E.learning by Dr Archana kunder

 

E-Learning: Advantages and Challenges

COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way of living.  People are accepting new challenges and learning to work online. Education has turned into virtual mode, and the educational institutions are even teaching dance and physical education through online mode. Well, there is no doubt that online learning has tremendous benefits, and even the parents are also happy. It’s estimated that almost 92% of parents are satisfied with this new way of education. Despite having less knowledge of technology and the internet, parents are willing to continue with the online learning system. Teachers who have never even faced a camera or who are shy to camera have learned the new system to impart education to their students. E-learning becomes easy when you follow the schedule and manage your timings regularly. Here are some advantages and challenges of E-learning. 

Advantages:

1. Efficiency – E-learning offers a very efficient way to deliver lessons. Use of videos, sharing of resource links, serving assessment tests can all be done at the click of a single button. Additionally, the lectures can be recorded and shared for reference with a wide range of audiences. 

2. Affordability – E-learning is far more affordable as compared to physical learning. It actually eliminates two major budget points – real estate and transportation. The course or study stuff is all available online, and you can access it as many times as you want.

3. Less absenteeism – There are fewer chances of students missing out on classes, as they can access easily anytime from their home. 

4. Increased Access & Reach – E-learning can happen anywhere, as long as there is a device and internet connectivity. A physical class demands the student to come to school, but in this mode, the student can access lessons sitting anyplace in the world.

5. Encourages shy kids – We have seen that many children who are usually withdrawn in a class environment, open up in the online classes. They are far more forthcoming with their questions and participation. This could be because of a comfortable home environment. 

Challenges:

1. Not appropriate for all – It is a well-known fact that most learners have an aggressive learning style. Some are visual, some auditory, some kinesthetic, etc. E-learning, which requires a child to sit in front of a device and understand the lesson, may not be suited to all learning styles.  

2. Focus Deficit – Some students tend to lose focus for a more extended period during virtual lectures. Boredom occurs quickly as there is a lack of face to face interaction. It becomes imperative for the teachers to keep their online sessions crisp and interactive enough to help students grasp everything.

3. Technology issues – While internet penetration has grown over the past 12 months in India, the current infrastructure, especially in smaller towns, can pose a problem. Any break in the data connectivity can cause a lack of continuity in the child's learning. Additionally, if a child is technophobic, he may face difficulties in learning.

4. Lacks of social interaction – Human beings learn a lot by really being around other human beings. Unfortunately, e-learning takes away all physical interactions that scholars and teachers might have in the school premises. It's always better for students to be around other students to discuss ideas, which is an essential part of learning. Peer learning certainly takes a hit. 

5. Teacher training – E-learning demands the teachers to be technology-friendly, which is not always the case. Teachers need to spend more time in aligning themselves with the most efficient technology updates to conduct their online classes seamlessly. 

6. Manage Screen time – Health risks of staring at a screen continuously for long hours may affect the learner and the teacher both.

While all learning methods have their benefits and drawbacks, after the current crisis, it is clear that some form of blended learning will evolve with e-learning forming a crucial part of the overall teaching-learning process.  

Thanking You,

Dr. Archana Kunder

Department of physiotherapy

Career College, Bhopal