Advantages and Disadvantages of IT Based Education - Report Example

Online Learning Name of Student: Name of Course: Name of Instructor: Date of Submission: Online Learning Introduction E-learning is a form of learning where the engagement between the instructor and the student is via a virtual platform. The virtual interface between the instructor and student is usually provided by web based tools hence its name electronic learning. E- Learning has gained popularity in learning institutions in the recent years. Web technology has become an important element influencing the learning environment in many institutions around the world (Ferriman, 2013). The rise in its popularity is driven by the increased globalisation, developments in internet technologies and increased need to pursue education. Currently, E- learning is used for both academic and non-academic purposes. Ideally, most learning institutions have e-learning programs where they offer online based courses. In e-learning, the teachers/ instructors upload the course materials in the online learning portals where is accessed by authorised students. Communication is normally via electronic means such as chat rooms, skype, email, telephone and social media. The e-learning portals also have discussion boards where the students can interact amongst themselves. The students are also examined via online based tests. In some institutions, e-learning is used hand in hand with conventional learning approaches. This essay will give an in-depth discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning. Advantages of E-Learning There are many benefits associated with e-learning; hence explaining the reason as to why its use has been increasing in many learning institutions around the globe. One of the benefits associated with e learning is low costs. Generally, e learning is far much cheaper as compared to conventional learning (Afifi, 2011). This is due to the fact that e-learning requires fewer resources as compared to conventional learning. The only requirement for e-learning is a website to host the e-learning portal. The tutors/ lecturers then develop content as per the learning objectives for use by students. For conventional learning, the teaching institution must develop facilities to provide a conducive environment for learning. The facilities and equipment includes lecture rooms, white boards, projectors and furniture. These facilities are paid for by students owing to the notion in service industry that the students have rented their use for a specific period of time. Additionally, conventional learning is associated with other operation costs such as cleaning services and administrative duties. All these elements have an effect of the higher cost of conational learning. Since these costs are avoided in e-learning, it is associated with lower costs. This explains the reason as to why cost of learning is one of the main factors that students and corporate analyse when evaluating learning and training approaches. E learning is also associated with a high level of flexibility as compared to conventional/ traditional learning. This makes e-learning a good choice for training and learning in instances when the students or trainees have diverse schedules and commitments (E-learner Computer Based Learning, 2014). Owing to the fact that e- learning can be accessed from anywhere on the globe provided that there is an internet connection; it becomes the learning approach of choice when high flexibility is needed. In e-learning, the work is divided into short pieces of work requiring small amount of time. This makes it easy for students and trainees to attend and monitor the progress of their lessons with ease; meaning that this approach gives more utility to the learners. Thirdly, e-learning is mobile as compared to the in situ learning in-house/ traditional approach (E-learner Computer Based Learning, 2014). As outlined earlier, e-learning takes place on an online platform; meaning that it can be offered across countries. For this reason, the mobility of the student/ trainee is not inhibited by his or her physical location. In traditional learning approaches, the trainee/learner is confined in the lecture room. Additionally, it is also worth noting that e-learning is global while in house training is not. In e-learning, it is possible for students to enrol for courses offered in institutions that are located outside their home country. Organisations benefit from this element in that they are able to source for training services from international markets; hence are able to control the quality and cost of training offered to their employees. This is not possible in in-house learning. Fourthly, e-learning provides a student with the chance to spend more time on areas that they deem important or those that they have little knowledge in as compared to in-house training, students have to move at the pace and approach taken by the lecturer or tutor (Dayton, 2013). Since the tutor takes time to teach every section in a course, the students have no choice but to work according to his/her approach. In e-learning, the student uses his or her own pace in learning; hence associated with more successful learning as compared to in-house training. Lastly, e-learning presents more technological possibilities as compared to in house learning. There is no limit to the use of technology in e-learning (Collins, Buhalis & Peters, 2003). The use of tablets, phones, cameras and other electronic devices is unlimited in e-learning. The continues development of applications and software to support e-learning makes it easier to digitalise as compared to in-house training where manual processes cannot be eradicated