Enforce E-learning in Classrooms - Essay Example

Enforce E-Learning in rooms The advancements in technology particularly the field of information communication Technology (ICT) have a great impact on human life in different dimensions and sectors including the education sector. Though distant learning existed before the current advancements in ICT as long as avenues or infrastructure to deliver writings existed, it has greatly been facilitated in a more revolutionary way by E-learning. The concept of E-learning has however elicited mixed reactions from different stakeholders and key players in the education sector and even the public. This paper will explore the use of the E-learning in classroom and the controversy surrounding the effectiveness and efficacy of this new learning mode in institutions of learning. First, the paper will have a deep insight into the concept of E-learning, then look into its advantages and disadvantages and finally look into its practicality and enforcement in classrooms. The explosion and advancement of web-based technologies has greatly influenced the development of technology mediated teaching and learning environments, which are very different from the traditional learning environment. Today, students do not have to go physically to classrooms but can attend their classes at the comfort of their homes, all this courtesy of E-learning technology. All that a student requires to have to use the E-learning concept is a computer and connection to the internet where the student can interact with their teachers and even fellow students. Though this technology mediated learning mode has many challenges, the onus to develop it lies squarely on the educators who should be ready to take up new challenges and provide quality teaching and learning opportunities to the learners. To a great deal, the adoption and enforcement of E-learning especially in institutions of higher learning is not an option but a necessity to complement the traditional mode of learning. Today, the world is rapidly changing and dynamic with the concept of globalization that has an exponential demand for higher education. E- Learning is also very essential as a policy to respond to the challenges of decreased government funding on institutions of higher learning, the dynamism of the nature of knowledge and changing student expectations and the dynamic nature of global competition (Edmundson, 2007). E- Learning has the potential to multiply synergistically the positive effect of education system by enhancing the access of the inaccessible areas while also ensuring empowerment to not only the learners but also the teachers. E Learning has a variety of inherent advantages to offer in the education system including the chance or opportunity for students to access educational materials outside the institutions on a global perspective (Bonk, 2009). It also provides an opportunity to create, update and even revise educational material using low cost software while also providing a better interaction platform with learners through the e-mail and discussion forums. E Learning also provides an avenue for the delivery of educational materials in a time and location independent manner that also facilitates the use of text, graphics and multimedia learning materials that ensures high quality of learning material (Bonk, 2009). The students through any computer and use of just a simple browser can easily access the academic resources. It also provides an opportunity of a single teacher to interact with a very big number of students thus making the concept very cheap and cost effective. E Learning also gives learners a new interactive learning experience that is very dynamic using web based assessment tools, simulations and animated learning objects (Carliner & Shank, 2007). E Learning also provides an opportunity for cross-cultural, international, and collaborative learning between institutions of higher learning throughout the globe. Though the E–Learning concept has very many advantages and it has in fact revolutionized the education sector, it has its fair share of limitations some of which make it to come under sharp criticism especially from pragmats. To some extent, the interaction that is found in the traditional physical classroom is missing in the E-Learning concept where educators say that a teacher- student contact is very important in education. (Carliner, 2002) This makes some people think that there are great chances of compromising the standards of education using E Learning. Institutions of higher learning are also facing numerous challenges in the implementation of E-Learning because of the unequal penetration of ICT in most parts of the world. Despite the fact that ICT is becoming more of a necessity than a luxury in today’s everyday life, some areas of the world and also here in the USA still lag behind in ICT. The challenges of multiculturalism are also lifted into E-Learning, as there is interaction between people of different cultural backgrounds, which may sometimes bring about misunderstanding (Edmundson, 2007). In summary, the E-Learning concept might not be perfect but it is essential and in fact very necessary in dealing with the challenges facing the education sector due to reduced Government funding and the exponentially increasing demand for higher education among other challenges associated with globalization. The concept also brings a new and revolutionized learning experience not only to the learners but also to the teachers in general. The onus to develop this mode of education lies squarely on the educators and if they agree to take up the challenge and ensure quality in E-Learning, all will be well. References Bonk, C. J. (2009). The World Is Open: How Web Technology Is Revolutionizing Education. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Carliner, S. (2002). Designing E-learning. New York: American Society for Training and Development. Carliner, S., & Shank, P. (2007). The E-Learning Handbook: Past Promises, Present Challenges. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Edmundson, A. (2007). Globalized E-learning Cultural Challenges. Hershey: Idea Group Inc (IGI). Read More