ELIXIR e-learning definitions and guidelines for e-learning course development

a mode of learning, usually facilitated by information and communications technologies, in which trainers and trainees are not in regular face-to-face contact. The term is often used synonymously with distance education, e-learning, online learning, etc.; its defining characteristic, however, is geographic distance/displacement of teachers and learners. In the UK, DL has its roots in correspondence courses, such as those pioneered by the Open University.