Task 2:
During the last Seminar session, we discussed what makes eLearning good or bad for us. We fixed these thoughts with a mindmap that can still be edited. Now its definetly time to figure out, what does eLearning really mean? Our task for this week is hence finding two definitions and constitute wether we like or disklike them.
A first short definition I took from a webopedia page:
eLearning is:
“Education via the Internet, network, or standalone computer. e-learning is essentially the network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. e-learning refers to using electronic applications and processes to learn. e-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM.*
e-learning was first called “Internet-Based training” then “Web-Based Training” Today you will still find these terms being used, along with variations of e-learning such as elearning, Elearning, and eLearning.”
[JupiterOnlineMedia, 11/2004]
In my opinion this definition is short and to the point. It includes important facts like what kinds of eLearning exsist and which media is involved. The explanation even points out different or older terms for eLearning.
With this definition you get to know what eLearning is in a nutshell. It is suitable, if you only need an overview over the item – like e.g. I needed last week. ^^ But if you want to go deeper into the term itself and whatelse it stands for, webopedia is not informed enough.
In conclusion: I like it for a shortcut and for fast knowledge. But it would fail in a more explicid definition context. They show no examples and don´t give feedback on good or bad issues.
The second one I chose from agelesslearner.com:
“Definition of e-learning
e-Learning. eLearning. “e”learning. However you write it, definitions abound.
- The convergence of the Internet and learning, or Internet-enabled learning.
- The use of network technologies to create, foster, deliver, and facilitate learning, anytime and anywhere.
- The delivery of individualized, comprehensive, dynamic learning content in real time, aiding the development of communities of knowledge, linking learners and practitioners with experts.
- A phenomenon delivering accountability, accessibility, and opportunity to allow people and organizations to keep up with the rapid changes that define the Internet world.
- A force that gives people and organizations the competitive edge to allow them to keep ahead of the rapidly changing global economy.
[...]“
[creative commons, 15.10.2006]
This excerpt still goes on, but since I linked the source, I figure I don´t have to post the whole page.
I have to say this definition is quite informative. Actually it is a whole webpage based on telling, what eLearning is, what it includes and examples or at least links to “try-out” pages for users and creators. Agelesslearner gives more knowledge about different explanations and also points out literature for more information.
This page might even be useful for teachers. It shows ways for “distance education” and even a help tool is involved, where users and creators can visit when they have any kind of problem.
If you have a closer look at the given links, there is unfortunately at least one, that offers only advertisement for books. This is of course a negative fact.
But besides that, the structure of this page about eLearning is good, goes deeper and includes helpful information.
That´s it for this week. Maybe I´ll still change some things, but for now it´s on the blog.
Have a very nice week! 
