**2. E-Learning**

Electronic learning or e-learning, is a term most often used to describe computer-based learning support systems and periodically associated with advanced distributed learning technology. It also can be considered as any virtual act or process used to acquire data or information, or to create knowledge (Bennett and Bennett, 2008). The emphasis in the past with e-learning has been on the "e" i.e. the electronic technology (Hamid, 2002). Factors that need to be considered in developing learning material using technology include (i) learner attitudes, (ii) technological advances and technological constraints, (iii) the skills of instructors in working with technology, (iv) the content to be learned, (v) the quality of the instructional material and (vi) the interactions that take place between students and the instructor and the students themselves (Landen, 1997; Martinez et al., 2007). To promote the use of e-learning the emphasis needs to be less on the technology and more on the "experience", "engagement" and other high level contexts (Hamid, 2002).

Consideration of the pedagogy is vital when attempting to understand the application of elearning in practice (Mehanna, 2004). Matching cognitive and learning styles with instructional presentation strategies may have an important role to play in enhancing the learner's learning experience (Ford and Chen, 2001). An example of this is a study by Ross and Schulz (1999) that found in a study of the effect of learning styles on learning outcomes, that there was a significant effect of learning style upon learning outcomes and that certain types of learners are at risk of not performing well with certain forms of computer based instruction.
