What is e-learning???
E-learning is a term for all types of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), where technology is used to support the learning process. It is defined as a learning experience that uses a wide spectrum of technologies, mainly Internet or computer-based, to reach learners. E-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device in skills and knowledge such as deliver training, educational or learning resources through Internet or an Intranet. They do not involve face-to-face action during the learning process because the studying process is done online.
Lately, most of the University also provide e-learning method. One of the local Universities, MARA University of Technology (UTM) also offered e-learning in the year 1990. There are advantages and disadvantages for using e-learning to conduct their study.
Below are the pros and cons of e-learning.
Pros of E-learning
Flexibility. From students’ perspectives, they can access the course whenever and wherever they want to with an internet connection. For those students who are a part-timer will not be bound by time and place. They can conduct their study after done their part-time job.
Convenience. For students who are live far away from school will be more convenient for them. By having e-learning method, they can learn at home without physically present in the university. By doing so, they can avoid traffic jam or wastage of travel cost and also save lots of time.
Wider learning option. Student can improved their studies and gain more information from foreign country. Instead of getting information from the library, students now can access to the resources upload by other foreign university such as get teaching materials through e-libraries. They can exchange information and opinion among several countries in the process of studies.
Improve IT skills. Students will have their IT skills improved by learning through computer based. It may also help the student in future on the employ ability.
Capability to study on their own space. Students can study at anywhere that makes the student feel comfortable and can let them absorb more easily.
Cons of E-learning
Lack of face-to-face communication. Students may face some confusion along the learning process due to lack of face-to-face communication. Students may also lose the direction during the learning process because there are no teachers who are present physically to explain or guide these students.
Access. Students have difficulty on access to the internet or
intranet when the network is poor. Besides, students who lack of IT knowledge or computer skills will have problem on E-learning process. Slow or unreliable Internet connections are such a frustrating situation faced by students.
Isolation. Students may feel isolated and unsupported or miss social interaction while learning through e-learning. Student may feel bored due to no interaction and will caused them have no patience to continue their studies.
Costly. Students have to subscribe high-speed internet to enhance the speed of downloading to avoid the delay of studies. Besides, students have to avoid using old computer for their studies. Subscribe a high-speed internet and buy a new version computer are a big amount for students to bear.
Personality. Students who have low motivation will faced lots of problem such as demotivate in studying since there is no any supervision when they conduct their studies. Furthermore, spoon feed will also become students’ habit since all the sources are provided online, sooner or later they will become very dependent and lazy type person. They will face some problem when they are in the community because they will expect all the information will be given to them.
In a nutshell, there are advantages and disadvantages between the E-learning method and the go to school study method.
References:
http://www.about-elearning.com/e-learning-advantages-and-disadvantages.htmlhttp://www.ehow.com/about_4743220_advantages-disadvantages-elearning.html
