Approaches such as computer-based training, Web-based training, electronic performance support systems and video conferencing have been collectively called many things. Over the last few years, terms like alternative methods, new media, and multimedia used to describe new approaches to training delivery. Others prefer to call the new approaches knowledge media, technology-assisted learning, technology-based training and sometimes the term CBT has been used to cover all or most of the so-called 'new' technologies-erroneously. Another term, this time a good one, but a little academic is computer-mediated learning. There is a better term to cover all these alternative approaches: electronic learning-or e-learning. This e-word is a sibling of its big brother-e-business. Like e-business, e-learning exploits the technology of the World Wide Web. In its simplest format, e-Learning is an innovative approach to learning what you want, when you want and where you want. So, the term e-learning groups together education, training and structured information delivered by computers, through the Internet, or the Web, or from the hard drive of the computer-or an organization's network. The moniker e-learning puts the emphasis where it should be-on learning-the acquisition of skills, knowledge and attitudes.

Primary use of E-learning:

• Computer-based training
• Web-based training

There are primarily, two types of e-Learning, namely:

Synchronous e-Learning Synchronous is defined as "occurring at the same time". Synchronous e-Learning infers that the instructor and the learner interact with each other and the course content simultaneously even if both are at geographically dispersed locations.· Communication conducted through chat rooms where learners and instructor make comments and ask/answer questions · Comments, questions, and answers that can be viewed by all participants.· Broadcast of learning with slide shows, audio, and video capabilities.·

Asynchronous e-Learning Asynchronous is defined as "not occurring at the same time". In asynchronous e-Learning, the instructor and the learner do not interact with each other or the course content at the same time. The learner completes the course content at her convenience. This means there is no live interaction between the learner and the instructor. In asynchronous learning learners have to complete the learning tasks by a specified course-end-date. Learners do not follow a schedule of learning sessions, but have the flexibility of learning when and where they want.

E-Learning provides flexibility, enabling:

• Just-in-time training when and where needed
• Integration into the workplace/classroom for relevancy
• Access to Experts/Teachers
• Collaboration for team work
• Content available anytime, 24 hours by 7 days
• Content accessible by a learner located anywhere in the world
• An environment that is learner-centered, one that is personalized to the individual, and customized to the organization (company / Institute)
• Involving some form of technology for delivery
• Network (Internet, LAN Local Area Network, or WAN Wide Area Network) assisted
• The whole learning experience, from assessment through testing and sometimes certification

E-learning can be developed for:

• Facilitating the creation of common learning elements, including the following:
• Navigation: menu systems and basic page-turning frameworks for content organization and presentation
• Learning interactions: questions and interactions that include feedback, conditional branching logic, and data tracking
• Quizzes: a framework for assembling multiple question interactions into an assessment that is scored and tracked
• Data tracking: the ability to track student and course information to databases and industry-standard learning management systems.
• For companies employee populations are becoming more decentralized, government-mandated training is on the rise, and training budgets are tighter than ever...The time is right for Web-based training. Studies show that online training, when done right, can be as effective or even more effective than classroom or CD-ROM-based courses. Plus, online training can be more convenient, less expensive and easier to manage. Tutors and learners can communicate with each other using e-mail or discussion forums.

E-Learning is established and here to stay. It can benefit all sizes of businesses in terms of effectiveness and efficiencies in training. Research by Management institutes has shown that consistent training has a marked improvement on turnover. Smaller companies (with less than 100 employees) have increased formal training by 25% in only four years. Of these about 60% are reporting financial benefits.

E-Learning has many benefits and is more than an electronic page-turner. E-Learning can incorporate group work, shared data access, threaded discussions, audio instruction, video instruction, interactive demonstrations, testing, pre- & post-assessment, tracking, ROI measurement, and much more. Plus, e-Learning has been proven to increase a learner's retention due to the ability to work at her own pace, anytime or anywhere there is a computer.

• Broader audience : The courses can be sent to any place no matter what the location. Using E-Learning there is more interactivity and more scope for ideas. The investment is minimal and one-time.
• No Travel Cost : According to training researcher Brandon Hall, editor and publisher of the Multimedia & Internet Training Newsletter, companies save 40% to 60% annually using Web-based training instead of making employees travel elsewhere for classroom training. Convenient Anytime, Anywhere Training :Students can log onto courses delivered over the Web at work or at home, day or night-all you need is a multimedia computer with an Internet connection.
• Faster response time : As you are online there can be real-time interactions between the learner and instructor, which is beneficial to the learner. The instructor will check the examinations on line, which can enable him to disclose the results in no time at all.
• Controlled access : Online courses can be easily regulated. Only the learners with access can see the course material. The learner can see only his course material so the data is protected and is not available to the larger audience.
• Quick and Easy Updating of Course Content : Online courses can be easily updated to reflect changing industry regulations. Plus, the latest version of the material is quickly available to students-without the turn-around times for printing new books or burning CD-ROMs and distributing them.
• Interaction with a Course Expert and Other Students : Unlike CD-ROM-based programs, online training has the capability to incorporate threaded discussion groups for students to discuss coursework with their peers and a messaging system for asking course-related questions of an instructor or industry expert.
• Simplify Course Administration and Record Management : Automated tracking of student progress and completion of classes can be more cost-effective as well as more efficient to manage. Information is readily available in the event of a government agency inspection, and customized reports can be created for printout.
• Customized Course Content : Material can be tailored to meet the particular needs of your organization, or even a specific department's job-related requirements in order to comply with safety standards handed down from the OSHA, the DOT and other government agencies.
• Performance measurements : You can maintain their examination details on line and access at anytime.

Changing trends :E-Learning is taking new forms and incorporates new terms, trends, and technologies at a fiery rate. A study by Training Magazine states that corporations save 50% to 70% of their overall training cost by replacing traditional training with online delivery. A WR Hambrecht & Co. study shows that while $500 million was spent on Internet training in 1999, spending is projected to skyrocket to $7 billion in 2002. So, it doesn't take such a leap of faith to begin integrating e-Learning into employee training programs. The training demands will grow dramatically as companies partner, acquire, change names, improve processes, and upgrade technology. While the pressure is immense for companies to move quickly, organizations interested in an e-Learning solutions must also place quality high on the list of priorities and carefully construct an enterprise-wide e-Learning plan that meets all of the corporate training needs. The rewards will be an empowered workforce, an efficient and adaptable training infrastructure, and incredible savings in time and money. Those are competitive advantages that will help your company get ahead and stay ahead.