E-learning should be able to 'benefit from new technology'

E-learning via wide area networks should be able to benefit from new technologies in 2012, according to an industry expert.

Dr David Guralnick, president of the International E-Learning Association and Kaleidoscope Learning, said that currently we are "in the midst of a time of change" and he noted that artificially-intelligent teaching could take off.

"[Another example is] virtual reality. We're already seeing this in the real world - such as Microsoft's Kinect game system... Such techniques could work beautifully in university courses - for example, to teach how to use a piece of equipment - or for corporate training," he went on to say.

Mr Guralnick stated that brain-computer interfaces are another new technology to catch the eye, and users will be able to control a computer via their thoughts.

Wide area networks will be able to play a role in e-learning as it allows people to carry out tasks from outside of a central location, such as their home, cafe or other Wi-Fi hotspot.