e-Learning In the advent of modern information and

e-Learning

In the advent of modern information and communication technologies distance learning has been applauded for affording more people the opportunity to attain higher education. The Internet is notably becoming a virtual avenue for dispensing resources for research as well as education for both instructors and scholars (Michael W. Allen). E-learning refers to the integration of information and communication technologies to enable access to online learning and training resources. However, the success of using e-learning in institutions of higher education has been faulted for various shortcomings. This discourse offers a counter argument and refutation against studying via the internet, affirming that specialized education programs in distance learning, prompted by the technological revolution, may not measure up to traditional modes of instruction.

Despite the numerous proven advantages of e-learning, when adopted in education instruction and knowledge dispensation,  it also has notable disadvantages.  Additional research affirms that e-learning holds significant disadvantages. In cases where the learner can not attend campus physically precisely because they can not afford to travel abroad mainly due to financial constraints or inability to commit to full-time studies, opponents of e-learning affirm that distance learning requires self-motivation. Consequently owing to its flexibility individuals need more discipline to succeed in on-line courses. Like all other pertinent forms of learning at this level, deadlines need to be met, likewise, there are ‘fixed-time’ exams as well assignments to be complicated before the ‘Drop Box’ closes. Without proper time management skills and high levels of self-motivation undertaking courses on this platform can prove difficult especially to the young learner. There are no compromises and individuals can easily fail to complete their course work, make assignment deadlines or miss cats altogether.Moreover, besides not affording learner the opportunity to socialize with colleagues, distance learning does not give students direct access to their instructors.

Secondly, in spite of the assertions that e-Learning improves the quality of education, Dowling argues that dispensation of learning materials to online platforms contributes to enhanced learning outcomes only for precise forms of collective evaluation. However, the most notable difference of e-Learning to traditional forms of instruction is the nonexistence of vital individual interactions, not only amongst learners and course tutors but also across the virtual classroom. According to Almosa, irrespective the evident advantages of e-learning which inspire its application he affirms that online scholars dread the loss of personal touch with the instructor as asking questions after the class, consequently putting them off from such platforms.

Thirdly, E-learning as a method of learning is isolated consequently making the learners undergo remoteness, contemplation as well as the lack of interaction or relation. As much as learners are engaged in a virtue classroom full of students the dynamics of interaction change with online education (Ruth C. Clark). It is, therefore likely that learner may feel detached despite numerous interaction platforms that range from sending emails to instructors, peer review platforms, and online group discussions. Evidently, web collaboration can not adequately fill the void attributed to lack of fellow learners and  instructors with real physical attributes as in traditional learning models.

With regard to clarifications sought, and offer of explanations, as well as analyses, the e-learning platform is certainly less effective than the conventional modes of learning. The learning route proves much effective with personal encounters with the lecturers or tutors.Furthermore, students on E-learning platforms require constant and reliable access to technology and relevant equipment to fulfill the course requirements. For example, online courses require that students have at least a computer and internet access.Computer literacy is an additional technical requirement that may overwhelm participants causing stress and frustrations that may impact negatively on desired learning outcomes. In addition learner with poor communication skills may not prefer e-learning as a mode course delivery. Though the learners may possess an outstanding knowledge in academics,however, they may not have the pertinent skills to convey their acquired knowledge to others (Michael W. Allen).

In conclusion, the advent of modern information and communication technologies E-learning refers to the integration of the said technologies to facilitate the access to online learning and teaching resources.Nonetheless, the effectiveness of using e-learning in tertiary institutions has been faulted for various shortcomings. This write up offered a counter argument and refutation against studying via the internet, affirming that specialized education programs in distance learning prompted by the technological revolution may not measure up to traditional modes of learning. In addition to details cited in the discourse, it is important to note that not all fields and disciplines can engage the e-learning technique in education (Ruth C. Clark). For example, the purely scientific fields that include practicals cannot be properly studied by way of e-learning platforms(Michael W. Allen). Researchers have suggested that e-learning is only suitable for social sciences and humanities as opposed to disciplines like pharmacy and medical science, where there is the need to cultivate practical skills as well