The vast
movement towards e-learning is clearly motivated by the many benefits it
offers. However much e-learning is praised and innovated, computers will never
completely eliminate human instructors and other forms of educational delivery.
What is important is to know exactly what e-learning advantages exist and when
these outweigh the limitations of the medium.
Collaborative
Learning
All
collaborative learning theory contends that human interaction is a vital
ingredient to learning. Consideration of this is particularly crucial when
designing e-learning, realizing the potential for the medium to isolate
learners. With well-delivered synchronous distance education, and technology
like message boards, chats, e-mail, and tele-conferencing, this potential
drawback is reduced. However, e-learning detractors still argue that the
magical classroom bond between teacher and student, and among the students
themselves, can not be replicated through communications technology.
Advantages of
e-Learning to the Trainer or Organization
Some of the
most outstanding advantages to the trainer or organization are:
- Reduced overall cost is the single
most influential factor in adopting e-learning. The elimination of costs
associated with instructor's salaries, meeting room rentals, and student
travel, lodging, and meals are directly quantifiable. The reduction of
time spent away from the job by employees may be the most positive
offshoot.
- Learning times reduced
- Expert knowledge is communicated,
but more importantly captured, with good e-learning and knowledge
management systems.
- Proof of completion and certification, essential
elements of training initiatives, can be automated.
Advantages to
the Learner
Along with the
increased retention, reduced learning time, and other aforementioned benefits
to students, particular advantages of e-learning include:
- On-demand availability enables students
to complete training conveniently at off-hours or from home.
- Self-pacing for slow or quick learners reduces stress and increases satisfaction.
- class work can be scheduled around work and
family
- Reduces travel time and travel costs for off-campus students
- Students can study anywhere they have access
to a computer and Internet connection
- Self-paced learning modules allow students 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
- Develops knowledge of the Internet and
computers skills that will help learners throughout their lives and
careers
- Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning
Disadvantages
to the Trainer or Organization
e-learning is
not, however, the be all and end all to every training need. It does have
limitations, among them:
- Up-front investment required of an
e-learning solution is larger due to development costs. Budgets and cash
flows will need to be negotiated.
- Technology issues that play a factor
include whether the existing technology infrastructure can accomplish the
training goals, whether additional tech expenditures can be justified, and
whether compatibility of all software and hardware can be achieved.
- Inappropriate content for e-learning
may exist according to some experts, though are limited in number. Even
the acquisition of skills that involve complex physical/motor or emotional
components (for example, juggling or mediation) can be augmented with
e-learning.
- Cultural acceptance is an issue in organizations where student demographics and psychographics may predispose them against using computers at all, let alone for e-learning.
Disadvantages
to the Learner
The ways in
which e-learning may not excel over other training include:
- Technology issues of the learners are most commonly technophobia and unavailability of required technologies.
- Students may feel isolated from the instructor
and classmates
- Instructor may not always be available when
students are studying or need help
- Slow Internet connections or older computers
may make accessing course materials frustrating
- Managing computer files and online learning
software can sometimes seem complex for students with beginner-level
computer skills
- Hands-on or lab work is difficult to simulate in a virtual classroom
Do the Benefits Outweigh the Drawbacks?
The pro's and
con's of e-learning vary depending on program goals, target audience and
organizational infrastructure and culture. But it is unarguable that e-learning
is rapidly growing as form of training delivery and most are finding that the
clear benefits to e-learning will guarantee it a role in their overall learning
strategy.
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