Defining eLearning

Since then, it has generally taken four forms of definitions, Internet, Eccentric, Electronic, Framework.

Internet Based

• networked
• delivered to the end-user via a computer using standard internet technology
• focuses on the broadest view of learning

She considers WBT or elearning as belonging to Technology-Based Training -- training that is delivered partially or entirely through electronic hardware, software, or both (p. 161).

These two definitions are perhaps come the closest as to how most learning professionals define elearning.

Another one that pretty much stays within the "network" framework" is Clark Adrich (2004). He defines elearning as a broad combination of processes, content, and infrastructure to use computers and networks to scale and/or improve one or more significant parts of a learning value chain, including management and delivery. Originally aimed at lowering management cost while increasing accessibility and for measurability of employees, elearning is increasingly being used to include advanced learning techniques such as simulations and communities of practice and to include customers and vendors as well.

Electronic Based

Thus, this definition defines elearning is basically anything that is electronic.

Eccentric Based

Everything but Training

• Different kinds of content and learning objects (including both electronic and non-electronic forms, and even traditional classroom instruction).
• Just-in-time and asynchronous learning, such as virtual labs, virtual classrooms and collaborative work spaces.
• Simulations, document repositories and publishing programs.
• Tools for prescribing learning, managing development pathways and goals and handling e-commerce and financial transactions related to learning.
• The utilities and capabilities for supporting informal learning, mentoring, communities of practice and other "non-training" interventions.

High Velocity Value Chains

Experience

Framework Based

Victor Jeurissen, global practice leader for IBM Management Development Solutions, defines elearning as, "the use of innovative technologies and learning models to transform the way individuals and organisations acquire new skills and access knowledge" (Moeng, 2004). He further defines learning as a collaboration of information, interaction, collaboration, and in-person.

Jeurissen's definition is the most interesting and promising in that like Gilbert, who refers to the two aspects of performance, he also refers to the two aspects -- "innovative technologies and learning models" to provide the means, with the consequence being "acquiring new skills and access knowledge."

The "means" provide the learner experience of absorbing (reading, seeing, etc.) doing (activity), interacting (with people), and reflecting (connecting the new learnings with previous learnings). And so that the right skills and knowledge are learned (consequence), rather it be face-to-face or over the internet, requires good design:

Click for more information and to enlarge picture

The reason that we have to design and develop for the "right skills and knowledge" is that we are accountable to the organization for spending resources wisely. Victor Jeurissen reported that, "75% of CEOs think employee education is the most critical success factor relative to other people issues. Learning directly supports the top agenda of CEOs, business groups and customer responsiveness."

By viewing elearning and learning as having two aspects, we can better define learning's role in the organization.

Since a definition for the term training has never been universally accepted, I doubt that we will ever have a universally accepted term for elearning. However, I believe that it probably falls between the version of electronic and internet. The third view, which I labeled Eccentric Based, tends to view elearning too narrowing or too broadly.

eLearning 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 a conventional learning package, you can also do with an elearning package. There is nothing built into elearning that guarantees a perfectly designed piece of courseware. Thus elearning is simply a medium for delivering learning and like any other medium, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

Reference

The Delphi Group (2000). Need to Know: Integrating e-Learning with High Velocity Value Chains. 12/14/2000.

Cross, Jay. (2004). An Informal History of eLearning. On the Horizon. Vol: 12 Iss: 3 Pp: 103-110.

Manville, B. (2003). Organizing Enterprise-Wide eLearning and Human Capital Management. Chief Learning Officer, May, 2004.

Moeng, B. (2004). IBM tackles learning in the workplace. IBM Management Development Solutions, Nov 8, 2004.

Rosenberg, M. (2001). e-Learning: Strategies for Delivering Knowledge in the Digital Age. New York: McGraw-Hill, p28.

Rossett, A. & Sheldon, K. (2001). Beyond The Podium: Delivering Training and Performance to a Digital World. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, p274.