There's no doubt that the COVID-19, aka "coronavirus" outbreak has caused major disruptions across the world, especially to the field of education through the closure of schools and universities. If you're a teacher or school administrator, there's hope! This article will provide you with the resources and information you need to get started with facilitating and planning your e-learning experience. What is E-Learning? E-learning is also referred to as distance learning using the internet or online-learning and can be broken down into 2 primary types, and several sub-categories. These include: Synchronous Learning that happens live and at a controlled pace, usually by a facilitator or teacher. Live video lessonsLive audio lessonsLive streams/conference calls/hangouts Asynchronous Learning that happens at the student's individual pace through the use of pre-published material Pre-recorded materialsPre-planned lessonsCan be facilitated over a live channel, but learning happens at a self paced manner Advantages include Time managementUser/class engagementA more classroom-like feel for lessonsLive Q/A & feedbackCan change the direction of the lesson instantly.Can include new and relevant information on demand. Students work at their own pace.The teacher takes a facilitator role during the lesson.The teacher can help more students during the lesson instead of spending his/her time on instructional materialHigher quality learning materials can be created using Can work on auto-pilot even if you're not present Disadvantages include Teachers default to lecture style lessons.Can only help a few students through Q/A during the lesson.Focus on finishing lesson instruction/completion.Lower quality audio and videoCan be interrupted during instruction. Missing the live lesson feel Students may get distracted while working at their own pace.Can take a lot of time to create videos and lesson materials prior to meeting students So what's better? What do I choose? There's no right or wrong answer and a teacher can be effective by using either of these modes of learning. It all depends on his/her style. As a school administrator, your responsibility is to empower your academic staff with the knowledge, tools, vision and expectations they need to successfully transition online. Here are some of our favorite tools: Live lessons/Live interaction (VOIP Technology) Microsoft Teams Google HangoutsSkype conference callsZoomYoutube LivestreamsFacebook Groups Pre-recorded / Pre-planned rich content Blue BrainSchoologyGoogle ClassroomMoodleMicrosoft teamsTalent LMSTalentCardsCoggnoChamiloSakaiKhan AcdemyUdemy Interactive games, quizzing tools and apps KahootQuizletQuizzesNearpodMentimeterSocrative At Blue Brain, we believe in a blended approach to learning for maximum engagement, completion, effectiveness and results. Not all your students will remember everything you teach live or in your classroom. Having the ability to go back and watch lessons is invaluable in the learning experience. Simultaneously, if classes are interactive it will keep energy, completion and results high, which is the most important element of any effective lesson. In our next article, we'll discuss how to create effective and engaging lessons online. While there are many valuable tools above, Blue Brain gives you the tools to build and sell interactive courses online, in an easy one-page format. Get started for free today Bring your classroom(s) online with Blue Brain Or learn how to online courses works by attending this free workshop: Attend the Free workshop