E-learning is a very broad term. It is used to describe any type of learning environment that is enhanced by a computer. There are many technologies that can be used in e-learning. It has become one of those kinds of generic words that has lost some of its meaning. Distance learning is something that evolved from e-learning. It is used to describe a learning environment that occurs away from the traditional classroom and university campus.
E-learning started around the same time that a computer that was practical for personal use was being developed. In fact, the concept and practice of distance learning predates the computer field by about 100 years. In England, in 1840, shorthand lessons were introduced through mail correspondence courses. Improvements to the Postal Service made this method of distance learning popular in the early part of the last century. This has given rise to a plethora of “mail-on” types of educational programs. The computer just made distance learning easier and better. Television, video recorders, and even radio have all contributed to distance learning.
E-learning and distance learning are not exactly the same thing. The main thing that distinguishes distance education is the physical separation between the student, the teacher and the classroom. However, e-learning has been part of the classroom environment since the beginning. Early use of computers was directed at assisting the class teacher. Gradually, with more and more personal computers becoming available, the idea of online lessons has been explored by some of the leading colleges and universities. Early attempts at distance education were hampered by resistance from traditionalists within the field of education.
Some invoked what they called the philosophy of education to prove that the teacher is essential to the educational process. This resistance has led to early online degrees being viewed as inferior to traditionally obtained degrees. This bias extended to the personal departments of large employers. When choosing between two equally qualified applicants, preference was shown to the person with the traditional degree. This has changed drastically in recent years. Improvements in e-learning technology and the ability to create virtual classrooms and a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) have gradually broken the resistance. This process was aided by the emergence of a new generation weaned on the computer. It wouldn’t be surprising if the pendulum shifted completely within another generation and an online degree would be respected and desirable.
