e-Learning, e-education, distance learning, blended learning

2 July 2009

The Afghans Next Generation e-Learning (ANGeL) platform is a resource available to all higher education institutions in Afghanistan. The platform is powered by Chisimba, also known as knowledge environment for learning, developed under the leadership of the University of Western Cape in Sputh Africa. The USAID-funded Afghan eQuality Alliances uses blended e-learning or blended e-education interchangeably, defined as: effective teaching and learning where students learn from traditional face to face interaction, as well as global engagement; both physical and digital content are used.

The blended e-education or e-learning definition assumes:

a teaching and learning pedagogy that involves presentation, practice, assessment, and review
a mix of learning tasks and activities
a mix of content delivered by a mix of technologies CDs, cell phones, the computer, and the Internet
a mix of lecturers, tutors, facilitators, course coordinators or other students.

E-education builds on the notion of Gilbert's connected education <http://www.tltgroup.org/gilbert/NewVwwt2000--2-14-00.htm> and will contribute to e-quality (equal access to quality education and e-education resources).