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While teaching can be based in or out of the classrooms, the use of computers and the Internet forms the major component of E-learning. E-learning can also be termed as a network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge, and the delivery of education is made to many recipients at the same or different times. Earlier, E-learning was not accepted. Many assumed that this system lacked the human element required in learning.
E-learning is Based on Formalized Learning
We can use either E-learning or online learning. Basically, E-learning is training, learning, or education delivered online through a computer or any other digital device. E-Learning has revolutionized the conventional method of chalk and board style of learning imparted to the students. E-learning, or electronic learning, is the delivery of learning and training through digital resources. We can define E-Learning as Courses that are specifically delivered through the internet everywhere other than the traditional classroom where the teacher is teaching.
Although E-learning is based on formalized learning, it is provided through electronic devices such as computers, tablets and even cellular phones connected to the internet. This makes it easy for users to learn anytime, anywhere, with few, if any, restrictions.
We can use E-Learning for sharing knowledge through various channels such as e-books, CDs, webinars and more.
Advantages of E-Learning
There are several advantages of E-Learning. Here are some of them:
- E-Learning can accommodate everyone’s needs.
- Teachers can take classes from any place and at the time which students or tutors prefer.
- It offers exclusive, prolific, and updated content and accessibility is open, secure, and uninterrupted. E-Learning lets you be in sync with modern learners and updated with the current trends.
- It ensures quick delivery of lessons. Traditional classrooms involve some or the kind of delay. At the same time, E-Learning provides expeditious and exclusive delivery of lessons. There is no procrastinator in E-Learning.
- The scalability of learning, content, and duration that is taken can be reasonably measured.
- The method is made available at reduced costs.
- The effectiveness of the transferred or imparted knowledge and learning is high and powerful.
- Students can always retake any lesson.
- E-learning can develop a self-paced training schedule for the students.
Disadvantages of E-Learning
There are probably not many disadvantages of E-Learning, the main one being that you get knowledge only on a theoretical basis. When it comes to putting to use whatever you have learnt, it may be a little different. The face-to-face learning experience is missing, which may matter to some of you.
- Most of the online assessments are limited to questions that are only objective in nature.
- There is also the problem of the extent of security of online learning programs.
- The authenticity of a particular student’s work is also a problem online; just about anyone can do a project rather than the actual student itself.
- The assessments that are computer marked generally tend towards being only knowledge-based and not necessarily practicality-based.
- It is tiresome to use E-learning platforms over time.
How is the E-learning Future?
More universities are now utilising online platforms in their teaching and students. The same trend is for primary, secondary, and upper secondary schools. There is a change from traditional education. Therefore, if universities and other educational organisations are already incorporating this into traditional education, online learning will continue to grow and become popular amongst students. With the continual development of technology, it will only go on to improve.
The future of E-learning will continue to see exponential growth. As more educational institutions, corporations, and online learners worldwide start to recognize the importance of online learning, its role in education will only continue to rise. Online learning already has numerous uses in education, and its future roles in education will be immense.
Lucubrate Magazine May 2021
Photo on top of the Article: Adobe Stock
This article is one in the series about trends for future education:
- E-learning or online learning
- Nano-learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Remote learning
- Ground-breaking virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology
- Mobile-first learning system
- Gamification
- High-Speed Learning
- Hyper-personalised and Adaptive Learning
- Project-based learning
- Experiential learning
- Innovative learning
- On-Demand Learning
- Skills-oriented learning methods
- Learning by Improving Skills
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