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e-Learning, online learning, and distance learning are often interchanged without meaningful definitions.
e-Learning
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"e-Learning is an educational approach that combines different types of multimedia technologies to ensure better education experiences for students and teachers" (Deperlioglu et al., 2012). This approach allow educators to provide materials by using more effective and efficient communication channels. Rossiter (2002) stated that e-Learning is a development of knowledge and skills through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support interactions for learning. This is in line with the finding from Ellis and Allen (2004) where e-Learning covers a wide set of applications and processess, such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom, and digital collaboration, it includes the delivery of content via internet, intranet/extranet (LAN/WAN), audio and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV, and CD-ROM. So, it can be said that it does not consist of any physical learning materials issued to students or actual face to face contact.
Online Learning
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Online learning is where learners using the Internet to get access to learning resource, to interact with the content, teacher and other students, and to get support during their learning, so that they can obtain knowledge for construction of understanding and personal growth (Ally, 2008). Similarly, Volery and Lord (2000) used this term synonymously with the term online delivery, "a form of distributed learning enabled by the Internet. Online delivery goes beyond traditional computer learning as it makes full use of the Internet and other digital technologies. Online delivery can facilitate distance education by making course material accessible anytime anywhere". It means, online learning takes place over the Internet. And students can study from anywhere, and at any time that best suits them.
Distance Learning
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Distance learning is the umbrella term for any learning that takes place across distance and not a traditional classroom. It often describes the effort of providing access to learning for those who are geographically distant. It occurs when learners and faculty do not meet face-to-face in the same physical space (Guilar and Loring, 2008). In distance learning, teachers and learners are physically separated.
References:
Ally, M. (2008) Foundations of educational theory for online learning. In Terry Anderson (ed.) Theory and Practice of Online Learning (2nd Edition). Edmonton: AU Press, Athabasca University.
Deperlioglu, O., Kose, U., & Yildirim, R. (2012). Design and development of an e-Learning environment for the course of electrical circuit analysis. Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects, 8. 51-63.
