Purpose: E-learning has been applied in pre-service teacher training for many years. The purpose of this paper is to present the use of e-learning in a pre-service teacher training course and discuss the relevant issues involved. Design/methodology/approach: The article reviews literature related to instruction design, and e-learning concepts and practice. A survey is conducted, the course having been offered for two years. Findings: The use of e-learning in this pre-service teacher training course is successful because it achieves the expected goal. The self-study ability of pre-service teachers is improved. Learners also participate actively. However, further improvement needs to be done in curriculum design teacher support. Originality/value: This paper integrates theories and practice. It shows a sample of applying e-learning into a course for pre-service teacher education. This blended approach is new in the context of China.