instructional design is all about creating educational and
instructional experiences that maximize learning and present knowledge and content in the most
effective, efficient way.
Consider reading about some instructional design basics for E-Learning to help instructor create
courses that are instructionally sound with solid learning objectives. Instructor can have the most
fabulous-looking course in the world, but if there isnt good, quality content within the course,
its not going to have the impact instructor desire.
The key thing to remember about E-Learning, and specifically E-Learning course development,
is that it is a constantly-evolving field. From the tools instructor use to create it, to the
applications learners use to view it, the technology behind creating and sharing E-Learning
changes daily. The tools instructor has will continue to improve; however, instructors focus
should remain on using those tools to create the best E-Learning possible.

Conclusion
E-Learning is nothing but the use of technology to connect teachers and students; trainers and
employees. The E-learning methods are used to aim to support professionals involved in the
design and development of their work. The basic concepts of e-learning with a focus on training
employees, and introducing the various activities and roles involved in learning. E-Learning is
needed both to create study material and make it accessible to learners. Different media elements
can be used to create e-learning content, such as text, graphics, animations, audio, photographs
and video sequences. The choice of the right media mix depends on the instructional approach as

well as on technological and resource constraints. E-learning is a convenient option for

organizations in certain situations. The term E-Learning therefore essentially covers the use of
computers and technology as a vehicle for knowledge exchange within teaching and learning.

References
i.

ii.

iii.
iv.
v.

Jisc, Introduction to E-Learning (2010) Available at:

http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/guide/introduction-to-E-Learning [Accessed on: 29rd April
2016]
David Anderson, (2015) E-Learning Project. Available at:
https://community.articulate.com/series/21/articles/what-is-E-Learning [Accessed on: 29rd
April 2016]
Virtual College (2016) Available at: http://www.virtual-college.co.uk/E-Learning/ELearning.aspx [Accessed on: 29th April, 2016]
Justin Ferriman, Types of E-Learning. (2013) Available at: http://www.learndash.com/3types-of-E-Learning/ [Accessed on: 6th May, 2016]
Christopher Pappas (2014) 7 Micro-E-Learning Techniques to Improve Performance.
Available at: http://E-Learningindustry.com/7-micro-E-Learning-techniques-to-improveperformance [Accessed on: 6th May, 2016]