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...  [+] Show more

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.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.