Definition
Instruction delivered through electronic media such as computers, tablets, the internet, CD-ROMs, video, and interactive software, used either as a standalone training method or to supplement traditional classroom and flight instruction.
Plain English
Learning that happens through a screen instead of, or in addition to, a classroom. It covers anything from online ground school courses to training videos and computer-based simulations.
Context Anchor
Seen in the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook when discussing ways instructors can present training material and support student learning outside or alongside in-person instruction.
Derivation
The 'e-' prefix is short for 'electronic,' a usage that spread in the 1990s alongside terms like 'email' and 'e-commerce.' It signals that the activity — in this case, learning — is carried out through electronic means rather than in person.
Why Pilots Care
Many pilots complete portions of their ground training through e-learning courses, including FAA knowledge test prep and recurrent training. Knowing what qualifies helps pilots choose programs that meet regulatory and personal learning needs.
Intuition Check
E-learning does not mean only a fully online course. In this context, it includes many electronic ways to teach or support aviation learning, including videos, computer lessons, and interactive training tools.
Example Sentence 1
The student completed the private pilot ground school through an e-learning course before starting flight lessons.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors track student progress through the e-learning platform to identify which topics need extra classroom time.