Abstract— Education benefits of e-learning have been confirmed in numerous research studies. This paper focuses on Web 2.0 technologies, various e-learning systems and discussion of student attitudes toward utilizing these Web 2.0 technologies. The paper commences by reviewing the basic concepts of e-learning, Web 2.0 technologies, various e-learning systems and their roles, and provides a rich picture of the development in the area. Aiming to better understand and contribute to the utilizing Web 2.0 technologies in an online teaching and learning environment, we have used our university’s online courses as an example to identify trends, changing expectations, evolving needs, the advantages, disadvantages, issues and opportunities of using technologies in e-learning. The paper concludes with findings that although technology comprises an important element of e-learning, successful e-learning commands more than just technologies. Other elements, which include appropriately designed courses, relevant, current content, reliable and strategic teaching plans, and service/support from all levels staff are also considered essential. Our paper offers an alternative dimension to the analysis and interpretation of the role of technologies in an e-learning environment.

Index Terms— E-learning, e-learning technology, e-learning systems, Web2.0, Facebook, blackboard, social media, elluminate.

The authors are with the Faculty of Information, Communication and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia (e-mail: nvargas@swin.edu.au, stian@swin.edu.au).

Cite: Nelson Vargas and Xuemei Tian, " E-Learning: Much More than a Matter of Technology," International Journal of e-Education, e-Business, e-Management and e-Learning vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 277-284, 2013.