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eLearning is the use of digital technology to impart education. Typically, eLearning is used to describe courses and teaching sessions which are delivered entirely through the internet. eLearning is known by several names, which includes internet learning, online tutoring, distance education, virtual learning, and digital learning.
Blended eLearning is a broader term that involves the use of digital devices to supplement an in-person classroom environment; for instance, the use of smartphones and tablets to view training videos during a traditional class.
The eLearning industry is estimated to be worth more than 100 billion USD. India, China and Malaysia have the highest eLearning growth rates in the world.
Some of the eLearning formats are:
When eLearning was launched in the late 1990’s, it was viewed negatively by most people; this was more from a lack of understanding than anything else. The chief concern was that a computer could never replace a human teacher. Also, the authenticity of eLearning courses and level of expertise imparted via such courses was uncertain. However, the eLearning industry has come a long way since.
In the 2000’s, companies started using eLearning for imparting training to new and inexperienced employees. Online professional courses appeared on the scene, which allowed individual users to certify themselves from the convenience of home. Today, eLearning is being used by many for accessing a global base of online tutors, as well as for studying off-the-shelf eLearning courses.
Advantages of eLearning
Whether you enrol
for an eLearning course or study with the help of an online tutor, there are several benefits of eLearning.
1. It’s cost-effective
In an eLearning environment, all the information is stored online, which does away with the need to buy printed books and stationary. Plus, you no longer have to travel to the place of learning, which means you save on travel and parking expenses.
For a teaching organisation, switching of eLearning can reduce the cost of hiring staff and maintaining classroom infrastructure.
2. It’s a great way of communicating with a new generation of tech-savvy students
The use of digital devices is second-nature to the youth of today, which makes the use of tablets and smartphones an excellent way to impart education to students. Also, studies have shown that students (and employees) tend to retain information for longer when learning is conducted in a multi-media environment that includes visuals.
3. Makes learning more convenient
Most eLearning content can be accessed anytime and anywhere. All the user needs is (a) a laptop or tablet, (b) a strong internet connection, and (c) possibly a good headset (for better audio). An online course also gives slower learners the benefit of consuming content at a pace that is comfortable for them.
4. Easier to track progress
A well-designed eLearning management system makes it simpler to track student progress. Every student has a login i.d. which is used to monitor the number of session logins, the number of pages read, online tests attempted, and improvement in test scores before and after the eLearning course. An online tutor can use an online training app to monitor progress of his/ her students.
5. Facilitates online collaboration
Online learning is a great way to share information and encourage collaboration among students. It becomes easier to assign group tasks, set project milestones, and monitor individual progress on group projects. Every member of an online group can be easily communicated the change in project milestones, and communication between individual members can be shared with all.
In a classroom environment, students may feel judged by their peers for their lack of awareness. eLearning overcomes this drawback by giving reticent students an opportunity to be more participative in an online discussion.
Disadvantages of eLearning
However, like the traditional classroom teaching model, eLearning also has a few disadvantages. The following are some of the limitations of eLearning
1. eLearning is not for all
Despite the flexibility of learning, eLearning is not for everyone. Some people would still prefer a face-to-face learning environment. Others who are not comfortable using technology may view the use of computers as an impediment to their education.
eLearning also requires a lot of self-discipline. You must log on to the session on time and stay focussed on the online instruction being provided. Someone who lacks the determination to learn may miss a few classes or not pay attention, and therefore not derive the maximum benefit from an eLearning course.
Also, students who don’t have access to a computer and an internet connection at home, as well as students with visual disabilities, may struggle in an eLearning environment.
2. eLearning is impersonal
Most of the eLearning content is delivered in an impersonal manner; for example – videos, off-the-shelf courses, and slideshows. The online content cannot be customised to the specific learning needs of the students. Neither is there a teacher who can share personal experiences to make the information more relevant.
3. It can be tiring
Spending long hours in front of a computer screen is tiring for the eyes. It would be helpful if eLearning courses have a ‘take a break’ messages incorporated between sessions, as a reminder for the viewer to get up and walk around after spending 30 to 40 minutes at the computer.
While we’re on the subject, if you already spend several hours a day on a computer screen each day ensure that you follow these five tips to stay healthy.
4. Not suitable for all types of content
Subjects that require practical training such as a science lab or carpentry class, cannot rely on eLearning alone. In these cases, eLearning can only supplement the classroom environment, but not substitute it.
eLearning offers immense scope in a tutoring environment. But for students to gain maximum benefit from online tutoring, the online tutor must possess great communication skills and a true commitment towards making the sessions engaging. It is up to the online tutor to ensure that the advantages of online training far outweigh its limitations.
Adilah, graduated from Malaysia University and is a social activist. He focuses on various areas including education and takes notes on measure which could help in the overall pattern of studying. Recently he is registered with MyPrivateTutor Malaysia and has gained reputation in his field.
