What are e-learning Pros and Cons?

e-Learning advantages and disadvantages are important to consider when making instructional and
learning decisions. Many organizations and institutions provide different forms of training and
instruction to their employees or learners. Typically they provide needed training by sending people to
school, holding in-house training classes, or providing manuals and self-study guides. In some
situations it is advantageous for them to use e-learning or other forms of e-learning instead of the
traditional training. Other times it is disadvantageous. As with anything else, there are benefits and
limitations, as well as pros and cons. There are many advantages to online and computer-based
learning when compared to traditional face-to-face courses and lectures. There are a few
disadvantages as well.

Let us compare the e-learning advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of e-Learning

 Class work can be scheduled around personal and professional work

 Reduces travel cost and time to and from school
 Learners may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge
and interest
 Learners can study wherever they have access to a computer and Internet
 Self-paced learning modules allow learners to work at their own pace
 Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or
visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms
 Different learning styles are addressed and facilitation of learning occurs through varied
activities
 Development of computer and Internet skills that are transferable to other facets of learner's
lives
 Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-
confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning

Disadvantages of e-Learning

 Unmotivated learners or those with poor study habits may fall behind
 Lack of familiar structure and routine may take getting used to
 Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction
 Instructor may not always be available on demand
 Slow or unreliable Internet connections can be frustrating
 Managing learning software can involve a learning curve
 Some courses such as traditional hands-on courses can be difficult to simulate

Knowing e-learning advantages and disadvantages helps with learning software selection as well as
online distance learning programs structure and selection. It is important to know the merits and
demerits of e-learning to make a decision..

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Advantages & Disadvantages of e-

Learning
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E-learning is a broad term that generally refers to any kind of learning done with a computer and
Internet connection or CD-ROM. It is used by individuals, educational institutions and
businesses. As with any type of learning, it works better for some than others. The quality of e-
learning has improved in recent years, as teachers and students have become more comfortable
with the technology.

1. Considerations
o E-learning is an excellent option in education, particularly when there are
hindrances to traditional learning situations. For example, some people wish to continue
their educations but do not live within driving distance of a college or university and don't
find it feasible to relocate. E-learning is a viable alternative for these students. Another
hindrance to traditional learning, especially in grades K through 12, is the "one size fits
all" mentality it embraces. Many students just do not learn well in a traditional learning
environment, but thrive in a more flexible setting. To address this issue, parents are
turning to e-learning opportunities for their children. Some choose full-time enrollment in
a virtual school, while others use e-learning to supplement a home school curriculum. In
the business world, e-learning provides a way for companies to train and instruct
employees without requiring them to travel to a central location.

Advantages
o Convenience is one of the major advantages of e-learning. It allows students to
work and learn at their own pace without the unyielding time restrictions of traditional
learning. Because e-learning provides access to learning materials at any time, students
have the flexibility to schedule around families, jobs and other activities. Another major
benefit of e-learning is the accessibility it provides. Students can learn from anywhere in
the world. This is an especially important consideration for students who wish to study in
a different country. In addition, because e-learning can be done from home, students
have less clothing and driving expenses than with traditional learning.

Disadvantages
o A major disadvantage to e-learning is the self-discipline it requires. While being
able to work at your own pace can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage. This
is especially true for students who have difficulty with time management and
procrastination. These students tend to be more successful with the structure of
traditional learning. Another disadvantage to e-learning is the technology involved. Some
people do not have ready access to a computer and Internet connection. And some who
do have the required equipment feel ill-equipped to use it. Lack of interaction between
teacher and student is another drawback to e-learning. Some students need the
immediate feedback that interaction provides.

Types
o There are several types of e-learning situations. The most common include taking
a single course online, full-time enrollment in an online high school or college, distance
learning via satellite and learning from information on a CD-ROM. Many businesses and
organizations offer training for their employees using various e-learning methods.

Warning
 o E-learning greatly increases the availability of educational opportunities.
Unfortunately, it also increases the number of scams related to online education. Persons
considering e-learning possibilities should be alert to such scams and thoroughly
investigate any program before making a commitment.

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