The Pros and Cons of E-Learning

The Pros and Cons of E-Learning

When it comes to learning something new, we all remember in different ways and preferred styles of learning differ from student to student. E-Learning is effectively, electronic learning, and typically means a computer or technology is used to deliver part of or a full course on a topic or skill. 

Our modern times are making their way from our homes and businesses and into classrooms, lecture halls and seminars. From class blogs, to school e-twinning schemes to scholastic 'apps' and online courses, education is going electronic. 

With this comes a treasure trove of benefits and advancements, but there are also some pitfalls that must be carefully avoided. 

Pros

Engaging Young People
With new and exciting online learning programs and educational games, teaching has been brought into a child's own territory like never before. Rather than associating school with boring essays and dusty blackboards, pupils now have new opportunities to find ways of learning that are fun, and in an online world that they are already familiar with.

Social Media
The use of social media in education is successful when it comes to engaging and exciting young people about learning, providing them with a platform to share and play with their peers and use websites like Facebook in which they can set up and collaborate on projects in groups, which is effectively an immediate forum for learning - very useful for group assignments! 

---

You might also be interested in:

• Ways to promote independence for your child
• Parents! Help your child learn
• How to: set up an afterschool program

---

Using social media in an educational way is also beneficial, as it allows a link between teacher and student outside of the classroom. For instance, teachers can share useful links and students may respond with an answer. The question and answer method of learning is enhanced through the use of social media, as students will have access to live, relevant and informative opinions from others that may respond to their post. 

Education for All
The fact that education is transitioning to the Internet has opened up a whole new realm of opportunities for students from all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world. For instance, people around the world can engage with world-class lecture series through video streaming or webinars, and online universities and degrees invite pupils from the most isolated backgrounds to study alongside fellow peers. 

Consequently, thanks to e-learning and online education technology, the opportunity for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to self-educate has increased exponentially. 

This transition from the chalk board to the worldwide web also provides opportunity for young people to engage with schools and students across the world, giving rich insight into the lives and customs of different cultures, religions and diverse socio and economic lifestyles. Without a doubt, this provides an extremely diverse experience in comparison to the confinements of a school classroom. 

Sharing Resources
This is particularly useful for teachers and educators themselves, in which the likes of social media and personal learning networks such as Twitter have enabled the beginning of an exciting worldwide network. Education resources, tools and ideas can be shared and spread to hundreds or thousands of people with the click of a button; and this is one hugely resourceful tool in enhancing any educational forum.

Cons

Being Left Behind
While the boom in online learning and education technology is magnicifently beneficial for most, there is inevitably a risk of a vacuum being created. The amount of money injected into facilities such as these must not damage the value of offline, traditional teaching practices, to ensure that those educators and students teaching and/or learning in a more traditional environment. 

A New Generation
Have you ever felt the frustration of trying to show your parent or grandparent how to use Youtube or Facebook? Exactly. It's understandably difficult for some older, less techno-savvy teachers to get onboard with the new media wave that is dominating education right now. Perhaps they hold fears that their lack of experience with computers will deem them inadequate, and could potentially leave them feeling left out and facing criticism for their "old-fashioned" teaching methods. 

Thus, it's imperative that governments and schools provide training and support to allow teachers learn about new e-learning programs that are introduced, and train them to use the education technology tools effectively and efficiently. 

---

SEE ALSO: Explore our extensive education guide in Dubai

---

Expense
There's no doubt that a large number of computers, laptops, tablets and possibly mobile phones too add up the costs! And while e-learning is a fantastic advancement in schools that are possibly well-funded, it's important to consider the dangers of excluding schools in more disadvantaged areas, where tight budgets and over-full classrooms ake it impossible for pupils to benefit from access to the same kind of modern technology seen elsewhere. 

! It's also important to consider that not all students are able to access a computer or an Internet connection outside of the classroom, at home, which will inevitably put some students at a disadvantage outside of school hours. 

Distractions and Dangers
Yep, the Internet provides an abundance of exciting and informative educational resources, but it is also rife with less school-friendly distractions and even dangers. We can all relate to how easy it is to slip off into our social networking or online gaming sites, and this ease may prove disruptive to learning environments. 

Consequently, tight control of what students and children are able to access both in and outside of school is very important, and internet safety must always be a top priority. 

Impersonal Teaching
With a lack of face-to-face contact may come the possibility of severing the bond between teacher and pupil, and also the human connection that is so important in successful learning.