The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Pedagogue
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • P-20 Ed Careers

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Pedagogue
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • P-20 Ed Careers
  • Getting a Job as a Teacher in Nevada

  • Understanding Why We Celebrate Black History Month

  • Product Review of Panasonic Prime Smash!

  • Product Review of NameSelector

  • Product Review of MyTalkTools Mobile

  • Product Review of Mystery Science

  • Product Review of MySchoolWorx

  • Product Review of Ten Childcare App

  • Product Review of School Brains

  • Product Review of School Admin

Online Learning & eLearningPersonalized Learning
Home›Online Learning & eLearning›Cyberlearning vs. Elearning – Is there a difference?

Cyberlearning vs. Elearning – Is there a difference?

By Matthew Lynch
November 21, 2016
32680
2
Spread the love

By Ashley Pereira

If you are interested in the field of educational technology, you have likely come across the phrase ‘cyberlearning’. If you are anything like me, you likely assumed that it was just another word for elearning among the ever-expanding array of edu-tech jargon.

This is precisely what happened to me when I first came upon the word ‘cyberlearning’. I figured it was another form of elearning, and moved on. But as I encountered ‘cyberlearning’ in an increasing number of contexts, it became apparent that it was not quite the same as elearning. I was intrigued, and wanted to learn more.

So I started where most people do these days when they have a question – I googled it. First I tried ‘elearning vs. cyberlearning’, but I couldn’t really find a concrete answer. So I googled both terms separately to see if a difference could be ascertained. Here is what I found:

Google result for elearning:

elearning: noun

learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the internet ‘successful elearning depends on the self-motivation of individuals to study effectively’

Google result for cyberlearning:

“In the field of education, this is an exciting time to find ways to harness the power of computers and the networked environment to better educate students. As defined by the National Science Foundation, cyberlearning is the use of networked computing and communications technologies to support learning.”

Interesting to note that a ‘formal’ definition for cyberlearning did not pop up on google as it did for elearning. Based on these definitions, and my subsequent research, cyberlearning and elearning are essentially working towards the same goal: provide learning experiences via a technology-based platform. However, the difference lies in the ways in which such learning experiences are provided.

Cyberlearning is essentially a newer twist on elearning, where technology tools are used to actually carry out and facilitate learning experiences that would otherwise be impossible without the technology itself. Elearning, on the other hand, is essentially the pure delivery of content (online) as opposed to actual ‘doing’. Here are some examples:

In elearning, the focus is on transmission of information via a digital platform, whereas cyberlearning uses a digital platform to create a comprehensive technology-based learning experience, wherein students derive their own meaning, understanding, and thus learning.

According to The Center for Innovative Research in Cyberlearning (2016), cyberlearning is “the use of new technology to create effective new learning experiences that were never possible or practical before. The cyberlearning movement advances learning of important content by applying scientific insights about how people learn, leveraging emerging technologies, and designing transformative learning activities”.

Similarly, the National Science Foundation (2015) has a funding opportunity specifically devoted to cyberlearning, in which they fund projects that seek to “integrate advances in technology with advances in what is known about how people learn…Of particular interest are technological advances that allow more personalized learning experiences, draw in and promote learning among those in populations not served well by current educational practices, allow access to learning resources anytime and anywhere, and provide new ways of assessing capabilities.”

Through this program, the NSF anticipates the production of research related to cyberlearning, which will “shed light on how technology can enable new forms of educational practice and that broad implementation of its findings will result in a more actively-engaged and productive citizenry and workforce” (NSF, 2015).

The technology-based tool and the corresponding learning experience together become ‘cyberlearning’. This approach will help promote computational thinking, a type of problem-solving method that uses computer science insights to engage students in generating solutions to complex problems. Computational thinking is a key component of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and cyberlearning is a promising way to integrate this higher order thinking skill into K-12 classrooms.

“In both science and engineering, mathematics and computation are fundamental tools for representing physical variables and their relationships. They are used for a range of tasks such as constructing simulations; statistically analyzing data; and recognizing, expressing, and applying quantitative relationships” ([email protected], 2016). Cyberlearning will serve as a bridge between science, technology, engineering, and math, helping students to derive meaning through interaction with the content in an interdisciplinary, research-based way.

