E-learning is here to stay as it provides more affordable, accessible, and flexible education compared to traditional methods. Thanks to technologies like smart devices and interactive multimedia, e-learning methods have evolved into more efficient and scalable systems. Key benefits include lower costs, accessibility anywhere at any time, flexibility to learn at one's own pace, simplified complex concepts through gamification and visuals, and enhanced learning through live online tutoring sessions. While e-learning faces some unique challenges like losing interest in solitary learning, online tutoring helps address these challenges through human interaction and feedback.
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E-Learning is Here to Stay!
1. E-Learning is Here to Stay
The invention of internet has modernized the manner of retrieval and exchange of
information. It acts as a treasure house of knowledge providing information about
almost anything in the world, as a social interaction platform with social networking
possibilities, a market place with eCommerce opportunity, a virtual workplace with
telecommuting options, and a place for learning with e-learning capabilities. The value
and the scope of internet based activities are constantly growing due to their steady
success rates. E-learning is probably the foremost of these activities with the greatest
potential benefits.
Thanks to the array of smart devices, innovative learning styles and interactive
multimedia components, e-learning methods have evolved as more efficient, structured
and scalable education systems than the traditional methods.
The key enablers of the growing success of e-learning are:
Affordable costs
E-learning systems provide value added education services at reduced costs. The
widespread uses of smart devices and internet have made these systems easily accessible
to all. The course fees of online programs are more affordable when compared to the
conventional courses. As the result of multiple structuring of course subjects into
different levels, a student has more options to make a choice based on the purpose of
learning.
2. Accessible at all times
The greatest advantage of e-learning courses is their accessibility. The course materials
are accessible literally at any time of the day and from any part of the world. This
feature has not only saved time and effort of commuting to the universities and
institutes, but also enabled self-paced learning.
Flexible learning
The online learning methods offer flexibility in selection of courses, fixing their
schedules, duration, and learning styles. Due to the use of portable devices and virtual
platforms, e-learning is possible even during travel or leisure time. Hence it enables
working professionals and students of other regular programs to easily organize the
learning process without allowing it to affect their daily routines.
Simplified content
The implementation of novel learning approaches like micro-learning and gamification
have simplified the learning of complex concepts to a great extent. The systematic
planning of content in innovative formats like storyboards, infographics, audio
instructions and video presentations has made learning quick and easy.
Enhanced learning through live teaching sessions
The invention of online communication channels like web conferencing and Voice over
IP has boosted the power of e-learning with enhanced capabilities for live teaching
known as online tutoring. The students of e-learning programs can interact with online
tutors for obtaining help whenever they need it. Their self-learning efforts get
augmented by the real-time assistance and inspiration provided by online tutors. The
possible information overload and difficulty in understanding complex concepts are
eliminated by the help of an online tutor.
Invoking interest
Education combined with interactivity creates wonderful results by making the learning
more effective and enduring, especially for the younger learners. The delivery of course
content in various multimedia formats has made it easy to perceive and understand the
material. Children are fascinated to learn using online programs due to the interactive
way of presenting the content in the form of games, puzzles, quizzes, storytelling and
animations. It kindles interest to learn newer concepts in a fun-filled manner.
3. Improved course control
E-learning programs enable a customized learning pace providing room for easy
tracking of progress by the instructor and provision of timely feedback and suggestions.
They are also made scalable and adjustable according to the individual proficiencies.
The better manageability of course flow is the unique benefit of online learning.
Inquisitive learning by means of online tutoring
There are some unique challenges involved in e-learning that are absent in class-room
learning. They include increased time and effort due to self-learning, tendency of losing
interest owing to solitary learning and lack of social atmosphere and the need to adopt a
more mechanized process of learning. However, these challenges can be tackled more
effectively by online tutoring methods. Online tutors play a vital role in meeting the
above challenges by means of one-on-one interactions, virtual discussion boards and e-
mail feedback. They promote interest in learning by humanizing the learning sessions as
seen in the traditional methods of learning. Kindling interest is essential in keeping the
focus and momentum of students and enabling inquisitive approach towards learning.
The impetus obtained through online tutoring has a tremendous impact on the success of
e-learning programs.