E-learning

          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