E-Learning Pros and Challenges

The whole world is fighting the Covid-19 Pandemic right now. Most of the nations have recently faced the wrath of the second wave of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Experts are saying that the third wave is about to come sometime after July depends upon the regions and precautions taken by the people. Many sectors have been hit badly by the Covid-19 pandemic. The education sector is one of those sectors which have been affected really bad by the Covid-19 pandemic. All of the educational institutions are closed ever since the Covid-19 pandemic started. The students are not able to attend their school and classes as these institutions are closed so that infection can be stopped from spreading among the children and teens. This lockdown of the educational institute caused so much damage to the students. To counter this situation many educational institutes started online learning or E-learning using various platforms like Zoom, Google Class, Google Meet etc. The concept of E-Learning or online learning is not new, it wasn’t used that much before Covid-19 Pandemic but after the covid-19 world has adopted it as an alternative to the conventional method of education. Most of the schools in India also adopted the E-learning method for the benefit of the students so that the learning process of the children won’t stop due to this Covid-19 pandemic. E-learning or online learning has its own pros & cons or challenges which we will discuss here-

What is E-Learning or Online Learning:

E-Learning or Online learning is the gaining knowledge or education using electronic technologies or media such as smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, and personal computers. On a broader scale, E-Learning or Online learning can be divided into two categories-

Synchronous E-Learning or Interactive E-Learning: In this type of E-Learning both teachers and students interact with each other in real-time. It is just like a regular class but this all happens on the digital platform. It allows both student and teacher to have a better interaction.

Asynchronous E-Learning: In this type of E-learning pre-recorded videos can be accessed by the students at their convenience. There isn’t any conversation between teacher and students.

Best Virtual Meeting Platform

What are the Pros of E-Learning –

• E-Learning Provides Flexibility: E-Learning or Online learning is very flexible as students can access the content at their convenience. A student can choose whether he/she wants to attend live class or study from a recorded video. So, there are no worries about lacking behind in the class. If you are travelling then also you can study via E-learning or Online Learning
• E-Learning is Time Saving: E-Learning or Online Learning can save a lot of time as a student don’t need to travel to the institution for learning. Now with the help of E-learning or online learning students can learn at their home.
• E-Learning is an Efficient way of Learning: Using E-Learning, lessons can be delivered efficiently by using some additional content in the form of videos, PowerPoint presentations or any link. Lessons can be recorded and shared with the students.
• E-Learning allows you to Learn at your own pace: Many students are shy to ask any question regarding the topic, for those students E-Learning is a blessing, because you can go back to that point and watch again any topic from where they haven't understood. Students can learn at their own pace.
• E-Learning is Cost Effective: E-learning is very cost-effective because the amount which students have to pay is less compared to the regular one.
• With E-Learning, more attendance can be achieved in the class as students and teachers don’t have to travel to the institutions. Students and teachers can attend the class from their homes.
• E-Learning allows the students to access the educational content from anywhere, all they require a smartphone/tablet/ laptop and an internet connection.
• E-Learning allows the user to access uncountable resources to have access.

What are the Cons or Challenges of E-Learning –

• E-Learning is Limited: E-Learning has a limitation regarding the use of learning methodology. There are certain aspects of education that should be accessed or studied practically in the classroom only, which cannot be done in an online class.
• E-Learning is less accessible: Not all students have the access to a smartphone/PC/Laptop. Students in Rural area as well as in slum areas of the city doesn’t have smart devices like smartphone, tablets, laptops and PCs or internet to access the E-learning or online learning. So, if a student doesn’t have the access to an electronic device and internet, then it’s not possible for them to learn.
• E-Learning is less User Friendly: For many students, E-learning is not user friendly.
• E-Learning has authenticity issues: In this digital world E-learning totally based on the right and authentic information. But nowadays there is a lot of fake websites that are not the authentic source of educational material.
• E-Learning can cause Health Issues: Since students have to spend around 5-7 Hrs in front of an electronic screen. A student has to stay in front of an electronic screen that emits blue light, this will cause damage to the eye when exposed for a longer time period. It may cause strain, tiredness, or back problems, mental health issues also if certain measures are not taken properly.
• E-Learning may encourage the cheating culture: Since a student is sitting behind the screen at some remote place so it’s hard to stop them from cheating in the examinations.
• In E-Learning is hard to take subjective tests, a mostly objective test is taken only.
• E-Learning may develop Social Isolation among the students as there is no face-to-face communication. In E-learning or Online learning students just sit alone and study. E-learning atmosphere is not as engaging as the classroom provides to a student.
• Technical knowledge required for E-Learning: If a student is not familiar with electronic devices, then it’s hard for him to learn via E-learning. For E-learning computer or smartphone literacy is a must which is not possible for many as many people don’t even have access to these electronic devices. Along with this for E-learning a good internet connection is also required otherwise it’s won’t be possible to take live classes. If we leave big cities then the internet connection’s situation is not that good at many places

Here are some TOP E-Learning or Online Learning Platforms in India: -

• Unacademy
• BYJU’S
• Udemy
• IGNOU
• NIIT
• Meritnation
• Edurekha
• LinkedIn Learning
• Dexler Education
• Vedantu
• Khan Academy

Conclusion:

Effectiveness of Online Learning

Everything in this world has pros & cons or challenges of its own. E-Learning has its pros and challenges but it provides the most important thing is education. E-learning brings so many benefits with it yeah it has some challenges which can be eliminated or reduced by taking some necessary steps.