E-Learning is learning utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. In most cases, it refers to a course, program or degree delivered completely online.

e-Learning is nothing but the use of technology to connect teachers and students who are physically miles apart. The training can be delivered by a number of means. In the past, these have included the use of mainframe computers, floppy diskettes, multimedia CD-ROMs, and interactive videodisks. Most recently, Web technology (both Internet and Intranet delivery) are being used.

(i) Advantages of E-leaming:

• The 4A of E-learning. – Anytime, Any Place, Any Pace, Any Subject: 
• e-learning materials can be accessed at the most convenient time for learning, if the course material is well constructed then learning can take place in short segments and can be customised to suit the learner’s needs.
• Empowerment: Students are in charge of their own learning.
• Flexibility: e-learning material can be accessed in a non-sequential way, enabling students to navigate content in different ways, or obtain a global view before tackling the details of individual units.
• Cost Effective: large numbers of students can have access to the same materials but can be supported by peer-to-peer or student-to-tutor support services thus, reducing the cost of delivery. 
• Up-to-date Content: Course content is located in one place so it can be easily updated and can provide direct links to supporting materials such as Internet and library resources.
• Tailored Learning: the time needed to learn a particular topic or skill is reduced or “compressed” as learning can be modified to suit the users needs and requirements. E-learning can provide a variety of learning experiences including interactive elements.
• Retainable: the smaller and more relevant the learning is the easier it is to capture and remember.
• Consistent: all students get the same standardised set of materials from elearning.
• Interactive: well constructed materials will have elements of interactivity through simulations etc. which will underpin and enforce the learning.
• Collaborative: The use of groups and teams working together in collaborative learning and learner-learner interaction enforces employability skills.
• Used To Track Student Performance: student usage of the materials can be monitored and early potential drop-out can be detected and given remedial support.
• Used for Self Assessment: students can be offered automatically-marked self¬assessment exercises to identify skill/knowledge levels and learning needs before engaging with course content.

(ii) Disadvantages of E-learning: 

• Technology dependent: learners will need access to a machine of minimum specification as dictated by the e-learning supplier or access to a service with a high bandwidth to transfer the course materials in a timely way.
• Material Incompatibility: some materials designed for one particular system will not function properly on another (for example, the Apple Macintosh and the Windows PC). Standards will help in the area. 
• Unsuitable for Certain Types of Training: any skill that relies heavily on inter-personal contact although these courses could be supplemented by Elearning.
• Unsuitable for Certain Types of Learners: E-learning, requires a high-level of self-discipline and personal time management. E-Learners need to be highly self-motivated to take full advantage of the medium as often the online learning experience can be impersonal. Working through ‘packaged’ programmes can be irritating.
• Expensive: start-up cost of an E-learning, service is expensive and the cost of production of online training materials is very high. Teachers must be confident that the extra costs are balance with the benefits of delivering a course online. Significant time needs to be invested in course set-up and in ongoing maintenance (checking links, updating course content etc.).
• Reliant on Human Support: E-learning is still dependent on help on either the course materials or the software.
• No Match for Face-to-Face Teaching: Electronic communication does not necessarily provide a good match for face-to-face communication and is more linear than face-to-face discussion.
• Too Reliant on IT Skills: learners may have limited IT skills, or be uncomfortable with electronic communication and need to learn how to use the medium effectively.