E-learning

E-learning : a new way to education

You would have probably known well about e-learning. Electronic learning is the mode of acquiring knowledge by means of the internet and computer-based training programs. In this type of education, Students learn and study on their own and communicates with their instructors. It is also known as computer aided learning. Virtual classrooms are a reality today.

It was the only way to study in the COVID pandemic. 

History of e-commerce-

Long before the internet was launched, distance courses were being offered to provide students with education on particular subjects or skills. In the 1840′s Isaac Pitman taught his pupils shorthand via correspondence. This form of symbolic writing was designed to improve writing speed and was popular amongst secretaries, journalists, and other individuals who did a great deal of note taking or writing. Pitman, who was a qualified teacher, was sent completed assignments by mail and he would then send his students more work to be finished using the same system.

            In 1924, the first testing machine was invented. This device allowed students to test themselves. Then, in 1954, BF Skinner, a Harvard Professor, invented the “teaching machine”, which enabled schools to administer programmed instruction to their students. It wasn’t until 1960 however that the first computer based training program was introduced to the world. This computer-based training program (or CBT program) was known as PLATO-Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations. It was originally designed for students attending the University of Illinois, but ended up being used in schools throughout the area.

       The first online learning systems were really only set up to deliver information to students but as we entered the 70s online learning started to become more interactive. In Britain, the Open University was keen to take advantage of e-learning. Their system of education has always been primarily focused on learning at a distance. In the past, course materials were delivered by post and correspondence with tutors was via mail. With the internet, the Open University began to offer a wider range of interactive educational experiences as well as faster correspondence with students via email etc.

Advantages of e-learning-

• Effective at producing good outcomes
• Everywhere Learning – not limited by place or time
• Fairer – it extends learning to more people
• Supports individual learning styles and needs
• Self paced
• Cost Effective 
• Time Efficient
• Easily adaptable, yet consistent
• Always developing
• Able to leverage analytics
• Environmentally sound
• Building resilience into the education system
• Providing continued education for vulnerable groups
• Promotes collaboration
• A possible solution to teacher shortages

Disadvantages of e-learning-

• Lacks social interaction
• Inaccessible to others
• Cheating is unavoidable
• Requires self-motivation and proper time management skills
• Focuses more on theory