In recent years, technology has transformed education. It has made learning accessible, engaging, and personalized. E-learning plays a key role in achieving these outcomes, making the topic “The Impact of E-Learning on Students” crucial for discussion.
Let’s dive in,
What is E-learning?
E-learning (electronic learning) is a type of online education, training, and knowledge sharing conducted over the Internet. It is utilized in various settings, including academic education, corporate training, continuing professional development, and skill development courses.
The widespread adoption of computers and internet technology has fueled the growth of e-learning, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly increased the demand for online learning solutions.
History of E-learning
Long before the Internet, educators offered distance courses to teach students specific subjects or skills. In the 1840s, Isaac Pitman taught shorthand via correspondence. This symbolic writing, popular among secretaries and journalists, aimed to improve writing speed. Pitman, a qualified teacher, received completed assignments by mail and sent his students more work using the same system.
In 1924, inventors created the first testing machine, allowing students to test themselves. Then, in 1954, Harvard Professor B.F. Skinner developed the “teaching machine,” enabling schools to administer programmed instruction. In 1960, the world saw its first computer-based training program, PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations), designed for University of Illinois students and later used in schools across the region.
Initially, online learning systems merely delivered information to students. However, by the 1970s, online learning became more interactive. The Open University in Britain, which focused on distance learning, leveraged e-learning to offer a wider range of interactive educational experiences and faster communication with students via email.
Impact of E-learning on students
1. Flexibility:
E-learning allows students to learn at their own pace. It enables them to fit their studies around work, family, and other responsibilities, helping them take control of their education and create a personalized learning experience.
2. Accessibility:
E-learning bridges barriers that prevent individuals from accessing education, such as geographical obstacles and physical disabilities. It makes education accessible regardless of location or condition.
3. Diverse Range of courses:
E-learning offers a diverse range of courses available online. Whether interested in coding, business, languages, or other fields, students can find related courses, making it easier to acquire new skills for personal and professional growth.
Conclusion
E-learning has effectively shaped the learning process by being flexible, accessible, and providing a platform for discussion and evaluation. School owners and administrators should incorporate e-learning into their systems, as it represents the future of education.
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