In “E-Learning, An Introduction”, Huey B. Long defines e-learning and then goes on to list a number of advantages and disadvantages of the new and evolving form of education.
He writes that e-learning is “any learning that is based on the use of electronic media”. Some institutional advantages of e-learning are
- implementation in international business
- speed of development and delivery
- flexibility
- cost savings
Some personal advantages are
- reduced travel time and cost for learners
- self-paced learning
- convenience of time and place
- opportunity for repeated practice
- ease of review
- self-responsibility
- freedom
Unfortunately, this promising new method of education also has some drawbacks. Potential problems associated with e-learning are
- the assumption that e-learning takes less time
- lack of planning in advance
- learners tend to overestimate their ability to work independently
- learners tend to overestimate prerequisite skills and knowledge
- learners tend to overestimate or mistake the legitimacy of the sources of e-learning
Developments in technology are always exciting, but they should be put under scrutiny. Any progress requires periods of trial and error, so only time will tell if e-learning will turn out to be as crucial to our education system as it seems to be.