E-Learning, Future of Education
E-learning is essential in this day and age; it has its disadvantages, but let us concentrate more on how important this is and what it could resolve in the digital era. Pre COVID 19 e-learning was not regarded as the best way to deliver education; you can agree with me that such a narrative has changed considering how much class time was lost during lockdowns worldwide. E-learners are affected by several impediments, the lack of concentration and procrastination being the main issues that usually deter people from making instructional learning decisions.
In this article, the author will highlight the information from an online and distance education perspective. There is no denying that there are pros and cons to this depending at which angle you are looking at, it is highly likely that people that are employed full time find this helpful, the flexibility it has in terms of time prioritisation.
Many organisations and institutions provide different forms of training and instruction to their employees or learners. Typically, they provide needed training by sending people to school, holding in-house training classes, or providing manuals and self-study guides. In some situations, it is advantageous for them to use other forms of e-learning instead of traditional training, which would require a lot of time resource input.
Other times it is less useful. As with anything else, there are benefits and limitations, as well as pros and cons. There are many advantages to online and computer-based learning when compared to traditional face-to-face courses and lectures. Other disadvantages/cons affect others more than others based on the location of the learner on the globe. Let us briefly compare them.
Advantages of e-Learning
- Classwork can be scheduled around personal and professional work, resulting in flexible learning.
- Reduces travel cost and time to and from school
- Learners may have the option to select learning materials that meet their level of knowledge and interest
- Learners can study wherever they have access to a computer and Internet Self-paced learning modules allow learners to work at their own pace
- Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms
- Different learning styles are addressed, and facilitation of learning occurs through varied activities
- Development of computer and Internet skills that are transferable to other facets of learner’s lives
- Successful completion of online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning
Disadvantages of e-Learning
- Unmotivated learners or those with poor study habits may fall behind
- Lack of familiar structure and routine may take getting used to
- Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction, thus the need to understanding different learning styles and individual learner needs.
- The instructor may not always be available on demand
- Slow or unreliable Internet connections can be frustrating
- Managing learning software can involve a learning curve
- Some courses such as traditional hands-on courses can be challenging to simulate
Whistle & Castle has a simple interface that allows the user to navigate the website with efficiently; the e-learning platform gives the learner a variety of subject area they could explore. A team of experienced teachers are at hand, ready to help if needed.
