Describing eLearning as a solitary means of learning in front of a computer screen would certainly be inadequate. This explains why the notion that computer-supported training only entails learning programmes on CD-ROMs to be handled by the employee by himself is outdated. eLearning now encompasses a wide variety of different forms of learning.

Nowadays eLearning products have taken the shape of courses; that is, they are self-contained and serve to systematically present a subject area. Learning contents can also be accessed via the Internet, and, if the occasion arises, supplemented by active “discussions” with trainers and fellow learners via communication services, such as e-mail and forums (see below for more information).
Often these eLearning offerings are supplemented by classroom sessions and thus are called blended learning. eLearning may also encompass so-called “learning on demand” solutions which serve to immediately solve problems at work.

Activities that do not qualify as eLearning include, for instance, researching the World Wide Web with the aid of search engines, because such contents are not designed with didactic considerations in mind. Also, the use of presentation tools in classroom teaching (e.g. Power Point slideshows) does not really qualify as eLearning, but – in a broader sense – as computer-supported training or rather technology-based training.