**2.2 The E-learning architecture**

590 Mechanical Engineering

In the narrow sense, the term "E-learning" is "a type of distance education, organised by an institution that provides online materials to be assimilated by the students in their own way."

Currently, there are a number of E-learning models (Butz, 2006) developed and used worldwide in distance education. Each university, or other institution provides such programs by adopting an appropriate model - a model that it deems to be the most effective

The first model is the *self-directed E-learning*. This model is the simplest with respect to the number of functionalities, and is aimed at experienced learners in the process of continuous professional development, who wish to deepen specific topics. The information content consists of web pages, multimedia presentations, audio-video presentations and other

The second model is called *facilitated E-learning*. This system combines the self-directed elearning architecture model with a range of communication facilities, such as the email or the discussion forums. Documents are often transferred through the forum, where all users

The third model is the *advanced E-learning,* which uses advanced Web technologies for the management of the entire educational process. Such a model uses audio-video real time transmission techniques via video telephony or video conferencing applications, chat or smart boards. These facilities are added on top of the previous model. Also, the educational process follows a timetable that all the students are required to meet. Such a model is built on the LMS system (Learning Management System). The information content is covered

A Virtual University is an exclusively virtual institution that will provide specific functions for the development of educational programs (including the design of the learning materials), such as: tutorials and guidance, production, storage and distributing of educational materials, management and accounting (financial problems), marketing,

Conventional education systems often attempt to create secondary distance learning programmes, however their administrative structures are often incompatible or poorly adaptable to these. Also, traditional institutions are usually sceptical towards distance education, deeming it unable to achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, they are reluctant in

A virtual university, on the other hand, can be fully devoted to this educational model,

The most significant context in which E-learning technology is used is distance education. Used primarily as an education tool for remote locations, especially in Australia, this system became widespread as a result of the development of communication technologies and the

therefore being more likely to meet the requirements of distance learning students.

materials. The content is made available to users via a hosting Web server.

gradually, allowing the student to deepen all aspects of a topic.

**2.1.2 Trends in E-learning system development** 

**2.1 E-learning models** 

have access.

**2.1.1 Virtual university** 

evaluation and accreditation.

invest in this direction.

for its intended type of training.

Increasing pressure faced by organizations (universities included) compel them to be organized in a better performing manner. High flexibility is another requirement, so as to enable them to quickly implement continuous improvement processes. A few reference architectures were created in order to assist the organizations in this work. They provide frameworks (templates) for certain fields. These templates typically consist of a list of modules, domains and specific functions and interactions between them. They also contain elements and features located outside the studied architecture.

Figure 1 shows an example of a reference architecture specific to E-learning educational systems. The product life cycle stages (of system development and use) specific to Elearning system are presented on an axis and the main entities and actors interacting with it, on the other. At the intersection points of these modules the main activities that characterize an E learning system are described.

We will further dwell upon certain issues that were outlined in the framework of investigations conducted at the Faculty of Engineering of Sibiu (Romania) in the Industrial Engineering team, as they have completed the construction of a learning system in the cutting mechanical processing and cutting tools. The most interesting aspects are the development of an on-line course and the issuing of the tutorials.
