E£­learning

E£­learning (also  called electronic learning) is any type of learning that takes place through or with a computer. E£­learning is primarily facilitated through the Internet but can also be accomplished with CD£­ROMs and DVDs, streaming audio or video and other media. The purpose of e£­learning is to allow people to learn for personal accomplishment or to earn a professional degree, without physically attending a traditional university or academic setting. E£­learning can be applied for all levels of schooling from grade school to graduate degrees, and is versatile enough to accommodate all learning styles.

There are a number of types of e£­learning that depend on the amount of physical interaction. Entirely online e£­learning occurs without any face£­to£­face interaction. Course work and materials are distributed electronically through e£­mail, websites, online forums and/or CDs or DVD£­ROMs. Combined learning uses a combination of Internet£­directed instruction, as well as face£­to£­face interaction. Most traditional colleges and universities use combined learning as students learn in physical classrooms, with instruction augmented by online lessons.  For those learning for personal accomplishment, e£­learning can also use a combination of e£­learning types, as they can be entirely self£­directed, or they can use the assistance of an expert in their selected field.

Because the only requirement for e­learning (in most cases) requires a computer with Internet access or a CD/DVD£­ROM drive, e£­learning students can learn from home, libraries, Internet cafes or any other location that has Internet access. This is why e£­learning is a preferred option for those who work full time or part time and cannot afford to travel to a physical school. The ease of location with e£­learning also makes it preferable to stay£­at£­home parents with young or special£­needs children. E£­learning can also save money in that e£­learners do not have to pay for gas, vehicle repair or parking validation if they choose to remain at home while taking courses online. Ease of location is also beneficial to students who are home£­schooled, as they can gain social interaction through online communication as well as educational materials.