Here are a few examples of cyberlearning technologies that are transforming education, details of which can be found in this Huffington Post article:

  1. Turning classrooms into phenomenon-based inquiry zones:  Wallcology, HungerGames 
  2. Games: GalaxyZoo, CitizenScience 
  3. Digital Experiences for Young Learners: ScratchJr, KIBO
  4. Collaborative Tools for Learning: skWiki, Juxtapose
  5. Virtual and Augmented Reality: EcoMUVE, River City

In essence, cyberlearning differs from elearning in that it is a way to actually “do” something rather than just learn about it (as in elearning), enabling new educational experiences via innovative digital tools. The educational implications of cyberlearning are vast and incredibly exciting, and I look forward to learning more!

Ashley Pereira is Principal Consultant at Greater Good Consultants where she engages students and educators throughout the world in innovative STEM learning initiatives. She also teaches science education courses at Eastern CT State University in Willimantic, CT.

TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningSTEAMSTEM
Previous Article

Is Early Exposure to Social Media A ...

Next Article

Up and Coming Technologies For the K-12 ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Personalized Learning

    Is course customization the future of teaching technology?

    April 15, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Equity

    How to Fix EdTech’s Diversity Problem

    November 18, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher EducationHigher Education EdTech

    Student Outcomes Is the Only Metric That Matters in EdTech

    December 18, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech & Innovation

    How to Manage Cell Phone Use in Your Classroom

    March 24, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    GDPR and Educating Employees on Cybersecurity

    June 19, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    How to Keep Students Safe While They are Online

    March 1, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch

2 comments

  1. Maria Han 14 December, 2016 at 10:30 Reply

    E-learning and cyber-learning are both interrelated and this article strives to bring out the relationship between the two.
    Thankyou for your thorough research and writing.

  2. A Bad RAP – SAM P LENOX 13 January, 2021 at 15:51 Reply

    […] in learning more about eLearning vs. cyberlearning?  Follow this link to read more.      […]

Leave a reply Cancel reply

  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    Promoting Active Learning with Fitbits

  • High SchoolMiddle SchoolProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Tableau Software

  • Digital & Mobile Technology

    How are Schools Prioritizing Data Backup and Recovery?

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Getting a Job as a Teacher in Nevada

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 27, 2022
  • Understanding Why We Celebrate Black History Month

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 27, 2022
  • Product Review of Panasonic Prime Smash!

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 26, 2022
  • Product Review of NameSelector

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 26, 2022
  • Product Review of MyTalkTools Mobile

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 26, 2022
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Teaching Early Geometry Concepts – Ask a Tech Teacher
    on
    June 23, 2022

    Teaching Early Geometry Concepts

    […] spend a lot ...
  • Product Review of Counting Bills & Coins – The Tech Edvocate | Gold – Silver – ...
    on
    June 21, 2022

    Product Review of Counting Bills & Coins

    […] Product Review of ...
  • The Edtech Industry Has An Oversaturation Problem - latecareer
    on
    June 20, 2022

    Is the Edtech Industry Flunking Out or Making the Grade?

    […] Lynch at The ...
  • The Edtech Industry Has An Oversaturation Problem - News Badshah
    on
    June 19, 2022

    Is the Edtech Industry Flunking Out or Making the Grade?

    […] Lynch at The ...
  • The Edtech Trade Has An Oversaturation Downside - tudoquevocequeria
    on
    June 16, 2022

    Is the Edtech Industry Flunking Out or Making the Grade?

    […] Lynch at The ...

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    How to Teach Kids to Communicate in This Digital Age

    Spread the loveWhen even the youngest children are spending the equivalent of a full work day looking at screens, it is perhaps no surprise that parents are wondering how to ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...
  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of AptaFund

    Spread the loveAptaFund is a business management software that provides essential functions to educational institutions, such as web access to educators, parents, and learners. It allows elementary schools and other educational ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    Spread the loveSales scripts are crucial to any business and can be the main difference in achieving the set targets. A well-written sales script that factors in customers from different ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...
  • Digital Equity

    How OER Can Help Overcome the Higher Education Equity Barrier

    Spread the loveThe cornerstone of the American dream is the ability to succeed in life regardless of one’s family of origin. And, for most people, that requires a college education. ...

EdTech Futures

  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...
  • Adult EducationEdTech & InnovationEdTech FuturesEducation LeadershipEducational LeadershipHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechThe Future of Education

    Education Technology and the Future of Higher Ed Leadership

    Spread the loveEducation Technology (EdTech) has had a more significant impact on education than anyone expected. Now its effects are reaching into the field of higher education. In this article, ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2022 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.