WHAT IS E-LEARNING?

In the last few years, new technology-related terms have become an intricate part of our everyday lives. In the field of languages in particular, it is common to hear about interactive CD ROMs, the Internet and E-learning (Electronic Learning)

Although most learners are quite aware of what CD ROMs and the Internet can offer for their language learning the (dictionaries, special resources, audiovisual files, authentic sources of materials, etc), many do not know for certain what E-learning is about. We could agree on the fact that they can infer that it involves a computer since we are talking about Electronic Learning, but when it comes to the way in which the instruction is carried out or the different means of interaction between teachers and students, they may feel at a loss.

For starters we can say that "E-learning” refers any learning that utilizes a network (such as the Internet) for delivery, interaction, or facilitation.

How do people Interact in an online course? In a traditional class learners can pose questions or comments to the instructor, interact in verbal discussions, or collaborate with small groups. Similar forms of interaction and collaboration exist in online courses, with a few substantial differences.

In most current language E-courses, the first major difference is that written communication is much more prevalent in online classrooms.

However, when E-learning classes are delivered via audio and video conferencing, E-learning is king. It offers learners the opportunity of learning directly from the horse's mouth, learning language as well as culture from a native speaker of the language they are trying to learn. Classes are oral most of the time. After all, in a regular class no student has the opportunity of talking 100% of the time as it happens in an online lesson. This of course maximizes the student talking time as well as the listening comprehension process, which improves dramatically in a relatively short period of time. This simply happens because, in most cases, the interaction takes place with a native speaker of the language who is qualified in the teaching of second languages.

In our future mini-articles, we are going to go deeper into the different kinds of E-learning instruction available at present and we are also going to analyze the pros and cons that each one entails. Below, you will find a glossary with the main uses of E-learning in second langua

Reflection: Think about each of these language training systems and jot down as many pros and cons as you could possibly imagine.

Brief Glossary on E-learning

* Computer Based Training (CBT) - Training or instruction where a computer program provides motivation and feedback in place on a live instructor. CBT can be delivered via CD-ROM, LAN or Internet. Creation is done by teams of people including instructional designers, and often has high development costs.

*Web Based Training (WBT) - Training which is delivered over a network (LAN, WAN or Internet). Can be either Instructor-led or Computer Based . Very similar to eLearning , but it implies that the learning is in the professional or corporate level.

*Synchronous Learning - Any learning event where interaction happens simultaneously in real-time. This requires that learners attend class at its scheduled time. Could be held in a traditional classroom, or delivered via distributed or eLearning technologies.

*Asynchronous Learning - Any learning event where interaction is delayed over time. This allows learners to participate according to their schedule, and be geographically separate from the instructor. Could be in the form of a correspondence course or eLearning . Interaction can take use various technologies like threaded discussion.

*Instructor-led Training (ILT) - A learning event which is led by an instructor , and either held in a physical location or delivered via a network ( WBT , eLearning ). Usually implies the professional or corporate level and synchronous learning.