Guenter Hilmer - Phd Thesis - Glamorgan Dspace - University of ...

2 Literature Review
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
The research in the field of e-learning has been constantly growing over the last
years. To position this research project within the existing and ongoing work in
the field, this literature review will address the specific aspects of e-learning that
have an influence on this PhD.
Several aspects will have to be addressed, for example the different kinds of e-
learning approaches, the underlying pedagogical principles and the various projects
going on at the moment.
Finally, the research objectives for this project will be formulated within this lit-
erature review.
2.1 Definition and history of e-learning
2.1.1 Definition
Before starting to work in a specific research field, it is necessary to define what
the field actually comprises. In such a diverse field as e-learning there obviously
exist different views on the topic and therefore different definitions. However, the
definition we want to use for this project is the following one:
E-learning is learning facilitated and supported through the use of
information and communications technology. E-learning can cover a
spectrum of activities from computer supported learning to blended
learning (the combination of traditional and e-learning practices), to
learning that is entirely online. Whatever the technology, however,
learning and teaching are the vital elements [3].
Since this project focuses on educational hypermedia it is important to define the
term hypermedia:
Hypermedia is a logical extension of hypertext, in which graphics,
audio, video, plain text and hyperlinks intertwine to create a generally
non-linear medium of information [4].
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