https://prepai.in/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-elearning/ eLearning or online learning is where students learn through a digital platform instead of going to school, college, or educational center to attend classes in person. Learning happens at a distance as opposed to traditional learning. Computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc., are used for eLearning. An internet connection is a must for online learning. The classes, however, can be live-streamed or recorded and shared. Communication apps like Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc., are used to teach a group of students at once. That said, eLearning through exclusive apps like Byjus, Duolingo, Extramarks, and many other EdTech platforms have revolutionized the educational industry. Statistics suggest that the global eLearning market will reach $325 billion by 2025. Almost 80% of the corporates use eLearning solutions and 50% of the students have used an eLearning platform one time or another. Educational institutions in several countries are adopting eLearning as a part of their infrastructure. So does this mean that online learning is better than traditional learning? Well, online learning has many advantages over traditional learning. Whether it is the freedom to study according to one’s schedule or the access to lectures by experts in the domain irrespective of geographical restrictions, eLearning helps overcome the challenges faced by traditional learning.

1. Advantages and
Disadvantages of
eLearning
SHOULD YOU STICK TO THE
TRADITIONAL WAY?

2. Why is eLearning
Effective?

3. Most eLearning software comes with communication and collaboration tools. This helps
students and educators interact in real-time. It majorly creates a similar environment as
the classroom where students can talk to each other, albeit remotely.
Better Collaboration

4. Teachers can plan their lessons using software applications and share study material with
students through the internet. Unavailability of textbooks, notes, etc., won’t be a problem as
teachers can create digital versions in less time. In fact, many universities (MIT
OpenCourseWare is an example) already offer open-source material for teachers and
students. Also, teachers can share pre-recorded videos for students to watch and learn
when it’s convenient to them.
Moreover, the teacher can immediately conduct a test to assess the students’ knowledge of
the topic before moving on to the next. AI-based platforms like PrepAI assist in generating
question papers within minutes so the additional time otherwise consumed in creating
various queries for a topic is saved.
Faster Completion

5. eLearning empowers students to learn on their own with assistance from the faculty. The
online videos, lectures, and study material provide students with the necessary support to
educate themselves. The teacher will also find it easier to use technology in guiding and
monitoring the students as and when necessary. They can pre-record videos, add answers
to questions, or share comments with students. This reduces the pressure on teachers and
helps students revisit the videos/ material without troubling the teacher every time. This is
highly useful for people in remote areas with little or no infrastructure.
Self-Education

6. The flexibility of online learning encourages more students to participate and join the
classes. Students can attend classes even when they are traveling. They can watch the
recorded videos at a later time. Students don’t have to miss a class because they can’t be
physically present in the location.
More Participation

7. What are the
Advantages of
eLearning?

8. No Geographical Limitations
Students can attend lectures and seminars happening in any country simply by
joining through the online link provided to them. Educational institutions don’t
need to pay for an expert to visit their institution in another country. They can
organize a webinar where the expert delivers the lecture from their existing
location, and the students attend from wherever they are.

9. Regular Assessments and Faster
Feedback
Conducting online assessments is easier for teachers as they don’t have to
make the infrastructural arrangements. There’s no need to supply question
papers or rearrange the students in the classroom.
Educators don’t have to spend extra time creating the question paper. They can
use PrepAI or similar solutions to generate assessments in a few minutes, that
too when teaching the class. Teachers can also provide immediate feedback by
using technology to assess the test papers instead of going through each paper
one by one.

10. Engaging and Less Intimidating
eLearning makes it less intimidating for students to attend classes. Research by
California State University revealed that students who studied online felt less
intimidated by the lessons and the faculty. Online students showed higher levels
of participation compared to students who physically attended the classes.

11. Cost-Effective
Education is expensive in many countries. Paying the school/ college fee and a
bunch of other fees puts students in debt, which takes years to repay. The
maintenance of the campus and educational institutions is expensive for the
management. eLearning provides a cost-effective alternative to both parties. An
online course costs only a percentage of the fee students need to pay for
traditional classes.

12. Multiple Courses at Once
Students don’t have enough time to manage multiple courses when they have to
physically attend classes at different locations.
But the same is easier through online learning. It enables them to complete
classes at their convenience and enroll in different courses at once. This will help
them improve their knowledge and skills in subjects that are not taught at their
educational institution.
Even teachers and professors can share their expertise with students through
online classes and videos. They can plan the courses effectively by creating
videos and online classes on different topics.

13. What are the
Disadvantages of
eLearning?

14. Social Isolation
Learning online means students don’t have face-to-face interactions with the
teachers or other students. This can make them reclusive and socially isolate
them from other people. The pandemic is another reason for social isolation.
Educators need to create projects that encourage students to directly
communicate with each other and work in teams.

15. Lack of Interpersonal Communication
Skills
Online communication is different from in-person communication. Those used
to online interactions find it awkward to handle face-to-face meetings. One way
to overcome this is by organizing monthly/bi-annual meetings or events in
educational institutions or nearest locations for students and teachers to meet
in person.

16. Not Extensive
The eLearning industry is still evolving. That means all subjects and courses are
not yet available as online courses. However, the increase in EdTech companies
is ensuring that new subjects are included in the eLearning platforms. From
science to arts to accounts, it won’t be long before eLearning becomes as
extensive as traditional learning.

17. Not Enough Infrastructure
The remote areas don’t have enough facilities or infrastructure to help students
join eLearning programs. Students and teachers from far-off locations need
smartphones and access to the internet to reap the benefits of online learning.

18. READ THE FULL
ARTICLE
https://prepai.in/blog/advantages-and-
disadvantages-of-elearning/