E-learning: pros and cons

What is e-Learning

E-Learning is a system of learning with the help of the Internet and electronic technology. The idea is that the student uses gadgets to learn.

Online learning has become especially popular in recent years. Many people find it convenient to study at home: there is no need to spend time on the road and gathering, there is no attachment to a specific place. But online education has its disadvantages - some people find it hard to concentrate without a face-to-face teacher, especially those who do not have a workplace at home.

Let's look at the main pros of e-learning advantages and disadvantages of e-learning.

Pros of e-learning

• Flexibility of schedule

If a student learns online, he or she plans the schedule on his or her own. It's easy to combine education online with additional sections and circles - for example, you don't have to sacrifice a morning workout at the pool in favor of a lesson at the desk.

• Personalization of the program

Learn what you want to learn! You can customize your curriculum to suit your individual ambitions and needs. A high school student wants to major in math? No problem - emphasize physics and mathematics. A high school student interested in the humanities? Concentrate on languages, history, law.

• Freedom of Access.

Another advantage of e-learning is location-independent. It doesn't matter where a student is - in Europe, Asia, the States or New Zealand. All you need to study is a computer or tablet with Internet access. It is possible to study from any place of the planet, and it makes education accessible.

• Savings

If in the traditional education you need to buy stationery, school uniforms, textbooks, workbooks, flowers for teachers, a satchel and in addition to that you have to regularly contribute to the needs of the class and the PTA, then e-learning includes none of the above expenditures. All textbooks and manuals are digital, and you can study and receive education online even in your pajamas.

• Quality knowledge

Ordinary school does not guarantee the quality of knowledge: much depends on a particular teacher or the policy of the school administration. The plus of electronic education is that you choose your own teachers, textbooks and program. Accordingly, the knowledge will be of higher quality than when studying by imposed standards.

Cons of electronic education

• Adaptation

Adjusting to a new way of life is not always easy. It takes time to get used to the new mode of study in an online format. Everything will be different - you won't have to wake up early, get dressed and go somewhere for the first lesson. But there will be new responsibilities - to join a webinar on time or do your homework on the site before the deadline. The solution is to choose a platform where tutors can help you adapt.

• Lack of licenses at some schools

There are many online schools, but not all have supporting documents. A license for educational activity is an important document for educational institutions. It is necessary for organizations that implement educational programs in any format: distant or face-to-face. Even e-learning does not relieve the organization of responsibility before the law. The solution is to check the documents of courses or online schools.

• Unprepared students.

Part of the population lacks the ability to learn online, so e-learning can seem scary and incomprehensible. The solution is to find a platform with a friendly and intuitive interface and learn how to learn properly online.

• Lack of staffing

Another disadvantage of e-learning is the lack of competent professionals who know how to teach online. E-learning and face-to-face instruction are very different. The teacher must be able to deliver information through a computer screen in a way that is bright, clear and interesting. The solution is to choose online courses with proven teachers who have been working on distance learning for a long time and are familiar with the peculiarities of e-learning.

• Lack of live communication

If a student is an extrovert and learns online, he may lack communication with his peers, because all the learning takes place behind the computer. Correspondence in chat rooms and social networks is not always enough. The solution - to compensate for the lack of communication attending sections, hobby groups, travel and excursions.

Summary

Here is a summary table of pros and cons of electronic education. Note that each disadvantage can be easily compensated. For example, tutors will help with adaptation, and socialization is compensated at additional classes.