E-learning is known as electronic learning. It is also called online learning. E-learning means delivering lectures or making students learn with the use of computers, smartphones or other electronic devices.
In electronic learning, digital resources are used for learning purposes. There are a number of types of e-learning. They are lesson based learning, one-on-one, course-based, group-based, video-based, article-based, self-paced, application-based, game and activity-based, and lesson a day learning.
Mostly internet is required for e-learning purposes. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, electronic learning or online learning has become the new normal. It might have been considered as something extra in the past years.
Although it has become the new normal post-COVID. Many institutions have shifted to e-learning. But, it is necessary to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of electronic learning or e-learning before shifting to it. We will now discuss the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning in today’s age.
Adopting e-learning in educational institutions has a number of advantages. It has proved to be somewhat beneficial for the students and educational structure.
In e-learning, the internet plays a very important role. All the educational resources and communication are done via the internet. Both the student and teacher can work at the time that best suits them.
Students and teachers can take classes from anywhere as long as they have working electronic devices. Learning can take place from anywhere at any time. It does not bound a person to dedicate their specific time every day to learning. One can study at any time that suits them. Be it while traveling, before sleeping, while eating or anywhere or anytime else.
One can study from the comfort of their home after adopting e-learning. It saves the students as well as teachers from long commutes to their institutions every day. It saves us from the hassle of travelling.
The time that we spend on travelling can be utilized elsewhere if e-learning is adopted. Money that is spent on daily travelling to and from school is also saved. Everyone gets to work according to their own schedule. No waking up early and doing things at odd hours.
Electronic learning is more cost-efficient than traditional learning. In traditional learning style, the approach to study is entirely different. It requires more resources than electronic learning.
These resources include building for school/institution, classes, teachers, boards, markers, desks, chairs, books, etc. All of which requires money. Whereas in online learning, each person works from the comfort of their home and will the resources that they already possess. It also cancels out the cost of travelling and the resources needed to travel.
E-learning allows you to study at your convenience and at your own pace. If a student is unable to understand any topic or subject, he or she can always go back and see the resources again. Unlike a classroom, where every student is forced to learn at the same pace, e-learning allows a student to study at their own pace.
Learners can focus on the topic that seems tricky to them. Students are free from the stress to learn with everyone else. At the same pace and at the same level as the others. This sense of individuality allows the students to study well and as a result, they perform well in their studies.
I will start with the advantages of online learning. You can basically learn from anywhere in the world. As my husband and I love traveling, we can travel to a remote island for holidays, yet our children would not miss a day of school with online learning.
Another thing, I could get tutors who are located in different parts of the country or the world to teach my children. I do not need to be dependent on tutors located physically near my home.
The best part, as working parents, we save a lot of traveling costs. There is no need to rush out in the morning to drop the kids off and rush out from the office to pick them up from school.
But online learning also has its share of flaws.
Firstly, the discipline of the children. Children are so creative nowadays. They can be seen online, but not concentrating on their classes. I caught my son reading comic books under his desk.Teachers also need to be trained to teach online. Teaching online is a skill itself. For example, teaching math. A teacher could not just go online and rattle on math solutions, but instead, use online tools to show how math calculations are done.
In my personal opinion, online learning may not be suitable for everyone. The pandemic has certainly slowed down the momentum of the students. But others who are less privileged to get into classes would certainly appreciate the availability of online classes.
Jules Tan Founder of Outdoormagnet
Along with the advantages, e-learning has many disadvantages too.
As e-learning happens remotely, there is a huge probability that students will end up cheating in exams in quizzes. Unlike traditional learning, where invigilators keep a strict check on students while they attempt the quiz.
E-learning does not allow such invigilation. As a result, student or learner will not study for the exams and might just get the degree and certificate without having actual knowledge.
In the traditional education system, teachers and students have proper conversations and interactions every day. In e-learning, there is no such thing. Due to the lack of interactions or no interactions at all, students can become dull.
There is a chance that they might be unable to hold a conversation with someone in public. Students tend to be very shy and introverted. This can be a huge problem for students in their personal as well as professional lives.
For the longest time, I have been opposing the idea of e-learning for several reasons. One of them was the inability to meet the group of people you study with, and in exchange for information, useful tips, and possibly the opportunity to work together. It seemed that learning online was a really impersonal and lonely way of obtaining new knowledge and skills.
Then I was forced to join a course last winter due to the pandemic restrictions. And my set-in-stone viewpoint was shattered! Not only did I not notice the lack of physical presence in the classroom, but it was much better since there was no shame or embarrassment of asking anything, which I have to admit, was happening in the past. The virtual space provided me with more focus since I didn’t have to think about anything but the topic and actual lesson.
Plus, the group was swift to organize a group chat for us all to exchange any useful links, materials, ideas, solutions, and questions, and over that time, we even bonded in a way, and a few of those people I still keep in touch to this day. It turned out that being physically distant meant exploring and using social media and the internet in a way it was really supposed to be used – to connect and educate people.Mark Taylor Co-founder of What Removals
Although in this time and age, everyone has internet access and digital devices. There can be some people who do not have the proper resources. This can be the cause of hindrance in their education. Some families might not have the resources to provide their children with mobiles, tablets, computers and the internet.
How will these kids study then? It is important to keep all the factors in mind before shifting educational structure to online. These resources should be provided to all students by educational institutions or the government. So that no child is left behind.
Despite its disadvantages, e-learning has proved to be beneficial for students as well as teachers. It makes information more accessible for learners and instructors. It is important to evolve our methodologies as the time evolves. But it is also important to take the necessary steps to eradicate the disadvantages. In this way, one can enjoy all the benefits without any guilt.
