E-learning courses can take several different forms i.e. a
discussion forum led by a tutor, a
virtual class run by a training platform, or even the simple
provision of educational resources aimed at helping learners prepare for a face-to-face lesson.
E-learning can be combined with classroom-based* (face-to-face) lessons to create what is referred to as 'mixed training' or blended learning*schemes. This training system can be adopted in a wide range of cases such as:
- Use the distance learning component to prepare for the face-to-face sessions: this ensures that everyone is aware of the prerequisites (for groups with different skills levels, for instance) or that the content of the previous lesson has been properly assimilated.
- Use the classroom-based component to prepare the distance learning part: for example, the face-to-face lesson can be used to set the basic outline of a group work project to be conducted remotely, or to explain the functionalities of a tool to be used later during remote e-learning sessions.
- Assimilate knowledge in one case and practice it in the other: describe how a particular IT tool works during a face-to-face lesson and complete a complex practical exercise in the distance learning environment or address certain theoretical concepts via the e-learning platform and then conduct a role-playing exercise in classroom.