Advantages and Disadvantages of E-learning in Comparison to Traditional Forms of Learning - Annotated Bibliography Example

1. Radovic-Markovic, M. . Advantages and Disadvantages of E-learning in Comparison to Traditional Forms of Learning. Annals of the of Petrosani, Economics, 10(2): 289-298. In this study, Radovic-Markovic presents how, when compared to traditional methods of studying, virtual lessons can have a good side and a bad side. The results of this research are based not only from the study conducted by the author but from the author’s teaching experience. Through interviews with 54 people aged 18 to 30, the author concluded that e-learning will eventually dominate the world because the Internet has become a significant party of society. Via e-learning, the quality of interaction between students and teachers will continuously improve. Nevertheless, in places like Serbia where the study was focused on, there is the issue of limited software and equipment and the people’s hesitation in accepting change, especially in fundamental aspects of their lives. In this case, it is suggested that the advantages of online education be disseminated to the public. Ultimately, it will be the students who would benefit from this endeavor. In my opinion, Radovic-Markovic’s study does not generalize the majority’s e-learning experience. The study was focused on the pros and cons of e-learning in Serbia, a place that do not have Internet studies. As such, the respondents were not as immersed in e-learning as the rest of the world with advanced technology. Their perspectives on how beneficial e-learning is compared to the traditional classroom set-up may not be as broad as those who have actually experienced the two methods. Radovic-Markovic was right in saying e-learning is likely to dominate the world of education. With advancements in technology happening even before clamor for the latest gadget has died down, e-learning is expected to be the next step in revolutionizing the field of education. This study will make a significant impact to institutions which have yet to adapt an e-learning system. 2. Senn, G.J. (2008). Comparison of Face-To-Face and Hybrid Delivery of a Course that Requires Technology Skills Development. Journal of Information Technology Education, 7. Retrieved from http://www.jite.org/documents/Vol7/JITEv7p267-283Senn309.pdf The article is about the results of a research conducted to know the opinions and performance of students in a face-to-face teaching format and a hybrid format, or one where education is a combination of a traditional method and computer-based method. The fifty-one participants were grouped according to their preferences. Results show that students found it more difficult to use the hybrid format for a subject requiring hands-on practice and high level technological skills development. Senn’s study was aptly titled. The participants studied were also a good choice because they had first-hand experience in the change from traditional delivery to hybrid format. As such, the participants were able to fully assess the benefits or disadvantages of the two methods. Also noteworthy is the fact that the participants were immersed in the environment being studied for five years. The period would be more than enough time for the participants to establish a definite opinion about the topic of the research. Although online learning has its advantages, there are some aspects of education which would be more effective if there was actual physical interaction between teacher and students. Education would significantly influence a student’s life and some of the lessons learned in an actual classroom would never be learned in a virtual one. Nevertheless, this research would be a guide to curriculum developers so that the gains that can be realized through online and face-to-face methods of learning could be fully enjoyed by the learner, the party who is really the main consideration of such an endeavor. 3. Keller, C. & Cernerud, L. (2002). “Students’ Perceptions of E-learning in University Education.” Journal of Educational Media, 21 (1-2). Retrieved from http://www.forskarskolan-mit.nu/mit/files/documents/forskning/pub/pub_Keller%202002.pdf The article is about an experiment conducted on Swedish university students from two departments to find out their opinions regarding e-learning based on their 2-year experience at Jönköping University. Questionnaires were given out to 150 participants and answers were grouped according to gender, age, computer knowledge, attitude towards new technology, learning styles and e-learning implementation before analysis was made. Results showed a generally negative response from the participants regardless of the variables involved. As the authors of the study discuss, e-learning was implemented on campus and not as a way for distance learning which is where e-learning is primarily utilized. According to the authors, this may have been a factor for the unenthusiastic reception. The authors’ main goal was to find out the opinions of university students. It is a fact that there are many kinds of university students; that is, those on campus and those enrolled in distance learning programs. In my opinion, to have satisfied the title of their article, participants of the study should have come from both groups. Another aspect of the research I found problematic is that the participants belonged to two different disciplines, one of which may involve tasks that are inappropriate with an e-learning platform. E-learning may be beneficial to both off- and on-campus students. There are institutions implementing both programs successfully. Implementation in this aspect is not really a problem. A major concern in implementation would be effectiveness in how e-learning is presented in relation to the various disciplines offered in university. Literature majors may appreciate the convenience of completing summaries online. However, Architecture students may find it more convenience creating their blue prints physically than virtually. Future studies on the efficiency of e-learning as a compliment to disciplines that require hands-on participation may benefit from this study. 4. Georgiev, T., Georgieva, E. & Smrikarov, A. (2004). “M-Learning - a New Stage of E-Learning”. International Conference on Computer Systems and Technologies – CompSysTech IV (28). Retrieved from http://ecet.ecs.ru.acad.bg/cst04/docs/siv/428.pdf The writing is about mobile learning or m-learning as the next step in the development technological advancements as a means to promote education. The authors discuss how gadgets such as NoteBook computers, Tablet PCs, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), Cellular phones and Smart phones can be the latest means of acquiring because these offer mobility to the interaction of students and teachers. The authors provide statistics as to why there is a big probability of these gadgets being utilized. The authors also present potential technological problems but provide possible solutions as well. The study is basically a presentation of a possible new avenue for learning. The authors’ use of statistics to prove their belief in these technological creations serves to persuade readers that it is possible for learning to be mobile. Anticipating the negative reactions to their study, it is also noteworthy that the authors already presented possible answers to these doubtful queries. Despite the errors in syntax that could be found in the article, the authors were able to successfully explain their research in a way everyone can understand. The authors’ research rings true as companies continue to supply the increasing the number of people who demand for these gadgets. It is very likely, then, that the field of education would turn to utilizing the appeal of these gadgets to further the knowledge of students. As most educators and parents know, keeping the interest and attention of the student is crucial to effective learning. M-learning would be a great help in this aspect. Mobile companies and educational institutions would benefit from this study as they can explore the possibility of creating an m-learning environment. Read More