We live in a dynamic era of technology based communication and the world has kept changing and it will continue to change. This resulting a huge impacts in the field of education and in particular the concept of e-learning and distance learning which is considered under the umbrella of education technology sciences that interests in utilization and managing technological processes, resources, instructional theory, learning theory and practice of learning as well as evaluation of process and resources. The birth of education technology is traced back to the late nineteenth century and since then begun to develop rapidly day after day. Specially with development of information technology and telecommunication in the year 2012.
There are two key- concepts of e-learning:
- e-learning: It is employing of information and technology communication to support the educational process according to the principles of education .
- The distance learning is a model of employing e-learning technologies to deliver educational materials without consistent presence at the university.
In fact the following are techniques aim to integrate technology with education:
- synchronous learning : where the learner receives the educational content simultaneously and directly through electronic media such as instant messaging, or through virtual classroom and video and audio software .
- Asynchronous education: a learner is to study the course contents in an indirect way according to the planned program, which selects an indirect by joining the educational forum within the learning system management in his own time.
And e-learning brings us the following:
- providing of education for (every one) individual and society.
- overcoming the circumstances of the spatial and temporal dimension of the learners.
- keeping up with the evolution of e-learning marketing and create an interactive learning environment.
- facilitating communication among the parties of education (the learner, the instructor , the course and appendix ).
- strengthen the relationship between parents and the external environment.
- standardization of Education for academic accreditation.
- achieving a knowledge society and to be delivered every one.
- achieving the quality of the educational system.
And e-learning will be in three main models:
- integration of technical education with learning: where technology is used to supplement the shortfall in traditional education, such as the use of Projector and PowerPoint…etc .
- blended learning: A model that provides education in its traditional way( face-to-face) along with electronic remote system such as: (every week attendance with electronic remote system and two weeks with traditional).
- Distance Education (Distance Learning): a model in which the learner learns via the remote systems e-learning where the learner and the teacher are apart from each other.
The following technical mediums can be employed in e-learning :
- smart phones (I Phone-Galaxy - HTC-LG)
- smart handheld devices (iPad - Galaxy Tab and others)
- portable devices
- desktop computer
- Radio and television
- Internet networks
- e-learning system
- Support technical synchronous tools
- open software source
- Thus, so many advantages can be achieved including comfort, flexibility, efficiency, the multiplicity of means and interaction.