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.