E-learning: Meaning and How It Works

E-learning is increasingly becoming a dominant method for teaching and training, thanks to advancements in digital technologies that enable remote learning.

Online training courses in e-learning mode provide an effective solution for educational pathways of any type and level, covering a wide range of fields and objectives.

Through online portals, e-learning software and platforms offer virtual teaching alternatives, including study programs, online seminars, and university-level master’s programs. They also provide functionalities for continuous professional training in a digital environment for workers or anyone interested.

Here’s an explanation of what e-learning means, how it works, and the benefits it offers to better understand the opportunities tied to digital teaching and training.

E-learning: Meaning and Definition

E-learning refers to distance learning, a form of education conducted via the internet. It is based on three essential elements:

1. An internet connection;
2. A connected electronic device (smartphone, PC, or tablet);
3. Web platforms and applications that deliver the instruction.

This eliminates the need for physical attendance in classrooms or other physical locations, allowing learners to follow video lessons from home and, if required, take exams at the end of the course.

What Does E-learning Mean?

E-learning programs emerge from digital innovation and transformation, aiming to create smart channels capable of reaching anyone with tutorials, streaming content, exercises, and multimedia documents.

There are various types of e-learning tailored to different educational needs, student types, and content delivery. The rapid pace of digital development has fostered the growth of numerous platforms for remote training, catering to both small groups and large audiences.

E-learning is now utilized for many purposes and levels of instruction, including:

• Universities, which increasingly offer online programs and web-accessible courses;
• High schools;
• Corporate and professional training for individuals and groups.

What is the Difference Between E-learning and Webinars?

E-learning should not be confused with other forms of remote education, such as webinars.

• E-learning courses are accessible to participants at any time, allowing them to engage with content flexibly and according to their needs. Learners can access support from a tutor if the instructor is unavailable.
• Webinars are online seminars that may be conducted live or as pre-recorded events. While webinars are often used for dissemination and information sharing, they offer less interaction compared to e-learning courses.

However, webinars can be considered a subset of e-learning as one of the various methods of remote training and learning.

How Does E-learning Work?

The core idea of e-learning is to combine traditional, high-quality education with the convenience and speed offered by the internet.

The system relies on content that serves as virtual lectures, such as videos, audio files, texts, or images.

• Students can study independently while also interacting with the instructor to ask questions, present opinions, or request clarifications.
• Platforms enable students to exchange information, materials, and other educational resources among themselves.

At the end of the course, instructors can evaluate knowledge and skills using various methods:

• Video call exams (as in universities);
• Online written tests.

E-learning platforms often incorporate tools such as:

• Virtual classrooms
• Text chats
• Video chats
• Social network-based platforms

Popular E-learning Platforms

Several e-learning platforms are managed by universities, public organizations, and private institutions. Key examples include:

• Coursera: Offers professional teaching resources, university participation, exams, and certifications.
• Udacity: Provides a range of video lessons on diverse topics.
• Khan Academy: A nonprofit organization offering free educational services, including final evaluation certificates.
• EdX: A nonprofit initiative from MIT and other leading universities, rich in multidisciplinary content.
• Moodle: An open-source project used by many Italian universities, allowing for customization to meet various teaching needs.

In addition to these well-known platforms, there are private Learning Management Systems (LMS) that facilitate online course distribution, cloud-sharing, and statistical tracking of user activities.

Types of Distance Learning

E-learning formats can be categorized into three main types:

1. Webinars: Online seminars where users can access remote resources and select the information they need.
2. Open online courses: Often in the form of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), which allow self-paced learning and include self-assessment exercises.
3. Closed online courses: Delivered on LMS platforms, typically more specialized and guided by professional instructors who engage with participants.

Advantages and Disadvantages of E-learning

Advantages:

• On-demand access to diverse content, enabling learning at one’s own pace and schedule.
• Simplicity for students, who can revisit materials, customize their study approach, and progress at their rhythm.
• Cost-effectiveness compared to in-person training.
• Engaging multimedia support (videos, audio, etc.) often personalized by instructors.
• Easily updated content to stay current with advancements.

Disadvantages:

• Risk of depersonalizing teaching, reducing human interaction.
• Limited access to resources due to digital knowledge or technical gaps.
• Exam methods may lack reliability and fail to account for individual student needs.

E-learning is an indispensable teaching and training method in today’s digital society, offering significant advantages such as increased accessibility to information and skill acquisition. However, traditional classroom training remains essential in certain contexts to ensure the highest quality educational experience.