Learning Addicts !! - The Parramatta College

Friday, September 02, 2005

eLearning: Slayer or Saviour? - Your Opinion

This is one of the more interesting arguments of the 21st century. It has divided education experts, teachers and students for even longer. eLearning: Slayer or Saviour? We want your opinion.
eLearning (similar to Online Learning) can be defined as: the delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. eLearning involves the use of a computer or electronic device in some way to provide training, educational or learning material.

It differs from Online Learning in that it can incorporate the use of other media like CDs and DVDs. Not just the internet.

Is eLearning a Slayer? Some possible disadvantages include: access to technology, attitude of some tutors, teachers and students, lack of skills by students, lack of technical advice, cost to implement, lack of face-to-face interaction, lack of motivation.

Is eLearning a Saviour? Some possible advantages include: people study at their own pace in their own time, low cost to attend, overcomes attendance and travel issues, provides learning to new audiences, students become active, rather than passive learners (for example, students will be able to search for information rather than having it handed on a plate)

eLearning is not for everyone but it is increasing in popularity. The quality of eLearning providers is becoming exceptional so many of the disadvantages have been addressed. This argument will always come down to the style of learning you prefer: whether you like to work at your own pace and in your own time or whether you prefer to see other people and have more face to face instruction. Have your say.....

2 Comments:

  • this video on weblogs in education is interesting. I reckon online lerning is the go. eLearning add ons are secondary.

    By Blogger Leigh Blackall, at 12:10 pm  

  • Hi Danielle,

    I think that elearning is a saviour! For me living out in the bush I can connect with people with similar interests, learn from colleagues not only across the state but nationally and globally. In fact I am a student of an online course that is based in the US. My present teacher lives in Canada and I connect in a live chat room for 2 hours on a Wednesday morning (7pm - 9pm in the States)with other students for lively and well delivered discussions and sharing of ideas. We are able to learn from each other and share great ideas. In between lessons we are required to read texts and post reflections in a discussion forum. This gives us a chance to read and think of how we can apply the ideas to our own situation. And read what others have got out of the discussions.
    The teacher then brings some of these key ideas and issues up in the live chat for us to discuss. I love it, especially as I can do it all from my log cabin out in the bush in Coonabarabran NSW. Elearning is a Saviour for me!
    Cheers Vivian

    By Blogger Vivian Evans, at 4:36 pm  

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