User:Alexgavrilova

E-LEARNING The term E-learning refers to computer enhanced learning, thought it may also include the use of mobile technologies (also called M-learning) such as MP3 players or PDAs. E-learning presupposes using web-based teaching materials and hypermedia in general, multimedia CD-ROMs, web-sites, discussion boards, e-mails, blogs, wikis, chats and etc.

E-learning is ideal for distance education and flexible learning, as it allows instructors to reach their students wherever they are, but it can also be used in combination with face-to-face teaching (in this case the term Blended learning is commonly used). Other advantages of E-learning include adaptability to a learner's needs and more variety in learning experience with the use of multimedia and the non-verbal presentation of the teaching material.

Nowadays a lot of universities and colleges, together with online-only colleges, offer a big variety of academic degree and certificate programs via the Internet. There is an increasing tendency to create a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and online student support services which may include online advising, e-counselling, online textbook purchase, etc. According to research results, by 2003, more than 1.9 million students in the United States were participating in online learning and this number increases by 25% each year.

Communication technologies used in E-learning fall into 2 groups: •	Asynchronous (blogs, wikis and discussion boards); •	Synchronous (chats, virtual classrooms).

Thus students have an opportunity to join learning sessions in virtual classrooms and chats and communicate with their instructor and fellow students. Blogs provide facilities for writing assignments with the possibility of receiving feedback in the form of comments from your co-students and teachers.

E-Learning also includes Computer-aided Assessment (E-Assessment), ranging from automated multiple-choice tests to more sophisticated systems.

E-Learning is becoming increasingly popular and has bright prospects for the future.