Learning through information technology
By
Sadia Wali
Innovations in
teaching and learning have changed the perspective of learning across the world.
Educators have adapted new
educational technologies which have enhanced the scope of collaborative online learning
for students. E-learning
is an educational technology that technically supports learning and teaching. Bernard Luskin, a pioneer of e-learning,
advocates that the "e" is interpreted to mean "electronic."
This interpretation focuses on new applications and developments. E-learning encompasses multimedia learning, computer-based training,
internet-based training (IBT), web-based
training (WBT) and online
education.
E-
Learning has rapidly increased in developed countries. However, developing
countries like Pakistan are facing challenges in implementing E-learning
programs. Since E- learning has been introduced recently in Pakistan, this online
education system is developing slowly. Consequently, this system of education
is expensive and the educational institutions lack professional instructors
that could provide complete guidelines to students about their studies. The
institutions are also deprived of all the essential facilities such as computers
and laptops. Most of the students and working professional are interested in
broadening their horizon and knowledge through e- learning however domestic
responsibilities, limited choices and financial problems constraints them to
arrange time for an E-learning course.
Another challenge is related to course, its development, and delivery.
Concerns have been raised regarding designing an innovative curriculum suitable
for E-learning environment. The tradition of attending school is still
prevailing among people, therefore mostly students are trained to show honor
for teachers who are considered as the experts. Students being spoon fed by
teachers and too much dependency of students on teachers are taken as obstacles
in E-learning settings.
“There is a need to
create awareness how E-learning is different from conventional classroom based
learning said a teacher. While comparing e- learning
with traditional face-to-face classroom learning, she believed that that
traditional classroom environment following instructors dictating content and
rote learning has become uninteresting for the students. E-learning environment
is a more learner-friendly as the role of a teacher is different in an
e-learning environment.’’
“E-Learning foster
students interaction and collaboration and assists them to choose content and
tools appropriate to their interests, needs, and skill levels. It motivates
students to be much more engaged and to take more responsibility for what
they’re learning’’ stated another teacher.
“E-learning is good for education uttered a
mother. As it gives more knowledge, practical approach and provide global
knowledge to students.”
However some parents do not agree. They believe that e-learning cannot be
attained without proper guidance and help as some students find hard to study
online course.”
Similarly, another
mother declares, “E-learning can definitely be useful but then the overall
development of a student is hindered. I suggest that there should be a facility
of both classroom learning environment and E-learning facility too. So child
should have an experience of going to school and also gets acquainted with
technological world.’’
What do students really think about online learning?
Can E-learning be a substitute for the class room learning?
A survey conducted
by some Pakistani students in the year 2009-10 revealed that the majority of
students (over 90%) found learning over the Internet and via satellite TV
beneficial. Students who have opted
for e-learning think that the flexibility of online learning is a positive
factor.
“It is an efficient alternative to taking the class physically. To
study the topic in depth, students can select some important websites such as
Coursera's online classes which are designed to help students to achieve
mastery over course material. The website Coursera is offering massive open
online courses since 2012. Lectures, talks and discussions of the teacher are
also accessible on the website. The option of video conferencing technologies and online
demonstrations of concepts are helpful in imparting valuable knowledge.’ opined
a group of students.
However, some students
do not find E-learning interactive as they say “We love the personal classroom feeling of attending the lectures and
getting involved in group discussions, assignments, and projects. Students are
more engaged in learning and retain knowledge better than online study. By
analyzing the students learning styles and interests, the teachers can adjust
their teaching methods and strategies.’’
A group of students
hold similar opinions, “In classroom learning, we get to know many important
things which we cannot get from E- learning. We get to know how to behave, how
to interact and maintain relations within group or friend circle. These
etiquettes can be learnt in a classroom environment.’’
Students in
far-flung areas of Pakistan are eager to acquire on-line education. Accessing E-learning
education in remote areas of the country is not easy since the survey conducted
by students notified that mostly small cities and towns do not have specialized
educational institutes which provide e-learning education. Students also
complain of lack of computer and internet facilities; well-organized libraries and
efficient mentors who could guide them about e- learning education. Government need to provide modern education
facilities in less privileged areas so that people living in these areas also get
opportunity to acquire modern education. Learning through information
technology has evolved a new era of education all over the world. It is hoped that
e- learning in Pakistan will refine the cognitive skills of young individuals
and it will assist them to contribute towards the development of global
knowledge.
Today, many
educational institutions in Pakistan have greatly emphasized the need for the
development of internet based information technologies which will help to
enhance standard of education and training systems. However it is essential
that the government should provide facilities to those institutions that are
providing online education and assure that e- learning should be easily
accessible by all groups of society.
The Writer is a freelance writer. She can be contacted at
sadiawali@hotmail.com