Advantages of E-Learning - Assignment Example

Education is available all the time provided there is internet access and all the student need to do is to access the internet and start learning. Convenience is also achieved when using Internet learning in that students do not have to be in a classroom to learn.

• Consistency
E-Learning offers consistency in learning because students do not depend on different instructors. Relying on different instructors has the potential to give students different education depending on their financial capabilities or gender just to name a few factors, which may discriminate against poor students (SyberWorks, 2010). Educational material on Internet learning is consistent irrespective of social class, and this minimizes inequality.
• Customization
Internet education offers a flexible way to learn depending on the requirements of students. This implies that education is self-paced and the students can take time to understand the topics that are hard for them (Berman, 2006).
Disadvantages of E-learning
• Technical Problems
Since the technology requires some skill, students as well as teachers have problems when uploading assignments and taking tests. Problems with internet and computer processing speeds are also obstacles that hinder the use of internet learning.
• Lack of Interpersonal Skills
Proper education requires people to interact so that they can share feelings and information freely. Internet education lacks this personal touch to education and it can be a limiting factor to good education.
• High cost
Some people may not be able to buy computers and get internet access, and this implies that the start-up cost may be too high for some people hence this may hinder the use of Internet learning.
• Lack of Control
Internet learning does not control the-learning environment hence the chance of academic dishonesty is high. Class attendance is not necessary and absenteeism is prominent since irresponsible students have a high probability of skipping classes. It is also not possible to tell who took a test and cheating is likely to occur, which is detrimental to education success.

• Inadequacy
Some skills cannot be taught using internet learning since at times instructors are necessary so that they can influence necessary skills such as oral skills on the students. Internet learning lacks the capability of the personal touch of the instructor hence it can be limiting to education.
Internal Environment and Potential Risks.
From an analysis of the internal environment at Butterfield Bank, it can be concluded that the introduction of e-learning is a major advancement. Even though the memo from the sales department indicates that e-learning might not be feasible at the bank, the internal areas identified by Mary’s memo are important in the consideration process. The only potential risk in the introduction of e-learning at the bank is possible resistance from employees.

The Product development manager identified three areas where e-learning could make an important contribution; financial planning, employee knowledge of regulations, and client service. These areas might prove to be a challenge in the introduction of the e-learning program because of possible resistance from the employees. The other area that poses a potential risk is the cost, the program is expensive and the costs associated with its introduction are expected to increase as the program is implemented. Otherwise, the program should not encounter any other obstacles in the bank when it is introduced. Read More