Concept

Simply, Learning is the process of acquiring new understanding, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, and preferences which brings changes in the way we act, think and/or feel about ourselves, other people and the world around us.

A learning system based on formalized teaching but with the help of electronic resources is known as Electronic Learning. While teaching can be based in or out of the classrooms, the use of computers and the Internet forms the major component of electronic learning. Electronic learning can also be termed as a network enabled transfer of skills and knowledge, and the delivery of education is made to a large number of recipients at the same or different times. Electronic learning is the study design for sustainability in our global classroom. Electronic learning refers to a broad educational concept primarily characterized by the usage of electronic media and other types of communication technologies. Electronic learning encompasses any type of educational concept, or educational technology, which uses electronic media or technologies to support teaching and learning. This includes any type of teaching method which uses an electronic technology, such as a computer, the internet, DVD films, and so on. Electronic learning has proved to be the best means in the corporate sector, especially when training programs are conducted by MNCs for professionals across the globe and employees are able to acquire important skills while sitting in a board room, or by having seminars, which are conducted for employees of the same or the different organizations under one roof. The schools which use Electronic learning technologies are a step ahead of those which still have the traditional approach towards learning. Electronic Learning is cost effective as compared to traditional forms of learning. The reason for this price reduction is because learning through this mode happens quickly and easily. A lot of training time is reduced with respect to trainers, travel, course materials, and accommodation.

Importance of Electronic Learning

The development of multimedia and information technologies, as well as the use internet as a new technique of teaching, has made radical changes in the traditional process of teaching. Electronic learning, has come to be more and more important in institutions of higher education due to following reasons :-

  • LOWER COST

Electronic Learning is cost effective as compared to traditional forms of learning.  The reason for this price reduction is because learning through this mode happens quickly and easily. A lot of training time is reduced with respect to trainers, travel, course materials, and accommodation. This cost effectiveness also helps in enhancing the profitability of an organization. Also, when you are studying at your own place, you are relieved from paying for travel expenses (e.g. accommodation) when training happens in another city/state and/or external learning materials

  • Self-paced learning

While traditional education methods still have their undisputed role, online learning comes with a leaping advantage in terms of schedule freedom. Online courses allow learners to enjoy a self-paced training schedule. They can study according to their own time, being easier to incorporate learning in their busy life, regardless of specifics.     Full-time employees or individuals who simply don’t have the necessary time to attend physical classes are no longer left behind. Learning and completing courses after work, in the evening, on the weekends or when they have spare time is possible through this digital mode. From recorded lessons and written content to collaborative learning software and webinars, possibilities are multiple and anyone with an internet connection can easily access them.

  • Mobility

Combining education with work or other activities can be often challenging for many. One of the factors that has brought so much appeal to learning methods influenced by technology is the mobility involved. Electronic Learning gives students the chance to study at any place and at any time, accommodating their needs perfectly. Today’s learners want a personalized, mobile approach to education, and that is exactly what this option provides.

  • Accessibility

With no geographical boundaries involved, one of the main importance that come into discussion is accessibility. For some students, moving to another country for study purposes is simply not an option. Electronic Learning eliminates all restrictions, allowing individuals from all over the world to complete the courses or training they’re interested in. Those who are either physically or psychologically unable to be present in a classroom can continue their educational development through online courses. Online course materials can be accessed 24 hours a day every day.

  •  Flexibility

Unlike classroom teaching, with electronic learning we can easily access the content an unlimited number of times. This is especially required at the time of revision when preparing for an exam. In traditional form of learning, if we can not attend the lecture, then we have to prepare for that topic on our own; in electronic learning, we can attend the lectures whenever we want with ease as well as we can learn whatever we want.

  •  Global Benefit

With hardly any restriction, lecturer can be sure that their students all over the world will receive the exact content. So, if the lecturer want their students to use and understand the common methodology and get the same training then electronic learning is the most cost-effective and easiest way to do so. Further more, through electronic learning lecturer can customize and translate their online teaching or learning into various languages and use it to address various cultures and this will help to make electronic learning content travel all over the world and reach a wider audience. So, the globally distributed workforce will get the training material, and all the students will always stay aligned with the vision, value, and brand of electronic learning methodology.

