A New approach to Education: E-Learning

Brain theory is the foundation of study theory- "Tell me and I will forget, Show me and I will remember, Involve me and I will understand." Today, it is imperative that we couple the process of learning with fun and interest.

E-learning means electronic learning which helps in gaining knowledge through electronic medium which can serve various learner groups. With the gaining evolution of IT and web technologies e-learning is acquiring great popularity and is proving to be helpful in tertiary education and also in lifelong learning.

Compared to other forms of training, e-learning promises to provide a single platform that accommodates all the three distinct learning styles of auditory learners, visual learners and kinesthetic learners. Other unique prospects generated by the arrival and expansion of e-learning are, more well-organized training of a globally dispersed audience, reduced publishing and distribution costs.

E-learning also offers individual specific instruction, which is lacked by print media. And by using learning style tests, e-learning can locate and target individual learning preferences. In these ways, e-learning is inclusive of a maximum number of participants with a maximum range of learning styles, preferences, and needs.

Collaborative learning theory contends that human interaction is central to learning. Consideration of this is pivotal, when designing e-learning, keeping its importance to isolate learners. With well-developed and connected distance education, and modern technology like e-mail, tele-conferencing etc. this lacuna is taken care of.

Advantages of e-Learning

• Reduced overall cost

It is the most encouraging factor in adopting e-learning. The elimination of costs associated with many heads like instructor’s salaries, room rentals, student travel, lodging, and meals can be observed directly.

• Any time education

It enables students to avail learning conveniently at off-hours or from home

• Expert Educators

Experts from various domains can provide their valuable learning which the students can gain

• Interactivity

Elearning engages users, pushing them to the learning rather than pulling them through training.

Disadvantages of Elearning

e-learning is not, however, the only platform for learning It has some limitations which are stated below

• Initial investment

investment is required to create an e-learning  portal because of high development costs.

• Technology issues

The Elearning portals require latest technology and training to the trainers to impart learning which requires expenditure and also latest hardware and software.

• Cultural compatibility

It is an issue in socities where student are not friendlier using computers.

• Training Portability

Portability of learning is a strength of e-learning with the PDA, notebook computers and mobile phones, but still the traditional way of learning through reference material and books is unmatchable.

The advantages and disadvantages of e-learning vary depending on user’s goal, organizational culture and infrastructure. But it is indisputable that e-learning is rapidly emerging as form of new and innovative platform for learning and most are finding that the benefits of e-learning will guarantee improving knowledge and skills of the new generation.

Following are few elearning portals which can be helpful in various learning environments

Ms. Puja Munjal

Assistant Professor

Deptt. of Information Technology