E-learning goals and tools: its implementations and limitations in the context of the digital divide

This paper critically examines the potentials of e-learning in India in the background of its definition, goals and tools. The advent of e-learning in India, though a little late, has been prominent and holds out great potentials for the future in spite of the digital divide. This paper examines the various definitions of e-learning in the literature reviewed and what a good e-learning content implies. The learning goals of e-learning include Electronic Performance Support, which can provide for up to three levels of support to a worker. Digital collaborations, knowledge management and training - both synchronous and asynchronous - are also its main goals. E-learning tools have been studied as consisting of four generations of technology. The limitations of e-learning are seen from the perspective of blended learning solutions. Two tables of data on the return over investment on e-learning ventures are reviewed. The rise of a much greater thrust on e-learning by its learners and its vendors, in both the corporate and educational sectors of India, are seen for the near future.

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