2. what is e-Learning? E-learning (electronic learning) is a term covering a wide set of applications and processes, such as Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. There many different terms which are used interchangeably: technology-based learning, technology-based training, computer-based training, computer-based learning, computer-based instruction, computer-based education, Web-based training, Internet-based training, Intranet-based training, distance education, distance learning, distance training.

3. E-Learning Models Technical Training- you can teach how to use Microsoft Access and Excel, or C++, or how to be a Linux System Administrator. This type of training can include: self-study parts, instructor-led parts, and simulation parts. Professional Skills-you can teach negotiating, running meetings, coaching, and team dynamics skills to students. This type of training can be self-study (for knowledge transfer) and instructor-led (for skills transfer). New-Job-Role Training-you can teach employees how to perform a new job role. New managers, “new hires” generally require new knowledge and new skills. It can be partly self-study and partly interactive where the students work with an instructor and/or with other students. Update Training -You can update employees who have already been trained on the latest state-of-the-art developments. It can be self-study or instructor-led. Tip of the Iceberg-when employee needs to know “a little” about a topic but doesn’t need to become an expert. For example, a technical employee can learn the basics of marketing, a project manager – the basics of database, etc. It can be self-study or instructor-led.

4. Is Online Learning Strategic? The percentage of institutions that agree that online education is critical to their long-term strategy reached its highest level in 2010 (63.1%).

5. Likewise the percent disagreeing is at the lowest level (12.3%) for the eight years of the survey.

6. How Many Students are Learning Online?

9. Typical Barriers for Implementing e-Learning? Natural resistance to change-people don’t like change. Some students view traveling to class as a vacation from work and could be annoyed by online classes. New instructor skills - instructors need to learn new ways of teaching at a distance. New technology -new technology creates more problems, requires constant update of software, hardware, and employees skills. Course availability -sometimes it is difficult to find exact “off the shelf” e-learning courses, and you have to develop your own e-learning solution which requires more time and money. Budget- in many companies, training budgets are set years in advance, and the funding is allocated for traditional training. As you move to e-learning, you’ll find that there are new costs.

10. What does E-Learning Need From Your Management Team? Realistic expectations –e-learning takes time and effort by each individual student. Leadership – manages should know how e-learning works and the best way to do that is to take several e-learning courses. Support – some students need management encouragement to keep up their motivation.

11. What are the Basic Styles for E-Learning? Synchronous- a real-time, instructor-led online learning event in which all participants are logged on at the same time and communicate directly with each other. In this virtual classroom setting, the instructor maintains control of the class, with the ability to "call on" participants. In most platforms, students and teachers can use a whiteboard to see work in progress and share knowledge. Interaction may also occur via audio- or videoconferencing, Internet telephony, or two-way live broadcasts. Self-directed- a student works alone based on the material delivered over the Internet. There is no instructor or group of peer students to communicate with. Asynchronous learning - learning in which interaction between instructors and students occurs intermittently with a time delay. Examples are self-paced courses taken via the Internet or CD-ROM, Q & A, mentoring, online discussion groups, and email.

12. References Henderson A. J. (2003). The E-learning Question and Answer Book. New York, NY: American Management Association. The Sloan Consortium, Class Differences: Online Education in the United States, 2010.