Today, Internet seems limitless. The way, it has been occupying an indestructible space in every field, is indefinable. E-learning is one essential boon of internet among many others. It refers to a learning system, which provides education and training through an online mode. In general, it constitutes classes in schools along with a teacher, training programs, or full time distance education. Popularity and affordability of smart phones, computers, laptops, tablets and accessibility of internet has raised the discussion regarding e-learning inclusion in conventional teaching methods. This new learning system comprises huge scope in several streams but few limitations affect its mass utilization.
Positive effects of e-learning:
In the exploration of a reliable education system, e-learning has emerged as a perfect tool for the same.
No barriers
Like traditional education system, e-learning doesn’t confine its students inside a four walls, but provide knowledge through an e-learning tool, that can operate under an open sky or wherever an individual feels comfortable. Location or geographical gap isn’t a problem, as one can endure a classroom environment at home with e-learning tool.
High learning ability
As per psychology, a human brain can easily learn videos or audios. And e-learning shares all the format kinds including videos, slideshows, word documents, and PDFs. It offers various other options to the users such as webinars i.e. live online classes and interaction with the professors through chat forum. This way, a student can clear doubts concerning the topics taught in the real time, as in physical classroom.
Infinite courses
Today, every course is available online. One can undertake any desired course, while working or the like. Individuals can gain new qualification and upgrade their skills, while paying bills. Along with virtual classes, it provides the option of tests on various topics, which helps in improving the skills of an individual. Learners taking same courses can share these tests and question each other. This way, e-learning provides a sense of community.
On-the-job training
Due to rapid technology advancement, the businesses require up-to-dated workers. This demands regular training through an effectual means. E-learning is a reliable and cost-effective tool and it needs a minutes of updation (adding new technology data) and can train hundreds of workers.
Advanced knowledge
With the change in policy or technology, books can’t change itself at the same time. Neither an institution asks their students to read new books, as that would mean and require complete renewal of the syllabus. For example, In India, the new indirect tax policy of GST hasn’t led to the upgraded syllabus in business and management courses. Such situation doesn’t arises with e-learning. Internet stays updated every second and keeps e-learning courses provider aware of any reform.
Welfare activities
Many NGOs employ e-learning courses in the remote areas, which lack educational institutions and infrastructure. In India, such activities help in making schemes, such as Digital India and Skill India, a success.
Negative effects of e-learning:
As every rose comes with thorns, e-learning has few drawbacks along with benefits.
Solitude
It is no wonder, that e-learning provides best knowledge and makes a learner incredible competitor. But it can’t provide a social environment like a traditional institution. The education isn’t regarding a brain, it includes overall individuality which comes through mental processing and physical response in a social interaction. And e-learning is a solo act for most part, learners might feel a sense of loneliness.
Health issues
While taking e-learning courses, an individual spend hours on a computer, laptop, or tablet, which increases eye strain and affects health. Constant sitting can adversely impact the well-being of a person.
Lacks practicality
E-learning provides benefits to limited sectors. The physical education fields require a practical classroom. For example, engineering. Here students learn the application of components and instruments in a practical environment. Online learning can’t provide such skills. This limitation proves disadvantageous for persons whose career choice demand physical strength and work. Though such courses are available online, but practical skills are harder to pick from virtual resources.
E-learning is a rapid growing industry. It is a cost-effective method to gain mass knowledge. The learning material and databases are easy accessible online. If a learner doesn’t find some material understandable enough, the alternatives are available free-of-cost. Though one of the most debatable topic among education system regulators and policy makers, it find appreciable space in lives of a common man. To limit the drawbacks, one must consider sitting posture and regular breaks to keep themselves active and healthy. For other concerns such as distraction, one must boost oneself by remembering the rewarding outcome of learning.