E-learning or networked learning has been becoming more and more popular among students living in developing and undeveloped countries. E-learning is defined by Webopedia as education via the Internet, network, or standalone computer. e-learning refers to using electronic applications and processes to learn. e-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM.
In Malaysia, e-learning is still at its infancy stage, only UNITAR and OUM offer almost 90% of their courses on-line and with e-learning environment. Many public institutes of higher learning, for example, UMS, UPM, UiTM and USM, use e-learning in a mixed-mode environment. There is not yet a 100% e-learning. It is always a blended e-learning; a mixed mode e-learning whereby a combination of e-learning and FTF learning are used together.
There are pros and also cons in e-learning from students' perspective. They are...
PROS
PROS
- Students can afford getting higher education degrees at respectable universities and colleges by saving extra expenses for traveling, accommodation, food and high fees for tutors.
- Time flexibility. One can get online resources, communicate with his tutor or class mates, send his query and write term paper at any time he can get access to the Internet.
- Allow accessibility to all students irrespective of their residence. E-classes help students to communicate with their tutors, get clarifications regarding their subjects and study and access teaching materials through e-libraries
- E-learning can be more effective for certain types of learners such as students that are shy, reflective, language challenged, or those that need more time. It is also suitable for students who prefer to express themself in writing rather than verbally.
- Students can learn at their own pace and study at their convenience. There would be more flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms
CONS
- Lack of face-to-face communication with teachers contributes lack of understanding between a student and a teacher. While a teacher cannot easily feel a student’s demands, interests and motivations, a student can simply be lazy being non-motivated enough and having free time schedule for his e-learning. This may result a low scope of the student’s knowledge and the teacher’s accusation in lack of proficiency.
- Students may need to invest more money in getting the e-learning necessary equipment such as computer and software programs and pay for internet connection.
- Students may need to wait for feedback and responses from peers and instructors because there would be more learners are often actively involved.
- Students may need to wait for feedback and responses from peers and instructors because there would be more learners are often actively involved.
- E-learning may require students to learn or enhance computer and troubleshooting skills. Managing computer files and online learning software can sometimes seem complex for students with beginner-level computer skills
- Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or confused about course activities and deadlines.
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