How does the e-learning environment influence learning?

How e-Learning environments influence learning will depend on how one intends to use that structure in the process of instruction. For instance, one can setup a sophisticated decentralized dynamic instructional setting, but if “sage-on-the-stage” instructional techniques are the primary method of information delivery, I doubt the environment will have any significant influence over learning. On the other hand, if one considers basic instructional principles, understands the strengths and weaknesses of different e-Learning techniques, then with an engaging assignment designed around a specific environment, that setting could have a greater influence over learning.

When I read the definition of e-Learning provided in the post, I see instructional theory and not a modality. In my opinion, Malcolm Knowles described the modern e-Learning environment in his book, The Modern Practice of Adult Education: From Pedagogy to Andragogy. Knowles’s principles are well suited for the modern e-Learning environment. In his 1980 book, Malcolm Knowles presented four principles of adult education: that adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction, that adults need experience including mistakes to provide a basis for learning activities, adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life and adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented (Knowles, 1980).

From a constructivist point of view, the provided definition “E-learning environments are generally considered unbounded, asynchronous and synchronous, decentralized control, dynamic, searchable, multidimensional, and use of evolving technologies” one can see those Knowlesian principles at work. “Unbounded, decentralized control” implies that the faculty member is no longer in complete control of instruction and by definition the student is in more control of the instructional experience. “Dynamic, searchable, multidimensional” implies a certain amount of experiential learning. The relevance to one’s life is “discovered” during the learning process, as the student is able to mold the subject material to their own wants, needs and desires.

Finally, the answer to the question, “How does the e-learning environment influence learning?”, is that it depends. It depends on how the instructor chooses to present material and how the environment is used during that presentation. E-Learning conjures up visions of technology, students working “at-a-distance” and detachment. Nothing could be further from the truth. E-Learning as defined in the post can take place in a “traditional” classroom settings.

Knowles, M.S. (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy, Chicago, Illinois: Associated Press.