PC Pro Schools E-learning
E-learning often refers to the strategies that use a company network to deliver training courses to most universities and businesses. E-learning is used to define a way to attend a class or course or where the student/employee learns outside of the classroom; they study online. In the business world, companies are able to train and instruct employees without having to hire another person or requiring them to travel.
Learning online allows instructors to share their knowledge internationally, making information available to anyone attending or interested in a class. Most of the education taught online allows students to attend courses at any hour of the day. Learners work and study at their own pace and can pause sessions when needed. E-learning provides access to training materials all day, everyday. This gives students the flexibility needed to schedule around families, jobs, and travel.
In some aspects of online learning, people who require online learning because they cannot be away from work or home tend to have more of an advantage. Most universities charge less per credit hour, training time is less needed and training can be spread out over longer periods of time. The student can also study as needed through the comfort of his or her own home. Unlike classroom learning, e-learning is able to offer individualized instruction that print media cannot provide. E-learning is able to target specific needs and by using standardized tests, can target different learning preferences. High technology is not required for online courses. Only simple Internet access, computer audio and video technologies are required, leaving most anyone able to take these courses.
A disadvantage of e-learning that seems to be in debate, is that there is significantly reduced social and cultural interaction. There is no personal feel to computers that people would give off as body language, and some students need immediate interaction from teachers. Peer-to-peer learning is eliminated and will continue to lessen with communications technology advances.
Students taking online courses enter a risk-free environment that allows them to be themselves, and be comfortable with their mistakes. This characteristic becomes valuable when learning leadership and decision making skills. However, Another disadvantage is that unmotivated learners with poor study practices may fall behind. Online learning is a very different learning style and the lack of familiarity with studying in this way will take a lot of getting used to.
Online learning will not, and cannot ever replace traditional classroom learning. In some ways, classroom learning is more superior then e-learning. However, in order for learning to be more effective, educators must invent different teaching techniques to discover what is the best method possible.