Distance and Electronic Learning

This chapter first discusses the concepts of distance and electronic learning and teaching and their historical background, then addresses the role of such learning and teaching in the new knowledge civilisation era: to alleviate regional development disparities and digital as well as generational divides on one hand and to change the recording medium of the intellectual heritage of humanity on the other. The interdisciplinary and information science aspects of distance and electronic learning are reviewed. Current achievements and trends in electronic learning (called also e-learning) are presented, together with an integrated learning model concept especially focused on practical applications in business organisations. The impacts of market development on these trends and achievements, as well as problems that might escape market development but nevertheless should be addressed, are discussed. Current trends and problems with multimedia technology when applied to the record of academic activities and to electronic books are reviewed. As a more specific illustration or case study, the developments of intelligent learning support, together with current trends and problems of individualising teaching and learning, are discussed in more detail. The chapter ends with concluding remarks: Broadening the field of electronic teaching applications to include creativity support in electronic and distance learning is suggested.