Online learning is a learning and teaching method for students in a completely virtual environment. Online learning (also known as eLearning), which was invented and introduced in the 1990s and used for remote learning, is the most widespread in higher education and allows students from other regions to interact online with academic institutions and other students. To allow you to study flexibly. Strive to earn a degree or qualification at your own pace. Online learning means an internet-based learning environment that connects students from different backgrounds with different perspectives. Higher education institutions use learning management systems (LMS) to facilitate online learning. Online learning can be asynchronous learning (students do not have to be online at the same time, and discussion threads and emails can be leveraged to complete the curriculum) or synchronous learning (students are online at the same time). It doesn’t have to be.
A learning system that is based on formal education, but assisted by electronic resources, is known as E-learning. Classes can take place both inside and outside the classroom, but the use of computers and the Internet forms a major component of E-Learning. e-learning may be called the transfer of skills and knowledge in network responsiveness and the provision of training is done to multiple recipients simultaneously or at different times. Previously, this system was seriously unacceptable, as it was expected to lack the human factor needed for learning. However, with the rapid advancement of technology and the development of learning systems, it is now accepted by the public.
The introduction of computers laid the foundation for such a revolution, and over time, smartphones, tablets, etc. have fallen into disrepair, and these devices now occupy an important position for classroom learning. Books are gradually being replaced by electronic teaching materials such as optical discs and pen drives. Knowledge can also be shared over the internet, which is accessible 24 hours a day, anywhere. Description: E-learning has proven to be the best tool in the enterprise sector. This is especially true when multinational companies offer educational programs to professionals around the world, where employees can sit in conference rooms or acquire important skills through seminars.
It is conducted for employees of the same or different organizations under one roof. Schools using e-learning techniques are one step ahead of schools still using traditional approaches to learning. Presenting the concept of non-electronic education through books and lectures is equally important, but the importance and effectiveness of technology-based learning cannot be understated or completely ignored. We believe that the human brain can easily remember and relate what we see and hear through videos and videos. Visual material was also found to be maintained for a longer period of time in the brain, in addition to attracting student attention. A variety of disciplines, including agriculture, health care, education, services, business and government, are adapting to the concept of e-learning that helps the country develop.
Five Benefits of Online Learning:
1. Cost Savings
The most obvious benefit of online learning is economics. Half-day classical education is a one-hour online learning process. E-learning increases productivity. In 2019, US education costs reached $ 83 billion! Of that amount, $ 29.6 billion was spent on travel, educational facilities, in-house educational development, and equipment. Online learning can save a lot of money in hiring instructors, booking facilities, printing, traveling, and more.
2. Increased Convenience and Flexibility
The average full-time employee has only 1% of their time devoted to learning. Employees are often busy and struggling to fit continuing education to their tight schedule. In a study of 204 employees, 93 employees showed that time constraints contributed to the inability or unwillingness to complete the course in one attempt. Another 56 people contributed to the disruption. The average full-time employee only has 1% of their time devoted to learning. That’s equivalent to another 24 minutes in a week! Online learning allows employees to learn on a personal schedule that works best for them. It also ends in much shorter time than face-to-face learning.
3. Increase employee knowledge
Online learning allows people to absorb more information, allowing them to learn at their own style and pace. If you need more time on a particular topic, you can do it slowly and over and over as needed. As you can imagine, these aspects of online learning help maintain knowledge. WR Hambrecht + Co found that online learning increases the retention rate of learning materials up to 2560%! Learners actually apply what they have learned.
4. Income increase
American Society for Training and Development (2011) conducted a questionnaire survey of 2,500 companies and found that 218% of companies have a comprehensive education program, which is higher than 24%. More research confirms that learners actually apply what they have learned. Of the 204 employees surveyed, 87% said they put their newly acquired skills and knowledge into practice at work. This leads to tangible benefits such as increased sales, process improvements, and customer satisfaction.
5. Ease of Content Updates
In today’s world, information and knowledge are changing rapidly. In the case of printing, the only way to respond to these changes is to reprint the document. Then it costs quite a bit (not to mention the poor tree). Updating your online courses not only allows you to respond to these changes without breaking your bank, but also simplifies the process. The best part is that changes to online content will be immediately available to all learners.
Five Disadvantages of Online Learning:
1. Need self-discipline and time management skills
41% of 204 employees found their motivation impaired to participate in online learning. Why? I agree that self-discipline and time management are always important in connection with learning, but online learning requires less instructor guidance than traditional learning. In general, online learning also removes scheduled meeting times and deadlines. As a result, employees must sit in the driver’s seat in connection with ongoing education. Face-to-face interactions are essential to bring data to life.
2. Reduced social interactions
Imagine a traditional classroom with lively group discussions and students raising their hands to ask instructors. Of course, these moments don’t happen naturally in online learning. For some individuals, these face-to-face interactions are essential to bring the material to life. Nevertheless, it can bring a lot of social interaction to online learning through competition, scheduled Q&A sessions with teachers, and discussion channels.
3. Not suitable for all topics
What do you want to learn through online learning in government guidelines on how to fly and treat chemicals? Our choice and we imagine your choice, the latter. It is safe to say that you do not want to be a passenger on a plane with a pilot who has never boarded a plane in a flight simulator. Complex subjects that require a physical environment, surgical techniques and practices are recommended for direct visits. But in an environment with high turnover, more repetitive items are naturally beneficial to online learning.
4. Lack of practice-based learning
E-learning is no substitute for knowledge gained from practical experience. Online learning is often theory-based and lacks practice-based learning. It means theoretical knowledge and facts, theory, reasoning, but is based on practical knowledge and practical efforts and tasks. For example, online learning is a great tool to learn aspects of football theory, such as the history and rules of the game. However, it cannot be used to provide practical knowledge, such as how to actually play a game. These skills must be acquired on site. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that online learning cannot exchange the knowledge gained through hands-on experience.
5. Reliance on technology
The employment of the younger generation and the widespread adoption of technology have made eLearning more popular. However, not everyone incorporates technology into their daily work. A 2016 survey found that 26% of adults had no computer knowledge. Therefore, it is important to assess whether employees are computer savvy and whether they have appropriate settings for online learning. Do your employees have convenient access to electronic devices or the Internet? If the course has video or audio, will the speakers work? If accessing online learning becomes a burden, sync can crash.
About the Author: Mrs Samiksha Rakesh Khatri
Corporate and Social Trainer, Social Activist, Edupreneur;
Principal, Crayons International School
