The use of network technology to deliver training is the latest trend in the training and development industry and has been heralded as the ‘e-learning revolution.
E-learning is part of the biggest change in the way our species conducts training since the invention of the chalkboard or perhaps the alphabet. The development of computers and electronic communications has removed barriers of space and time. We can obtain and deliver knowledge anytime anywhere. (Horton, 2000: 6)
In an effort to indicate the role of e-learning in higher education and the field of language teaching, this paper reviews research literature on e-learning. Specific attention is given to why organizations use e-learning, what the potential drawbacks to e-learning are, what we know from research about e-learning and what the future of e-learning may hold.
This paper aims at presenting a comprehensive review of the research literature on e-learning and discussing answers to the following questions:
(1) What is e-learning and how is it being used in higher education organizations?
(2) Why are organizations using e-learning?
(3) What are potential drawbacks of using e-learning?
(4) What has empirical research found regarding e-learning effectiveness, efficiency, attrition, and appeal to learners?
Definitions of e-learning
A multitude of definitions of e-Learning already exists in literature.