Technology and the advancement of science bring about many advantages. Nowadays, man can almost do anything and anywhere with the use of modern technology. From online retail shopping to finding a partner online, name it… technology can probably deliver it. The world is changing, including the traditional methods and practices that people adhered to in the past. Before, learning was just confined within the four walls of a classroom, but because of the many advantages of technology, learning can now be accessed by everyone, practically everywhere.
Web-based learning, which is commonly referred to as e-learning or online learning is a new way for individuals to absorb knowledge and information through a timely manner which is both efficient and effective. These courses will typically include the following learning avenues: e-mails, live lectures, videos, and video conferencing, which are all possible with just a few clicks of the fingertip. These platforms would allow participants to give their perspective on these topics and would also provide the chance for further discussion. In fact, even more sophisticated types of e-learning allows a feedback mechanism which allows learners to know why their choice was right or wrong, which further reinforces the learning experience of the participants. Most of the time, e-learning is also reinforced with static materials such as course handout to further boost its effectiveness and enhance the participant’s learning experience.
There are many perspectives about e-learning, both the good and the bad. Enumerated below are the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning:
Advantages of E-learning:
● Efficiency of Learning
Gone are the days when individuals would have to wake up at the wee hours of the morning to go and attend a class at their university. E-learning resources are available anywhere, and at any time. Anyone, whether you are a full-time student or a stay-at-home mother can access these online courses.
● On-demand learning
Anyone who has access to the internet 24×7 can benefit from e-learning. It provides convenience and a flexible option to start, pause, and even redo or re-watch some of the modules for better learning absorption.
● Independent Learning
It takes discipline for people to learn online, which is the reason why e-learning promotes active and independent learning. Unlike traditional methods of learning where knowledge is transferred from a professor to the students, the knowledge in the online modules are there for students to digest, absorb, and apply.
● Varied Resources
Another advantage of e-learning is that through the use of technology, an individual can link various resources in several varying formats which can create a web of information in just a single page!
● Networking
Some e-learning platforms are designed for interaction with other participants who are undergoing the same online module. This can be done through discussion boards and chats where students can have healthy discussions and exchange perspectives on the topics online.
● Cost
Taking into consideration the inflating college tuition fees, dormitory fees, transportation fees, and other fees associated with the typical university approach, online learning is far more cost effective compared to the overall cost of enrolling in a university. This is also partly the reason why there are declining college enrollments in 2016, where people would prefer to take online courses because of inflating student loans.
Disadvantages of E-learning:
● Online assessments
Most of the assessments of e-learning platforms are limited to questions which are objective in nature. This means that only knowledge types of questions are considered and not necessarily the applications type of questions.
● Security
Since technology would have its loopholes in terms of security, online learning is not exempted from this. This means that online platforms, including the knowledge it contains, would also be susceptible to malicious hackers.
● Authenticity of student’s work
Since online learning just requires a login ID and a password, students can pass on these credentials to others so they can answer the assessments for them. The integrity of the student’s work can be compromised.
Trends in Online Learning
The number of students exclusively enrolled in a typical university with only classroom types of learning methods has been declining according to a study in 2018. This is validated by data on e-learning in schools where experts say that there is an increase in the trend of online learning until Year 2024, despite the highs and lows of the economy and the decline in college enrollments. In fact, in 2016, there were at least around six (6) million students in the US who enrolled in at least one (1) online course, and from hereon, the number of students who enrolled in at least one (1) online course has been steadily increasing to about 30%.
In addition, research shows that public institutions and non-profit organizations have the largest number of students who are enrolled and taking online courses, making them the largest sector of consumers for e-learning. It is forecasted that there will be continued growth for online learning platforms for the next five (5) years.
Effectivity of Online Learning
1. Greater Learning Experience
A research from IBM found that students learn up to five (5) times more in online learning platforms as compared to traditional face to face classroom methods. This can be attributed to the fact that in online courses, students are given the freedom to work at their own pace as compared to the traditional set-up where information is thrown at students at lightning speed and students would have no choice but to keep up to the instructors. In this way, students are able to digest information better.
2. Higher Retention Rates
The Research Institute of America found that online courses have increased student retention rates from 25% to 65%, while traditional classroom learning approaches struggle to retain the students in the length of the course.
3. Less Time Investment
Research shows that online learning platforms would save around 40%-60% of a student’s productivity in terms of commute to and from classes, as well as waiting time for instructors and other students. This implies that the appeal of online learning in terms of time and productivity is greater because there is less time investment.
4. Assessment Style
Online learning platforms are designed to test the students on a more frequent basis. This allows the individuals to track their progress better, and would have more frequent feedback mechanisms in terms of their learning performance.
5. Greener Option
Research from the Open University in Britain shows that online courses have 90% less energy and 85% fewer CO2 emissions as compared to the traditional in-person course.
As a conclusion, while there are both pros and cons of e-learning, global trends would forecast that e-learning will continue to emerge throughout the years as a competitive avenue of acquiring knowledge. The main objective of learning, whether it’s within the classroom or through a screen, is for individuals to absorb knowledge and apply this knowledge for the betterment of society.
