The kinds of e-learning and different forms of interaction on it

Authors

Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

E-learning as the youngest generation of distance education, rapidly has developed in recent years, in majority of institutional systems. But in spite of its rapid growth, there are many challenges and ambiguities about it. Some of these challenges are: the lack of a clear and definite definition for it, the lack of a precise classification for kinds of e-learning formats, and finally, the accurate and appropriate forms of interaction in e-leaning environment, in current literature, was not available. In this paper, authors by using theoretical methods of research have tried to respond to all above proposed ambiguities. Initially, by made a comprehensive review on various definitions that is existed in available literature, authors has endeavoured to find a good definition for it and then, refined its defects. Second, have tried to offer and present a comprehensive classification for e-learning formats and explored the features of them. Finally, different forms of interaction in e-learning environments have discussed. Author believes that this article is very applicable and useful for all educational specialists and it can open a new vision in front of all practitioners’ eye.

Keywords