Many Benefits of Elearning - written by Caitlina Fuller

Learning is an ongoing process and it never stops. In competitive world like ours, with so much advancements happening everywhere, skills which we learnt in our college or universities become rapidly obsolete and to be successful, one needs to be well versed with technology and keep himself at par with the changes. For this, one needs to keep acquiring newer skills, whether IT or other soft skills, required for ones job.

Elearning developments are in response to changes happening everywhere. Companies are transforming businesses, and knowledge and training become archaic very quickly, so training for employees is very crucial for survival. Distance learning is the underlying basis of elearning's evolution. Elearning solutions triumph over time and travel related problems.

Elearning is, in short, technology supported learning. There is no face- to- face interaction like in a traditional classroom and learning takes place through the use of electronic means like computer or mobiles.

It can involve a large variety of equipments; so the instruction or content can be delivered on CD ROMs, DVDs, internet or LAN in companies. One can say that elearning is basically internet and computer based learning. Yet, Elearning is broader than terms like online learning or computer based learning because as the name suggests, online training only involves the use of internet and intranet and not CD-ROMS or DVDs.

Elearning is a form of distance learning; however it can used along with face to face teaching. Though, distance learning is many years old, elearning history is somewhat new but the underlying concept of both are same. In both, the learning takes place outside the traditional classroom and student and instructor are separated by physical distance.

When learning or training is delivered through technological means, it is called as elearning. Internet access at home and at work has made this a very feasible option. Small or big corporate are also embracing elearning solutions for their employees. Their employees can learn a new skill or brush up their skills without traveling anywhere, thus not affecting the productivity also. Hands on activities and simulations have proved to be much more effective in real life situations, than theoretical knowledge, given to learners in classroom type settings.

Online training is a fast, effective and less expensive format to impart training or knowledge. Off campus learning or elearning has an edge over classroom training as it is flexible and can happen at any location, at any time; provided you have your laptop and a net connection.

The web based training or online training is very convenient for learners as it only requires an internet connection and web browser. Rich media and interactive content has given a boost to elearning solutions. There are many high quality elearning solutions are available in a range of topics today. You can either study online or download the content and read it when you find time; you can learn at your own pace.

For a generation who has grown in front of the computers, elearning is the way to be. May be the new generation will observe traditional classrooms disappearing and technology to be used more and more for learning. Future of elearning is very bright and it is there to stay. Virtual classrooms will bring together learners from diverse backgrounds which is important for collaborative learning. One can say that future of elearning is big and it will be much in demand but face- to- face meetings or traditional schools will also be there, may be to a limited extent.