How Is the E-learning Environment Different?

To start with, e-learners don’t actually read when they are taking courses online. Instead, they scan. Studies show that 79% of people scan the web pages instead of reading word for word. So it is easier for the learner to miss important information in an online format. 

Reading – or scanning - from computer screens is 25% slower than from paper. So as content writers, we must eliminate anything extraneous.

In e-learning, users control the pace of learning. They decide how quickly to go through the course and how thoroughly to review the material.

Online learners are very self directed. Unlike in a classroom environment where teachers control how and when learning takes place, with e-learning, students will only learn if they are motivated to learn. And particularly with adult learners, they will ONLY be motivated to learn if they think it is relevant to their personal, professional lives.

E-learning must be an active experience by the learner. Passive involvement doesn’t work well in this type of environment. An active learner will integrate new knowledge more readily than a passive learner. Creating interactive content that is engaging is also the best way to motivate e-learners. The more learners are involved with the material and are afforded opportunities to practice and test mastery of concepts the more motivated they are through out the learning process.

E-learning offers a dynamic environment where multiple presentation strategies, types of media, and instructional methods are possible.

So – this is just a brief overview of how the e-learning environment is unique compared to traditional learning environments.