E-learning, or distance learning as it has been linked to in the recent past, is swiftly taking over as a preferred method of instruction, and can be seen to be just as useful without the loss of educational content or the satisfaction of teaching. (Bhatti, Jones, Richardson, Foreman, Lund, Tierney, 2011) Through an evolution of education students and teachers alike have been able to free themselves from the busying schedules that come with traditional classrooms and hectic schedules that involve running from one classroom to the next. With e-learning the next class is only a click way, a convenience that is highly prized by many educators as all they need do now is insure that their material is ready and that they are available to their students when needed. (Holmes, Gardner, 2006)
Another great boon is the simple fact that students learn at different rates and in different manners; e-learning can allow a student to learn at their own pace. (Schaden, 2013). Given that the current generation has grown up with computers, Ipads, laptops, and other such technology it is only natural that e-learning be the next valuable tool to be so widely used, as it allows students and teachers a measure of freedom that normal lecture, however valuable, does not afford. (Kibria, 2014) Through this method teachers can accomplish a great deal more during their day and spend the needed time grading assignments, assessments, and answering questions that might otherwise be left unanswered due to time constraints.
Overall e-learning allows for much more time, flexibility, and even diversity of subjects that can be taught online. (Diaz, Entonado, 2009) While it is not yet accepted or recognized as a valid teaching tool everywhere in the world, it has become a very influential method that many upon many teachers have adopted and learned to enjoy. There is no doubt that it will not replace traditional lectures as a universal teaching method, but it will likely be around for some time.
References
Bhatti, I.; et al. (2011). E-learning vs. lecture: which is the best approach to surgical teaching?
Colorectal Dis., 13(4), p459-462.
Diaz, Laura Alonso; Entonado, Florentino Blazquez. (2009). Are the Functions of Teachers in
e-Learning and Face-to-Face Learning Environments Really Different? Educational Technology & Society, 12 (4), p331–343.
Holmes, Bryn; Holmes, John. (2006). E-Learning: Concepts and Practice. New York, NY: Sage
Publications.
Kibria, Golam. (2014). What are the advantages and challenges of online learning and teaching?
Research Gate. Retrieved from
http://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_advantages_and_challenges_of_online_learning_and_teaching
Schaden, Katharina. (2013). What are the educational benefits of e-learning? #Milestones.
Retrieved from
http://www.rosettastone.co.uk/blog/what-are-the-educational-benefits-of-e-learning/
