New World, New Learning: Trends and Issues of E-Learning

AbstractThe rapid technological change and proliferation of information resources are lineaments of our contemporary society. Multimedia on the Internet, telecommunications, wireless applications, handheld electronics, social network software, Web 2.0, and so forth are all radically redefining the way people obtain information and the way to teach and learn. Particularly, the widespread Web 2.0 applications have the capacity for educational institutions and corporations involved in training to extend the possibilities of e-learning. Consequently, e-learning has become one of the most exciting, dynamic, and yet challenging fields that we have been facing. What is the e-learning? Where are we now? Where has progress been made? What will the future bring? What are the key elements of e-learning we need to focus on? How will we face and rise to new opportunities and challenges? In order to shed light on these questions, this study intends to look at e-learning from historical, conceptual, pedagogical and empirical perspectives. It includes: from web to e-learning and e-learning 2.0; opportunities and practices in e-learning; and related concerns and discussions