All learning situations differ, and there are high quality and low quality settings whether the mode of teaching is a traditional face-to-face one, or one that uses new technologies. In fact the efforts of individual teachers and students are the greatest factors. However, we will over-generalize to state some potential differences of online learning.

Traditional face-to-face courses tend to be...
Instructor focussed
More "passive" learning
Tutors "deliver" knowledge
Technology may be used but is not central to the role being a learner
Various media may be used but most teaching is by the spoken word with some written support

Courses using e-learning tend to be...
Learner focussed
More "active" learning
Tutors "guide" the learners
Technology helps students explore resources and construct their own meanings
Technology helps tutors use multiple forms of media and cater for a wider variety of learning styles


e-Learning provides learners and teachers with new ways of interacting, but many aspects of learning and teaching remain the same:

Teachers need to:
• know their subject
• analyse the needs of their students
• set objectives
• use effective teaching strategies
• assess student progress

Learners need to:
• choose the programmes and courses they want to participate in
• enroll in and complete the requirements of the programme
• exercise self-management skills