E-learning as a new educational paradigm

1. Introduction

E-learning represents a new educational paradigm that is changing the way we learn, teach and access knowledge. Unlike traditional education, which is based on physical presence and linear information transfer, e-learning enables a spatially and temporally flexible, interactive and adaptive educational experience. It is based on the use of digital technologies for content distribution, collaboration and communication, with increasing use of multimedia, mobile learning and personalised approaches. As a paradigm, e-learning emphasizes the active role of the student, encourages lifelong learning and supports the development of digital competences needed in the 21st century. In this context, e-learning is no longer just an alternative form of teaching, but an integral part of modern education.

E-learning can be defined very broadly as the use of technology to shape the educational process. Although unfortunately very broad, this definition describes the full breadth of the entire educational process in an electronic environment. For narrower definitions, we can only use different types of distance learning that arise and are defined according to the users for whom they are intended and the type of implementation of the teaching process. Roughly speaking, e-learning can be divided into distance learning and hybrid learning.

The term distance learning itself appeared very early in the form of correspondence schools and most often for people who did not have an educational institution nearby and had to study from home. Originally, e-learning meant distance learning supported by technology. With the further modernisation of distance learning, the two most widespread forms of teaching that include the use of digital technologies have emerged today: online teaching and hybrid teaching. Online teaching is conducted entirely in an online environment, while hybrid teaching takes place both live and via information and communication technologies.

With the development of different generations of computers and the possibilities they offer, new forms of distance learning and computer-assisted learning have emerged, and the terminology itself has changed. In most cases, to date, there has been a synergy of different forms, or types of learning, so the meanings behind different terms have changed and the vocabulary of terms itself has expanded. As technology is constantly improving, new forms are always emerging. New current trends in education include the application of artificial intelligence in education, gamification, or the application of computer games for learning purposes, personalised learning through data analytics, learning through augmented reality, virtual reality, and others.