1.

E-learning concept and background E-learning is commonly referred to the intentional use of networked and electronically available information and communications technology in teaching and learning. The term came into use in the mid 1990s along with developments in the world-wide-web and interest in asynchronous discussion groups. E-learning is formally defined as electronically mediated asynchronous and synchronous communication for the purpose of constructing and confirming knowledge. A number of other terms are also used to describe this mode of teaching and learning. They include online learning, virtual learning, distributed learning, network and webbased learning. Fundamentally, they all refer to educational and training processes that utilize information and communications technology to mediate asynchronous as well as synchronous learning and teaching activities. Learning in an electronically enhanced environment is characterized not only by greater autonomy for the learner, but also a greater emphasis on active learning, with creation, communication and participation playing key roles. E-Learning refers to the use of Internet technologies to deliver a broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge and performance. It is based on three fundamental criteria: * E-Learning is networked, which makes it capable of instant updating, storage/retrieval, distribution and sharing of instruction or information. * It is delivered to the end-user via a computer using standard Internet technology * It focuses on the broadest view of learning solutions that go beyond the traditional paradigms of training.

For e-learning applications to be used efficiently for training purposes in all arenas whether higher education or performance ended training; there is an important need to measure the success and effectiveness of the e-learning system systematically. The government machinery also realizes the changing paradigms of global economy and the contribution of electronically based knowledge networks. In view of the same Government had decided to establish a National Knowledge Network (NKN) which will consist of an ultra-high speed Core (multiples of 10Gbps and upwards), and over 1500 nodes covering all universities, research institutions, libraries, laboratories, hospitals and agricultural institutions across the country.

2. Popular e-learning techniques A wide range of different technologies are being utilized with extensive use of the Internet and Computer based Training enhanced learning and training sector. There has been national and international research to ascertain the popularity of E- Learning tools. Two most popular tools for E-learning are found to be Blackboard Inc. and Moodle: Blackboard Inc. has over 20 million users daily. Offering six different platforms: Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate, Blackboard Mobile, Blackboard Connect, Blackboard Transact, and Blackboard Analytics, 3. E-learning technologies in communication skills 4. Challenges faced by communication skills Learners (case study) A second language affects peoples careers and possible futures, their lives and their very identities (Vivian Cook, 2001) The necessity of learning English for all walks of life in India has created a challenging situation for the teacher trainers of English because the learners are from widely divergent learning background. The reason is that communication skills in English is still a monster to the learners

from the rural and semi -urban areas or to those who are socially, culturally and economically marginalized students. To understand the problems faced by these learners, we must give heed to the challenges faced by the learners of communication skills. 4.1 Background: They are From minority groups. Whose parents are either literate or semi- literate. Who often resides in low-income or seasonal income families Whose residences are either in rural or in semi-urban localities Whose primary language is a local dialect Who do not have exposure to English at all Those who lack learning environment. In a nutshell, they are from the socially, economically, culturally disadvantaged groups living in extreme poverty. Therefore, it is a challenge for the teachers, educators or trainers to make communication skills in English accessible to them.
4.2 Diverse languages and cultures:

These learners come from diverse languages and cultures with previously constructed knowledge inclusive of their mother tongue and cultural values either from home or from community environment which results in to a complete barrier to them. a) Low awareness of the advantages and activities in Communication Lab: Although leaning a language is an inborn quality of any learner, but when it comes to a foreign language, they lack their interest and level of energy. Till their secondary and senior secondary level, they manage to pass in English thanks to memorizing

routine answers. This should not at all be considered to be the reflection of their practical achievement. They cannot speak fluently and naturally. They do not understand English when they are spoken to. They cannot comprehend the meaning of what they read nor can they interpret the reading materials. They cannot write correctly and speak out their feelings and opinions.3. 5. My classroom environment a. Internet The students of the university have been extensively using the web for accessing the topics of the syllabus which they find difficult to comprehend using text books. An interesting fact about a student community in this university was observed during the past few semesters. This community in-spite of being from low economic strata has formed a web based learning group. The group membership is on a voluntary basis and students share files and information related to their studies and extra- curricular activities. The happenings and events on the campus are also shared on the web between the members of this study group. This student community demands special attention due to the fact that majority of these students come from a community which does not even have a computer system or continuous power supply to talk of. b. Story telling through visuals- Indian/Regional c. Creative visualization d. Use of social networking for educational resource sharing e. Use of regular sound system ports for recording and review of diction and pronunciation.