Education sector plays a pivotal role in national, regional, and global economic development. Nations across the globe have invested heavily in the education sector in pursuit of providing quality, sustainable and self-reliant education to the people. This move will reduce the unemployment rate and improve living standards. With the current stiff competition in the pedagogy setting, institutions of higher learning have embraced technology in the learning process as a competitive advantage to compete effectively (Michelle 78). In order to achieve this goal, most institutions have introduced e -learning that offers online-based courses. Online learning has attracted attention of many students and course facilitators because it is efficient, cost effective, and flexible. It provides a favorable platform where teachers can exchange course materials with their students effectively. Online platform enables students to interact with their teachers and seek clarification on areas that seem hard thus easing the learning process.
Online learning is a fundamental aspect in the education cycle, but it is faced with numerous challenges. Lack of e-service training to the course facilitators remains a key problem that affects online classes and quality of education. Previous studies have established that most teachers do lack basic computer skills and online- based knowledge (Weston 90). Lack of these aspects affects students learning process and lowers quality of education. In order to resolve this challenge, the government should introduce e-service training program in the institution of higher learning.
For many years, teachers have used classroom as a teaching and an interactive platform with their students. The government introduced In- Service Training Program a few years ago; where teachers had to undergo training so that to improve their teaching skills and foster quality education. Teachers observe this aspect and still attend their in-service training lessons. In a similar vein, the government should establish e-service training program that will empower course facilitators with adequate online skills and knowledge. E-service training program will train course facilitators on how to use different teaching methods commonly used in online platform. Adapting this new program will improve the quality of education because course facilitators will use appropriate teaching method to help students with learning challenges. Additionally, it makes online learning enjoyable and interactive because students can interact with their teachers freely.
The government should not fear to implement e-service training program because it is cost effective and workable in nature. In order to avoid disruption of the learning process, course facilitators should undergo e-service training during the holidays and long vocations. Similarly, policy makers and organizers should ensure that e-service training program rhymes with institutions learning calendar so that to reduce training costs. Therefore, introducing e-service training program will empower course facilitators with skills and knowledge, improve the quality of education, and enhance efficiency of online learning.
Works cited
Michelle Feavel. Successful online learning: managing the online learning environment efficiently and effectively. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett, 2011. Print.
Weston, Arthur T.. Evaluating online learning challenges and strategies for success. New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2009. Print.
