What is eLearning?
At NTU, we believe that the effective use of eLearning must be based on an understanding of the attributes of the technology as well as good planning and expertly supported electronic activities. Therefore, the careful alignment of learning outcomes with an appropriate use of technology provides the foundation for high quality learner experiences.
The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) defines eLearning as:
It can cover a spectrum of activities from the use of technology to support learning as part of a blended approach (a combination of traditional and eLearning approaches), to learning that is delivered entirely online. Whatever the technology, however, learning is the vital element.
The The Learning and Skills Council 
points out that there is an increasing overlap between computer supported, networked learning and electronic learning:
Benefits of eLearning
The attributes of eLearning provide a means by which supporting learners, the management of learning and learning provision can be achieved. These include:
- Connectivity – access to information is available on a global scale.
- Flexibility – learning can take place any time, any place.
- Interactivity – assessment of learning can be immediate and autonomous.
- Collaboration – use of discussion tools can support collaborative learning beyond the classroom.
- Extended opportunities – eContent can reinforce and extend classroom-based learning.
The The University's Strategic Plan highlights a number of dimensions in which the benefits of eLearning can help to facilitate:
- learning enhancement
- widening participation
- internationalisation
- employability.
The services and attributes of the Virtual Learning Environment, the NTU Online Workspace (NOW) and/or eTools provide the means by which to create a learning design capable of supporting the achievement of these goals.
