E-Glossary

E-Learning is an umbrella term that refers to the use of any digital device and technologies for teaching and learning. 

Although there is no single, universally accepted definition, e-learning includes all methods that involve the use of digital devices (e.g., computers, tablets, smartphones) and typically take place over the internet. It is used for knowledge transfer, social interaction, or collaborative work. E-learning enables learning to take place anywhere and anytime, either online or offline, with the help of electronic devices.

Online education refers to the delivery of all instructional content via the internet, either synchronously (in real-time) or asynchronously (at the learner’s convenience), or through a combination of both methods. While instruction occurs remotely, learners may still have opportunities to meet in person with peers or instructors and utilize on-campus resources and learning materials. This differs from distance education, which encompasses any mode of instruction where the learner and instructor are physically separated, regardless of the technologies employed.

Digital education is understood to encompass all forms of teaching and learning enhanced by the use of digital technologies, including online, hybrid, and blended education. Digital technologies are broadly defined to include networks (e.g., the Internet), hardware, software, and technology-related services.

Blended education involves primarily in-person instruction, which is supplemented and enhanced by online materials and activities. In blended courses, virtual learning environments (VLE) or learning management systems (LMS), open educational resources (OER), digital adaptive learning tools, simulations, or educational games may be used to support learning.

Example in practice:

Students attend in-person lectures where fundamental concepts and case studies are discussed. Supplementary materials are available on the Moodle platform, while simulations during seminars aid in practical application.

Hybrid education is an umbrella term for a learning approach in which online and face-to-face instruction, with the online components delivered either synchronously, asynchronously, or through a combination of both. Unlike blended education, hybrid education uses online instruction as a substitute for in-person sessions, thereby reducing the frequency of face-to-face interactions, thus providing flexible and personalised learning experiences. 

Examples in practice:

• The teacher shares their in-person class online as well, allowing students to follow the lecture remotely if they are unable to attend in person.
• The teacher records the lecture material in video format and shares it online with students, while also offering an in-person consultation once a week, where students can discuss with each other and the instructor.

Synchronous learning: This involves instructors and students meeting simultaneously at the same (virtual or physical) location, engaging in real-time interactions.

Asynchronous Learning: This type of learning involves the use of technology to enable sharing of learning resources and the exchange of ideas within a network of learners and teachers who are separated by time and/or space, and students can access the educational materials at their own pace. (Examples of asynchronous learning are discussion forums and email interactions. In both cases there is a time lag between interactions.) 

Examples in practice:

• For example,K-MOOC works asynchronously, therefore there are no specific dates set during the courses, and the instructor feedback could also be delayed.  

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Becker S, Brehmer J (2017): „E-Learning“ …ein neues Qualitätsmerkmal der Lehre?. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen.

https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/document/download/4ddb291d1e0c485230df5cd20f3b6b9b.pdf/09_E-Learning.pdf [13.09.2024.]

COL (2015 (revised 2020)): Open and distance learning: key terms and definitions. https://oasis.col.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/2d6d0e13-a452-4392-9821-2456a2a2ed2e/content [13.09.2024.]

OECD (2023): Shaping Digital Education: Enabling Factors for Quality, Equity and Efficiency, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/bac4dc9f-en; 36. oldal [13.09.2024.]

Stanford Graduate School of Education:  Classroom Resources. https://teachingresources.stanford.edu/resources/what-is-synchronous-and-asynchronous-learning/ [13.09.2024.]

UNESCO (2016) Closing the gap: opportunities for distance education to benefit adult learners in higher education, Hamburg, https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000243264 [13.09.2024.]

OECD (2023): How are OECD governments navigating the digital higher education landscape? Evidence from a comparative policy survey, 10.o. https://one.oecd.org/document/EDU/WKP(2023)18/en/pdf [13.09.2024.]

UNESCO: TVETipedia Glossary. https://unevoc.unesco.org/home/TVETipedia+Glossary/lang=en/show=term/term=E-learning [13.09.2024.]

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