The Pros and Cons of Elearning

Elearning in generally refers to any type of learning that takes place through or with a computer. The broad term also refers to any to any education and training acquired by the individual through   educational institutions and businesses. The process is usually assisted by a person through the Internet but can also be accomplished with CD-ROMs and DVDs, streaming audio or video and other media which are sold by publishing and Electronic learning companies. The purpose of this is to let students and trainees learn for personal accomplishment or earn a professional degree without requiring a physical presence. This is most suitable for people who would like to teach or learn in distant places without actually leaving.  All levels of schoolings can be acquired from this process.

The fact of the matter is that the quality of technologically-enhanced learning has improved for both teachers and students however there are still some considerations to be made before actually going into an e-course.
The Pros

One of the good things about technologically-enabled learning is its convenience. It helps the students to study and learn in a flexible environment without the hassle of strict pacing and time restrictions from the conventional teaching method. It is the students who can actually call the shots when it comes to the time schedule for the benefit of fitting other activities around families, jobs and their social life.
Accessibility. Learners can study anywhere, anytime in the globe. This is an important consideration to think about especially for students who desire to study abroad. Furthermore, students can cut the cost of traveling, food and even clothing because of its conveniences.

On the instructor’s part, web-based products allow them to update their lessons and materials across networks very easily. This helps them maintain their content fresh and give the tutees the information they need immediately.  According to Training Magazine, the technology-based training has proven to have a 50%-60% better consistency of learning than the conventional classroom setting.

The Cons

Self-discipline is one of the problems about electronic learning. Without the control it requires to log on where learning does not even start. Students usually take to their own pacing ay may pave the way for procrastination. These are the type of students that tend to be more productive and successful in the conventional classroom set up.
Another thing about elearning is the technology involved in the process. Not all students have the fortune nor the opportunity to afford the technology and equipment it requires to participate in electronic learning. Some ill-equipped students may find it hard to learn as the parties involved do not give an immediate feedback.  For some, the physical presence of the tutor or tutee is an essential part in learning, thus, some students fail to draw out their best. 

Controversy

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of elearning is for those who wish to get a professional degree. The academic standards of private accreditation organizations may not be on par with those from some online learning institutions. The accreditation earned from an online institution may not meet the standards of traditional educational facilitites not because of poor academic quality but because it may cause problems when transferring credits from different academic institutions.
 
Tutees undertaking an e-course enter a risk-free setting in which they can try new things and make mistakes without divulging themselves. This feature is particularly valuable when trying to study soft skills, such as leadership and decision making. In the end, elearning is about knowing what type of student or teacher one is before deciding to take action.