eLearning Or Classroom?
At the outset of the pandemic, there was the transition from classroom learning to eLearning for all students across the globe. Is eLearning a substitute for classroom learning? This question is still debatable, but the emergence of BYJU, Coursera, and Vedantu as top tech apps indicate that eLearning is still gaining momentum.
Technology has changed the way we live, affecting practically every area of our lives today, including schooling. The internet's broad reach and the pervasiveness of intelligent gadgets have paved the way for a new era in education, accessible from any time and location. Let us understand why eLearning is a substitute for classroom learning.
eLearning Vs. Classroom Learning
According to studies, students' productivity and concentration increased by 43% when they used the internet to learn. eLearning is a user-friendly and interactive means of delivering education that uses electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICTs). Students are permitted to ask questions at any time and can record lectures for later review.
eLearning tools assist teachers in receiving unequivocal, transparent feedback from students who are actively engaged with the material. With the click of a button, they can monitor where students get confused in a lesson and grade tasks. Traditional learning uses 90% more energy than eLearning.
Challenges In Classroom Learning
In today's environment, the traditional way of delivering lectures to more than 40–50 people in a classroom with limited resources and a linear method is being phased out. Some of the challenges in traditional learning methods are listed below:
- Limited learning outcomes
Most students seldom think about what they should study or why they should read a particular subject. - Lack of skill-based education
The traditional educational system emphasizes theoretical knowledge more than skill-based learning. Innovation, originality, and outside-the-box thinking are all buzzwords in the industry. On the other hand, the traditional educational system doesn't create more opportunities to enhance these. - More emphasis on rote learning than practical utility
Creative thinking, vision, outside-the-box thinking, and rational thinking are not concepts. The pupil is compelled to learn a particular subject. They are not given marks if they miswrite something.
Why Has eLearning Replaced Classroom Learning?
For centuries, receiving an education was synonymous with attending a traditional classroom. The classroom has remained relatively unchanged over the millennium despite technological advancements. However, that is starting to change. Increasingly, students are taking advantage of online learning to gain insights into new industries, acquire foundational knowledge, and develop niche skills.
People have been using the internet to learn new skills since its early days. The public has become increasingly aware of this capability, soon displacing the long-standing classroom-based standard. Online learning is the future of education. Its many benefits have become known to countless students, employees, and educators in recent years.
Benefits Of eLearning
- The concept of learning anywhere is the crucial differentiator for eLearning. eLearning has opened up more avenues for working professionals to learn at their convenience.
- It has reduced the cost of infrastructure and has zeroed the cost of travel. Learners can learn at their pace and revisit the courses if they need more clarity.
- eLearning can be accessed using a computer/laptop and an internet connection, even from small towns.
- According to research, eLearning enables students to learn faster and effectively retain 25–60% of the information. Students can also revisit the learning modules if they need any clarity and read through their favorite topics. eLearning is more interactive than classroom learning.
- eLearning can help students assess their conceptual understanding through online quizzes and other tools. The personalized assessment and milestones can encourage students to learn better.
- eLearning has a paperless method of instruction and safeguards the environment. There is a visible decrease in power.
Conclusion
Physical barriers are broken down through eLearning. Students are exposed to a variety of educational methodologies. The use of graphics, sound, text, and videos can help students grasp any subject better, and as a result, they will feel more involved. Through eLearning, one can quickly go through any subject without wasting time on issues that do not require extensive study or are easy to comprehend. The benefits of eLearning have given us a promising trend, and it can be regarded as a substitute for classroom learning.
