A Model for Meaningful E-Learning at Canadian Universities

A Definition of E-Learning

The definitions of e-learning in the literature are numerous and, at times, confusing. In this chapter, e-learning is understood as learning that may occur outside of the face to face setting and typically involves a variety of learning technologies and teaching approaches (Moore, Dickson-Deane & Galyen, 2011). It is not to be confused with distance learning which, historically, has been defined as geographically distributed learning and, presently, involves online or internet-supported educational strategies. Instead, e-learning has adopted some of the characteristics of both distance learning and online learning and refers to the integration of pedagogy, instructional technology, and the Internet in teaching and learning environments. Based on this definition, e-learning environments may include face-to-face (f2f) classrooms in which instructional technologies (e.g. learning management systems, video- and web-conferencing, mobile applications, etc.) are used; blended and web-enhanced learning environments; and fully online learning environments (Salyers, Carter, & Barrett, 2010a; Salyers, Carter, Barrett & Williams, 2010b).