Shiksha Samachar: Benefits And Drawback Of Online Educations

Benefits And Drawback Of Online Educations
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gunjan on 17/11/2010 10:37:00

Online education can be defined as an approach to teaching and learning that
utilizes Internet technologies to communicate and collaborate in an educational
context. This includes technology that supplements traditional classroom
training with web-based components and learning  environments where the
educationalprocess is experienced online.

Why do students flock to the online learning environment? With over 4 million
students are enrolled in online schools and universities (and that number is
growing 30% per year), there are many compelling arguments for attending a cyber
classroom (Lewis, 2005).If online education were the best choice for every
person every time, we wouldn't need brick-and-mortar schools, would we? There
are both advantages and disadvantages of online courses.
Benefits of Online Courses
Distance learning Mobility. Such courses are not bounded by physical boundaries
and are portable and available where you are. classroom and lab visit to a
dedicated location is not needed in an online courses or we can say class room
at a location where ever you are located. This enables you to take your college
along with you where ever you moving to...!!
Flexi Timings & Not Time Bound. Such course are flexible in terms of timings and
no pre scheduled time table is to be followed daily. Whether your busy schedule
leaves you little time for learning, or you need more time to learn a particular
concept, or you want to accelerate through the material, online learning offers
the flexibility you need.
Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students have the
ability to read and re read lectures, discussions, explanations and comments.
Often spoken material in the classroom passes students by due to a number of
distractions, missed classes, tiredness or boredom. More Practical Approach .
That makes it easier for most people to learn the material and helps you apply
the material in the real world. You learn what you need to know when you need to
know it.
E-learning is often used for workplace training because workers can take the
class when it is most convenient and workers can access information when they
need it to do their jobs.
Economical . Not only are the course fees often lower, but you also don't have
transportation, Boarding, Food costs to figure into the mix.
Drawbacks of Online Courses
Not Interactive Some people learn better in a traditional classroom. as they
need the live interaction with an instructor and other students. Online classes
may try to simulate classroom interaction, but they cannot replicated it.
Mandatory Basic Skills. You have to be self-motivated, responsible for your own
learning and have good time management skills. If you don't have those skills,
traditional classes may be a better choice for you.
Accessibility especially if you are talking about e-learning grids and virtual
educational communities, is accessibility. Not everyone has ready access to a
computer with an internet connection. The reach of online education can be
global but it needs some basic amenities to access it like computer, internet
and its knowledge