E-Learning (Electronic Learning)

• Definition: Learning through electronic devices (computers, laptops, tablets, internet, CDs, etc.) using digital content.
• Scope: Broader; includes online courses, webinars, digital classrooms, MOOCs.

Key Features:

• • Uses internet & multimedia (audio, video, PPTs).
  • Can be synchronous (live) or asynchronous (recorded).
  • Accessible through desktop/laptop.

Examples:

• • SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) – India (2017).
  • Coursera, edX, Udemy – Global platforms.
  • ICAR e-Courses (B.Sc. Agriculture digital course material).

M-Learning (Mobile Learning)

• Definition: A subset of e-learning, delivered through mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, SMS, apps).
• Scope: Narrower but more flexible – allows anytime, anywhere learning.

Key Features:

• • Portable and convenient.
  • Often app-based or SMS-based.
  • Suitable for farmers, extension workers, students in rural areas.

Examples:

• • Kisan Suvidha App – Agriculture advisories.
  • Matsya Setu App – Fisheries training.
  • Diksha App – School education.
  • FAO’s Farm Radio & SMS advisory services.

Difference Between E-Learning & M-Learning

In simple terms:

• E-learning = umbrella term (all digital learning).
• M-learning = branch of e-learning (through mobiles only).

i) MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)

Definition: MOOCs are online courses designed for large-scale participation, often offered for free or at a low cost. They cover a wide range of topics and usually provide certificates upon completion (sometimes paid).

Key Features:

• Open access to anyone with internet connectivity
• Flexible learning schedules
• Multimedia content (videos, quizzes, discussion forums)
• Peer-to-peer interaction and sometimes instructor feedback

Examples:

• Coursera (founded 2012) – partners with universities for professional and academic courses
• edX (founded 2012) – Harvard & MIT initiative, free courses with paid certification
• Udacity (founded 2011) – focuses on tech and vocational skills, “Nanodegree” programs

Applications in Agriculture: Crop management, organic farming, precision agriculture, agribusiness, sustainable practices

ii) OER (Open Educational Resources)

Definition: OER refers to freely accessible, openly licensed learning materials that anyone can use, adapt, and share.

Key Features:

• Textbooks, videos, lectures, lesson plans, and research articles
• Open licensing (Creative Commons)
• Can be reused and modified for teaching or self-learning

Examples:

• FAO e-learning Centre – agriculture-specific OER for global learners
• MERLOT – repository of free educational resources
• OpenLearn (Open University) – wide variety of subjects including agriculture and environmental studies

Applications in Agriculture: Teaching sustainable practices, farm management, soil health, pest management

Other E-learning Platforms & Tools

Summary:

• MOOCs = structured online courses for large audiences (learning + certification)
• OER = freely available teaching/learning resources for anyone to use/adapt