E-learning - a critical evaluation (Essay)
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E-learning or elearning
The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (OALD) does not yet list the expression “e-learning” or “elearning” in its 7th edition published in 2005. However, “e-learning” entered all online-based English/German dictionaries that are commonly used in Germany. These dictionaries translate the considered word into German as follows: “computergestütztes Lernen” (http://www.dict.cc), “E-Learning” (http://www.leo.org) or “computergestützte Fortbildung” (http://www.woerterbuch.info).
I would first like to approach the word from a linguistic perspective. It is obviously a derived word made up from the bound morpheme / prefix “e-“ and the base “learning”, which in turn goes back to the verb “learn”. Referring to the OALD, the prefix “e-“ is a “combining form (in nouns and verbs) connected with the use of electronic communication, especially the Internet, for sending information, doing business, etc. …”. “learn” is explained as “to gain knowledge or skill by studying, from experience, from being taught, etc. …”.
Thus, we can reason that e-learning has the denotation of gaining knowledge or skill by studying, from experience, from being taught, etc., with the use of electronic communication, especially the Internet.
Why has this expression been created? Linguists generally say that new words are usually invented to simplify speaking. It can therefore be assumed that people found it helpful to use an expression that distinguishes “normal” learning from learning that was computer-aided. I say computer-aided because learning supported by electronic means (such as a VCR) has presumably not made the invention of a new word necessary, but the increased use of computers in learning contexts has.
Even though the concept of e-learning goes back to the 1960ies , the expression has not found its way into the OALD. An explanation for this can be that the editors of the OALD do not consider it necessary. They might think that “learning” covers all aspects and way of acquiring skills. I would agree with this and make the claim that the expression is likely to disappear sooner or later from our everyday language owing to the fact that computers are already an integral part of our everyday life and so of our learning. So, from my point of view, there is no important difference between the concept of e-learning and normal learning, which is why the prefix “e-“ may be considered redundant.
Pedagogical science belongs to the field of social science. Therefore, people carrying out research in this domain normally do not utilize or phrase strict definitions because their subject does not allow them to do so due to the enormous scope of interpretation. Pedagogical scientists prefer the use of disambiguation. However, some scholars attempted to define e-learning. For a list of different definitions, see http://www.namahn.com/resources/documents/note-e-learning.pdf . One of these definitions should be given here as an example:
E-learning covers a wide set of applications and processes such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV and CD-ROM.
The above given definition encompasses some characteristics that are widely accepted when it comes to discussing e-learning, namely: the potential distance between learner and teacher in terms of time and space, and the use of electronic devices.
One could ask whether interaction between learner and teacher has to be involved. I would disagree with that since I can imagine many occasions in which the so-called e-learning is involved, and the learner simply receives an input of information, for example: a staff member familiarizes him- or herself with the latest product information. However, this example shows that there is something like an implied teacher. This means that the content does not only exist, but that one person (or institution) intentionally provided another person with certain content.
Also, distance in terms of time and space is not a prerequisite for a learning situation to be considered as e-learning. Just imagine a training course with eight participants and a trainer. If the participants use a computer while dealing with the given topic and they get instructions and help from the trainer, neither time- nor space-wise distance exists.
There are some other expressions used when it comes to internet-supported learning. To mention a few of them: online learning, web-based training and computer-based training.
Sources:
Namahn (Ed.) 2002: E-learning - A research note by Namahn. Url: http://www.namahn.com/resources/documents/note-e-learning.pdf.
OALD 2005: Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2005.
Seminar: “Pedagogical Media Theory” at the University of Hamburg. Discussion on 9 December 2008.
by Hilmar Kleen