Risk of Electronic Learning

While performing any activities it include some risk factor. Similarly, electronic learning also have some risk factors  which may arise due to misuse of  it , such risk factor can be :-

  • E-Learning can cause social Isolation

The electronic learning methods currently practiced in education tend to make participating students undergo contemplation, remoteness and lack of interaction . As a result, many of the students and teachers who inevitably spend much of their time online can start experiencing signs of social isolation, due to the lack of human communication in their lives.  The lack of a physical classroom and instructor can be frustrating and demotivating. Social isolation coupled with a lack of communication often leads to several mental health issues such as heightened stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts.

  • Cheating prevention during online assessments is complicated

Unfortunately, one of the biggest risk of E-Learning continues to be cheating through various methods. Compared to on-campus students, online students can cheat on assessments more easily as they take assessments in their own environment and while using their personal computer. The students cannot be directly observed during assessments without a video feed, making cheat detection during online assessments more complicated than for traditional testing procedures. Additionally, without a proper identity verification system in place, students taking online assessments might be able to let a third party take the assessment instead of themselves, resulting in a wholly fraudulent test result. 

  • Lack of Practical Work

 In the regular method of teaching, regular practice session are organized for the students. Therefore, the students get to know how they can use the theoretical knowledge, which they are learning in the class, in the practical world. But in the case of e-learning, there is no practical session for the students. The students may be provided with videos in which the practical use of their knowledge is shown but that is not enough. The practical cannot be fully explained until they it by themselves. This is a great drawback.

  • Feedback

The feedback is one of the biggest drivers of students’ progress. The students are able to improve only when they know their flaws and weak points. While online instructors do give students feedback, they still might not have enough time to work with them properly, explaining every detail. This could lead to some students falling behind, having gaps in their knowledge, and not completing the course successfully enough. Unfortunately, with online learning, feedback is less personal and informative than in the classroom setting. You will have to ask your instructor for feedback, but even then, you may not get what you expect.

  •  Lack of Control

As a learner, if you are low at motivation, you tend to misuse electronic learning because you do not have time constraints and are responsible for the organization yourself. Lack of routines or schedules can still cause tightening of electronic learning due to different deadlines, which are often given to different people at different training stages. Also, while learning on your smart phone, the notifications can be distracting.

  • Lack of face-to-face communication

Learning in a physical classroom is interesting and more involving as human interaction is present. There are classmates to connect with and an instructor to consult for immediate feedback. This lacks in online learning. The lack of face-to-face communication ties together with many of the previously mentioned disadvantages of online learning. A lack of any kind of face-to-face communication with the instructor inhibits student feedback, causes social isolation, and could cause students to feel a lack of pressure.

 Remedies for risk of Electronic Learning

Participants of electronic learning system face different risks as describe above. Following tools & techniques may be imposed as a remedies to minimize those risk:-

Participants  of  E-Learning system  face  different risks  or  threats as  discussed  in  the  previous

section. Following tools or techniques may be imposed to minimize those risks.

Participants  of  E-Learning system  face  different risks  or  threats as  discussed  in  the  previous

section. Following tools or techniques may be imposed to minimize those risks.

  • Before taking your online course, think about how you can connect with others through Skype, video chats, conference calls, social media groups and discussion boards to increase students motivation.
  • In electronic learning, face-to-face communication must be substituted with another method of communication. For example, video chats, discussion boards, and chat rooms could help deal with the negative effects associated with a lack of face-to-face communication during online learning.
  • Researchers have demonstrated successful examples of peer feedback system in online learning, which could be a potential solution to the problem of limited student feedback in e-learning.
  • By promoting interaction between online students, by utilizing blended learning environments & by monitoring the students for signs of social isolation, the problem of social isolation can be solved easily

Conclusion
Electronic learning uses technology. This is an advantage also and a disadvantage also. The technology used in electronic learning improves the understanding of the student. They are able to retain more knowledge. And it makes studying flexible for them. But it becomes a disadvantage when the students take it for granted. They become lazier for studying. They neglect the need to learn. In this case, there is no motivation from the instructor also which motivates them to learn or study. They do not follow any routine and may not study for a few days or weeks. Also, the use of technology is prone to faults and errors. Though electronic learning have various risk but it have many merits and remedies to overcome all the risk factors or demerits. In this age of globalization, electronic learning plays a vital role to bring positive changes in educational sector for all this people in this world. Electronic learning act as a solution for educational problem during COVID 2019 pandemic.

 

Mrs. Namita Shakya                                                                                                                                              Lecturer                                                                                                                                                            Birgunj Public College