Introduction
E-learning is usually delivered, enabled or mediated by the use of electronic technology. The explicit purpose of e-learning is training, learning or even development within the organization. Owing to advancement in technology and the popularity of internet, it has become possible to conduct education virtually. The instructor and the learner can interact virtually so that the learner gets information and instruction delivered by the instructor via the internet. There are several advantages associated with e-learning for organizations and individuals. Over the recent past, e-learning has experienced rapid progression whereby it encompasses a wide range of formal course based e-learning packages as well as its products. There are varieties of complementary or alternative e-learning techniques that include sharing knowledge or even links that help learners to access resources through social, as well as interactive media . E-learning is advantageous in various such as flexibility, lower costs of training and new educational approaches among others. This paper addresses e-learning by considering its usefulness and success in professional life. It will highlight the advantages and the significance of e- learning by comparing arguments made bay different scholars of the subject.
Discussion
Many authors have made significant arguments regarding the usefulness of e-learning by highlighting how it can be useful and how it can be successful in professional life. In their article, Yuhui Huang & Hongxin Liu (2014) argues that developments in internet technologies have led organizations to invest larger resources in the e-learning system. They highlight distinct advantages that are associated with e-learning including flexibility of the process, asynchronous interactions, new educational approaches, lower training costs as well as convenience . This implies that e-learning helps many people in their professional life. It is possible to carry on one’s career while still learning virtually. This is because of the flexibility factor that the learning system offers to the learners and instructors. The development of e-learning has set forth a platform for better research in this field. This is because there should be more focus on specific and not just general industries in as far as research in this field is concerned. As such, it can be tailored as appropriate to fit in different category industries.
The argument posed by these authors seems to be in line with the point of view of other authors. Slameto (2014) argues that teachers are agents of change and as such, they should embrace the idea of e-learning since this will benefit them in significant ways. The work of teachers according to this author has become more complex and challenging to approach manually without the use of technological systems and therefore, to address this it is important to implement an e-learning system with educational institutions . Based on this, the author argues that e-learning is one educational system that can help lighten the burden for teachers so that they can play their duties appropriately as desirable. The manner in which teachers respond do diverse needs of different students is changing rapidly due to technological changes, which have a significant influence on education. Essentially, the training needs for the organization have significantly changed. This implies that the authors share a common idea in as far as the suitability of e-learning for different purpose entities and institutions is concerned.
Szeto Elson 2013 argues that e-learning is duly essential in ensuring that higher education can be enhanced even beyond the national boundaries. This is a clear indication that the author, just like the others, upholds the significance of e-learning and supports it owing to the advantages that it has for educational and other category institutions. According to this author, e-learning has been widely adopted in china and most nations in Asia. This is due to the intention of economies to establish firm foundations for global interaction in various global affairs . A knowledge-based economy has been the motivating factor for most of the nations that have used internet technologies to establish e-learning within educational, as well as business institutions in the respective countries. E-learning should be integrated with various other aspects of learning in order to enhance its suitability to the various stakeholders. Based on the arguments presented by these authors, it is clear that e-learning plays a crucial role in enhancing education, training, and promoting knowledge as conveniently as possible.
However, in their works the authors addressed above seem to disagree on whether uniform form of e-learning should be adopted for all cases. For instance, there is an argument presented by Szeto that e-learning can be uniform for all cases. He explains that uniform form of e-learning concerning training, education, and other needs would be significant in creating harmony by incorporating all aspects together so that they can be universally acknowledged. However, Yuhui & Liu argue that it would be more appropriate to ensure that a specific industry has a specific form of e-learning that is suitable for that particular context . They explain that different industries have different needs regarding e-learning and, therefore, it is necessary to develop e-learning systems that reflect requirements of a specific industry rather than generalizing. Slameto appears to differ slightly by highlighting that some industries can be grouped together so that they can utilize a particular form of e-learning that can apply appropriately in their contexts. He explains that some industries have almost similar requirements in this regard and, therefore, developing a structure that serves them effectively would be appropriate in enhancing e-learning whether it is within educational or business institutions. Based on this it is clear that though they agree on certain important aspects and uphold the significance of e-learning for different contexts; they differ on the idea of uniformity of the e-learning systems for similar as well as different industries and entities.
However, the three authors do not fill effectively in their arguments, a gap inherent in the context of e-learning. Essentially, e-learning has advantages and disadvantages as well, based on different contexts. In as much as they give important points that are effective in communicating their intentions in advocating for e-learning, they fail to highlight some possible disadvantages and challenges which could have a significant effect on e-learning process and systems. For instance, they do not highlight cultural and ethical considerations that should be addressed when engaging in e-learning by different stakeholders . Hence, it would be necessary to fill this gap by explicitly noting possible shortcoming that could affect e-learning based on different contexts. Inherent gaps in the issue of e-learning should be a priority in research regarding this topic. This is because as much as e-learning is relay important in enhancing learning across the globe; it may have some setbacks that may challenge the system and process if the right approach is not used implement e-learning. However, it is clear that they have clearly presented compelling points regarding the usefulness of e-learning as well as its success in professional life.
Conclusion
References
Brooke, B. (2001). E-Learning: Strategies for Delivering Knowledge in the Digital Age. T&D, Vol. 55, No. 8 , pp 3-45.
Slameto. (2014). Elementary School Teacher Professional Developmentthrough 'Training and Development Personnel' Model andTheir Determinants of Success. International Journal of e-Education, e-Business, e-Management and e-Learning, Vol. 4, No. 3 , pp 238-242.
Szeto, E. (2013). Examining Issues of E-learning Practices in ChineseHigher Education: A Cross-sectional Studyof Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong,. International Jl. on E-Learning (2013) 12(4), , pp 383-402.
Yuhui, H. &. (2014). Self-Directed Learning and the Effectiveness of e-Learning in Enterprises, . International Journal of e-Education, e-Business, e-Management and e-Learning, Vol. 4, No. 3, , pp 187-190.
