With the dawn of e-learning just about in the country, it is normal for questions about the viability of this new avenue and its pros and cons to arise. Questions like, as a teacher, where does this leave me in the market? As students, what advantages will this educational change have on our academic performance and in the future of our careers? In this post, we examine why teachers and students should embrace E-learning.
Web-based learning also referred to as e-learning or online learning is taking the world by storm. It is essentially education through courses offered on the internet.
E-learning, whichever way we look at it, is an advancement to our education system. The combination of computer technology and human interaction will for sure create a better assessment of student`s performance.
Advantages of e-learning include;
Flexibility:
The portability of most e-learning materials makes it possible for one to study at any location of their convenience.
In contrast to the previous system where learning is limited to the school environment, e-learning provides a chance to continue studying even when one is away from school. This is made possible by the availability of video instructional features.
Affordability:
The fact that one uses their personal equipment to study makes it all the cheaper. Instead of relying on an instructor`s equipment which is not always available, students learn to be independent. These coupled with the fact that one only needs one device to learn all the subjects gives an e-learning student the upper hand. Therefore, the e-learner gets all the needed information without having to go through different physical books.
Data Reporting:
Through e-learning technology, it is easier for the educator to monitor the progress of their students academically and also in the participation of class activities. From their own monitors, a teacher is able to tell which student is wrong and where they deviated. It is very easy to record and tally student`s scores using a computer. It also provides a chance to monitor student`s strengths in different areas of study thus giving them proper career guidance.
Accuracy:
By using various web sites, researchers, learners, and teachers are able to determine the most viable information. This clears doubt for all of them. Furthermore, teachers and students are able to get the most accurate information by using different sites for their research.
Mobility:
learning provides educators and learners with the ability to work and study at any place and at any given time. This is important in that one is never limited to specific schedules. It is very easy for one to study at their location of choice rather than in an enclosed sphere. However, procrastination should be avoided.
Challenges Associated with Online-learning and Technology in Education
Online writing is an asset to education. However various challenges surround it.
Security:
This is a major issue with hackers preying on innocents. Most people end up tangled in hackers nests as they try to research in unprotected sites. It is also not easy to verify the authenticity of online writing. This is mostly because the writer could be anyone, the experience levels are rarely displayed or authenticated in most sites. Other pitfalls include;
Technology issues.
Before the introduction of e-learning software, a lot of groundwork is required. This ranges from the buying of compatible equipment to the educating of users. It is also important to ensure that the right framework is in place on how the technology is to be used in educating. As is the case with any project, the laying of a foundation is the most involving task. This part is very expensive too.
Structure issues:
It is very easy for learners to fall back due to lack of motivation. Without human interaction to keep most learners on their toes, no learning would take place. The use of technology in education is therefore only as efficient as the teacher is.
Computer proficiency:
Some people may feel intimidated and shy away from computers. The solution to these is to remember you are working using the computer and not with it. A computer is only as much a tool as a hammer is, the user is in control of what the output is. A computer should not be seen as a rival but as a tool.
Unemployment:
Fear that computers and e-learning will take away human interactions in classrooms causes unnecessary tension. As earlier documented, computers require the human hand to guide them in their working. Therefore educators must continue teaching with the added advantages of e-learning.