Table 1.

Dimensions of e-Learning Programs

DIMENSION, ATTRIBUTE	MEANING	EXAMPLE
Synchronicity
Asynchronous	Content delivery occurs at different time than receipt by student.	Lectured module delivered via e-mail link or similar
Synchronous	Content delivery occurs at the same time as receipt by student.	Lecture delivery via Webcast
Location
Same place	Students use an application at the same physical location as other students and/or the instructor.	Using a group support system to solve a problem in a classroom
Distributed	Students use an application at various physical locations, separate from other students and the instructor.	Using group support system to solve a problem from distributed locations
Independence
Individual	Students work independently from one another to complete learning tasks.	Students complete e-learning modules autonomously.
Collaborative	Students work collaboratively with one another to complete learning tasks.	Students participate in discussion forums to share ideas.
Mode
Electronic-only	All content is delivered via technology. There is no face-to-face component.	An electronically enabled e-learning course
Blended	E-learning is used to supplement traditional classroom learning (and vice versa).	In-class lectures are enhanced with hands-on computer exercises and/or pre-class exercises.

Adapted from Omar et al.¹⁴