Children have always associated learning with a lot of pressure. However, their distress might not always be a result of low enthusiasm and procrastination. Often, the outdated learning channels is where the shoe pinches. And, that’s where e-learning comes in. 

Technology has proved to be a crucial asset for the education industry. The commute between school and home can finally be put to rest, thanks to online learning tools. Children can grasp the core of difficult concepts easily, access information in seconds and learn at their own pace. They can also communicate with teachers and other students in real-time, without geographical constraints, financial restrictions or dependence upon parents. 

E-learning has caused a massive ripple effect that is expected to positively change the education landscape forever. The first e-learning boom happened in 2015, when the market reached $107 billion. A study by Forbes reveals it is expected to skyrocket to $325 billion by 2025. 

If you’re still wondering whether e-learning is the best choice for your child, you’ve come to the right place. This article focuses on the fundamentals of e-learning - concept, types, pros and cons. Let’s dive in!

What Is E-learning?

According to Research.com, e-learning refers to any type of education or training obtained with the help of electronic media or the internet. Yes, it works on the principles of distance education, but it also offers a more effective and engaging learning experience through inclusion of interactive elements like animated lessons, online quizzes, educational apps and virtual reality. 

Although many people are under the impression that e-learning and distance learning are the same thing, this is not true. The latter focuses on bridging distance between the teacher and student (a student in the UAE would be able to learn from a teacher in the USA, without relocating), whereas e-learning is geared towards the use of online tools to enhance the overall learning experience, irrespective of the location. 

In distance learning, students are provided with learning material and are expected to complete it and send it back to the tutor within a specific time frame. This is because the course runs along a syllabus. On the other hand, e-learning allows students to log on and run through the material at their own pace. 

Types of E-Learning Methods

E-learning is used as an umbrella term for most digital courses and training programmes. To distinguish between various forms and avoid confusion, e-learning is placed into two main categories.

Synchronous

According to the University of Cincinnati, students are expected to attend online classes at a particular time each week in synchronous e-learning. It involves a real-time exchange of information and provides an opportunity for learners to interact with their teachers and peers. Moreover, live sessions with experts and successful names in different fields can positively influence your child. A few examples of synchronous learning include webinars, virtual classrooms and video conferences.

Asynchronous

Asynchronous e-learning is synonymous with self-paced learning. Children can read, learn, understand and assess materials provided to them at their own rhythm. They do not interact with teachers in real-time, but they do have more flexibility and hence can participate in different discussions and courses at their own convenience. Some examples of asynchronous learning are discussion forums, self-paced online courses and pre-recorded sessions.

4 Merits of E-Learning

Whenever you make a decision, it’s important to draw up a list of pros and cons. In the next two sections, we’ll discuss the merits and demerits of e-learning to make things a little easier for you to take a call. Some of the important advantages associated with electronic learning include - 

1. Easy 

Digital courses generally offer customisable learning schedules. You don’t need to worry about an early-morning rush, missed breakfast or a long commute. E-learning lets your child study whatever they want, whenever they want to, without hampering the quality of education. 

2. Efficient

E-learning is student-centered. Teachers can easily track the performance of each student, gain insights and modify the course structure accordingly with online tools. Thus, the result is enhanced productivity along with better information retention due to visual stimulation.

3. Green

On average, e-learning courses consume 90% less energy and emit 85% fewer CO2 emissions than traditional courses. This approach is completely paperless, therefore it doesn’t cause any harm to the environment in terms of paper production.. 

4. Economic

It is no secret that good education can cost thousands of dollars. However, e-learning is quite inexpensive. All you need is a stable internet connection and a device like a smartphone or laptop to get your child started. 

Demerits of E-Learning

Despite its many benefits, there are some shortcomings to e-learning. They include - 

• No direct supervision can result in frequent distractions.
• E-learning is not enough to provide first-hand practical knowledge, even though theory can be explained effectively
• It can lead to weak communication skills and widen the gap between teachers and students. 

Gone are the days of heavy school bags, ink-stained uniforms and quick sprints to catch the early morning bus. Today, e-learning has completely transformed learning experiences for students. The adjectives for learning have taken a 360° turn, too. From "difficult,” “exhausting” and “stressful," students find their classes more "interesting," “fun” and “exciting." Although there are a few cons associated with learning online, the benefits outweigh them by a large margin. So, what are you waiting for? Help your child achieve their full potential by enrolling them in an e-learning course and watch the magic happen.