1.1.2 E-learning
E-learning, also known as electronic learning, is another form of
education that uses digital technology to deliver educational content
and instruction. E-learning can take many forms, including online
courses, e-learning modules, webinars, virtual classrooms, and
educational apps. E-learning can be delivered entirely online, or it can
be combined with traditional in-person classroom instruction. E-learning
materials may include multimedia content, such as video lectures,
animations, simulations, and interactive quizzes, as well as digital
texts and other materials. E-learning is often used in higher education
and vocational training, but it is also becoming more common in K-12
education and informal learning contexts. E-learning is often a flexible
and convenient option for learners who cannot attend traditional
in-person classes due to work, family, or other commitments.
Hopkins and Farley (2015) investigated an Australian trial of mobile
learning technology, including internet-independent eBook devices loaded
with college preparation resources that tried to improve jailed
students’ access to tertiary courses and pathways. While e-learning
provides economic efficiency and flexibility for some, the authors
discovered that the digital revolution may be diminishing chances for
the most marginalized students, such as incarcerated students and other
groups without direct internet access.