completely. Additionally, e-learning provides students with an opportunity to access useful resources at a cheaper price from the central database. Advances in the use of cloud computing have provided users of e-learning platforms with unlimited and secure platforms to store their education data and also a chance to access cheaper software. Digital libraries have revolutionised the library services in training and education processes since they allow users to access valuable information and resources at the convenience of their bedrooms (Hadengue, 2004). This is not possible in in-house learning. Disadvantages of E-Learning Although e-learning is associated with many benefits, it is also associated with a fair share of disadvantages. Firstly, there are high chances of low motivation in the learners (Collins, Buhalis & Peters, 2003). Owing to the fact that the choice to study or not to is at the prerogative of the learner, students with low motivation are much more likely to perform poorly as opposed to an in-house training program where they are motivated by teachers and their colleagues. The lack of a clear study schedule and follow up by the instructors also contributes to the high chances of student failures in e-learning situations. Students with poor study habits tend to perform poorly in such situations. The lack of a face to face interaction between the teachers and the students is also a main concern in e-learning. There are various concerns about the efficiency of digital instructions as compared to physical instructions (O’Donoghue,Singh & Green, 2004). The isolation of the students from the tutors does not provide the students with an opportunity to direct their questions to the tutors as they crop up. Although online learning provides for question and answer sessions, differences in personal schedules, flexibility if the system and differences in time zones create challenges in instances when the students do their learning when the tutors are offline. The lack of the physical presence of the tutor is sometimes a challenge to students who are only able to study in the presence of the instructor. There are also technological issues associated with e-learning. Since the learning approach is dependent on the internet, it is usually inaccessible in instances where there are limitations in internet connectivity (Dayton, 2013). In such instances, the communication between the instructors and the students is a big challenge. Additionally, the compatibility of the modules that are offered by the training parties and the devices used by the students is also a challenge. The instructors must develop modules that are compatible with the software and hardware resources available to the students involved. Lastly, the success of e-learning is dependent on the ability of both the students and tutors to use the online learning portals successfully (Dayton, 2013). Owing to the fact that both the instructions and course materials are given via the e-learning portal, it is imperative that both the users of the platform have the technical abilities to use all the features so as to enhance successful learning. Lastly, e-learning is not suitable for all types of courses. Generally, e-learning is mostly used for courses that are theoretical in nature. However, offering e-learning to practical based courses such as engineering becomes a challenge. This explains the reason as to why it is not possible to do away with in-house completely. Processes such as physical demonstrations and practicals need to be done in situ, a process that is not possible in e-learning. Conclusion From the above discussion, it can be concluded that e-learning is a good approach to learning in the modern age. E-learning provides students with a chance to learn remotely, without the physical interaction of the students and the teachers. E-learning is provided via electronic means via web based tools. In the recent years, this learning approach has gained popularity owing to its benefits. The low cost associated with it, mobility, more room for students to set their learning pace and flexibility are some of the benefits associated with e-learning. Disadvantages associated with it include technology issues, low motivation of students, computer literacy and complexity of some courses. From the essay, it can be acknowledged that e-learning is an efficient learning approach. However, in-house training cannot be done away with completely owing to the shortcomings associated with e-learning. References Afifi, G., (2011). E-learning as an alternative strategy for tourism higher education in Egypt, Quality Assurance in Education,19(4):357 – 374 Collins,C., Buhalis, D., & Peters,M., (2003). Enhancing SMTEs' business performance through the Internet and e-learning platforms, Education + Training, 45(8/9);483 – 494 Dayton, S., 2013. The Advantages and Disadvantages of eLearning, BusinessZone, Retrieved on 2nd July 2012 from http://www.businesszone.co.uk/blogs/scott-drayton/optimus-sourcing/advantages-and-disadvantages-elearning E-learner Computer Based Learning, 2014. Advantages and Disadvantages of eLearning, Retrieved on 2nd July 2012 from http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc/academic/elearner/advantage.html Ferriman, J., (2013). 2013 Hottest E-Learning Trends, Learndash, Retrieved on 2nd July 2012 from http://www.learndash.com/2013-hottest-e-learning-trends-infographic/ Hadengue, V., (2004). What can e-learning do for university libraries?, Library Review, 53(8); 396 – 400 O’Donoghue, J., Singh, G., & Green, C., (2004). A Comparison Of The Advantages And Disadvantages Of IT Based Education And The Implications Upon Students, Interactive Educational Multimedia, 9(1): 63-76 Read More