Advantage and Disadvantage of E-learning

Web-based learning is becoming more widespread day by day due to its increased incorporation in modern education modes.

The traditional method of learning where the teacher and the learner have to converge in a classroom is slowly being abandoned. e-Learning has been embraced by most companies as well where they train their workers through some form of online training. However, running the eLearning process and maintaining it requires a well-defined system and proper considerations to both its advantages and the disadvantages. As much as being in a classroom offers an interactive form of learning, it might be a necessity for you to opt for eLearning. In this article, we shall highlight each advantage of e-learning and the coexisting challenges of eLearning to give you a detailed insight which might help you in making a sensible decision.

What is e-Learning?

You may be wondering what eLearning means. It is a web-based learning which is a process of participating in an educational course, that involves the use of electrical and electronic devices to create a virtual classroom setting. This online platform substitutes the traditional physical classrooms but still retains the interactive nature of education systems. The learner can interact with the tutor live through the devices. Different methods are used to ensure delivery of information such as videos, audio, surveys and presentations among others. eLearning has made it possible to now enrol for a course and undertake the whole process from the comfort of your home.

What Are the Advantages of e-Learning?

eLearning is gradually taking over, and this can be associated with the various advantages that are accompanied by the program. Some of the benefits are discussed here while a detailed eLearning advantages and disadvantages pdf can be found online for more profound review. Such a document can be found in different formats such as e learning advantages and disadvantages ppt which can be found online as well.

• One advantage of e-Learning is the increased spread and reach of the tutor to the learners. Through the online platform, the system can reach a more significant number of apprentices simply by the learner having an accessible means. Unlike the traditional classrooms, the particular information is delivered at an increased rate as well.
• The other advantage of e-Learning is that it minimises the expenditure of an organisation thereby cutting on cost. The amount that is used on transport and equipment is reduced since the trainees do not have to make trips to the convergence areas. It, therefore, means that eLearning is affordable.
• Another advantage of e-Learning is that it is a convenient mode of learning as you do not have to be making trips to and from the educational institutions such as schools. Learning takes place in the comfort of your home, and you can take the online classes anytime you want.
• It is also a flexible method of learning since it can be done in a short period and fit at any desirable schedule during your day. You don't have to have a fixed period specified for learning.
• It is a free method of learning since it can happen anywhere at any time. The use of mobile devices such as laptops and mobile phones to partake the online courses has made it mobile. There is no being restrained in a classroom like the traditional methods.
• It is easy for tutors to track the progress of the learner and easily take reports which improves the learning process efficiency.
• This form of learning promotes independent and autonomous education.
• The other advantage of e-Learning is the possibility to interact with other learners in the online classroom through discussion boards.

What Are the challenges of e-learning?

Besides the numerous benefits, there are a couple of challenges that are associated with the web-based learning process, as highlighted below.

1. A trainee might not be competent in using computers which may limit the efficiency of the administration and relay of information. Others may be having computers that have compatibility difficulties with the eLearning software tool.

2. The learning software may pose a security threat to your devices since some may not be from trusted sources.

3. The student’s/ trainee’s assignments and other tasks may not be legitimate since a different person may perform tasks for them without the knowledge of the tutor.

4. Web-based learning may promote indolence since nobody is impelling the student in completing their tasks.

In conclusion, learning institutions and other organisations should ensure that students and employees have access to the right tools for learning. With the device availability, there will be increased benefits of eLearning in the workplace. Bringing the beginners up to speed may require sometime before they acquaint themselves with the new system. At first, mixing the two systems is essential and slowly integrating them into the new system should be done.