E-Learning And Its Long-Term Effect On Students' Learning Ability In a Global Age

E-learning encompasses far more than online learning, virtual learning, distributed learning, networked learning, or web-based learning. Since this letter 'e' in e-learning stands for the word 'electronic,' it would include all educational activities carried out by individuals or groups working online or offline, synchronously, or asynchronously, via networked or standalone computers and devices. E-learning introduces students to an entirely new learning environment, necessitating a different skill set to be successful. 

Critical thinking, research, and evaluation skills are becoming increasingly important as students must sort through increasing amounts of information from a variety of sources. Furthermore, especially in online courses, students are much more independent than in traditional settings. This necessitates a high level of motivation and commitment to learning, as well as less social interaction with peers or an instructor. E-learning can be thought of as computer-assisted learning as well as a pedagogy for student-centred and collaborative learning.

To improve learning outcomes, students must be engaged in what they are doing. In a safe environment, e-learning allows students to become thinkers/learners/risk-takers. Students are not required to rely on their teachers. They are capable of being self-sufficient. Learning can take place anywhere, at any time, and in any way. Once created, the course can be repeated as many times as necessary. It motivates students to expect more from school.

Amid the pandemic, people have had to bring everything home, including education and learning opportunities. Unlike in the past, following the Covid 19 outbreak, e-learning has become more prevalent in people's lives, fuelling the growth of numerous e-learning platforms such as Udemy, NPTEL, Lynda, Coursera, and others. According to research and market, the online education market will reach up to 350 billion dollars by 2025. Online learning has projected itself as a huge catalyzer for people and institutions to adapt to the rapidly changing world.

E-learning can be text-driven, interactive, or simulation-based. It has instilled in students a sense of self-responsibility, as they must account for themselves when deciding whether or not to study. It allows students to do more than just rely on textbook information; it also allows them to broaden their knowledge by researching on the World Wide Web. Teachers benefit from this by gaining various computer skills alongside students, allowing them to encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills. It aids in constant communication with their students. It also improves students' ability to study independently and their critical thinking skills. Everyone's needs are met by online learning. The digital revolution has resulted in significant changes in how content is accessed, consumed, discussed, and shared. Office workers and housewives can both enrol in online educational courses at their leisure. Many people prefer to learn on weekends or in the evenings, depending on their availability and comfort. 

One major advantage of online learning is that it keeps you in sync with modern learners. This allows the learner to have access to updated content whenever they want. Lessons are delivered quickly as this mode has relatively short delivery cycles when compared to traditional classroom teaching methods. E-Learning aids in the development and dissemination of new training, policies, concepts, and ideas. 

Whether for formal education or entertainment, e-Learning is a very fast way to learn. It enables educators to obtain a greater degree of coverage to communicate the message consistently for their students. When compared to traditional forms of learning, eLearning is less expensive. This price reduction is because learning through this mode is quick and easy. A significant amount of training time is saved due to reduced costs for trainers, travel, course materials, and lodging and makes it simple to grasp and digest the content.

E-Learning contributes significantly to environmental protection because it is a paperless method of learning. According to a study on eLearning courses, distance-based learning programs consumed approximately 90 per cent less power and generated 85 per cent less CO2 emissions when compared to traditional campus-based educational courses. There is no need to cut down trees to obtain paper when using eLearning. E-learning also allows students to fit learning around their schedules, allowing even the busiest person to advance their careers and obtain new qualifications.

Since the advent of the internet, some of the most significant developments in education have occurred. Nowadays, students are well-versed in the use of smartphones, messaging, and the internet, so taking part in and running an online course is a breeze. Now that affordable e-learning solutions for computers and the internet are available, it only takes a good e-learning tool for education to be easily accessed from virtually anywhere.

Swaranjeet Arora

Guest Author The author is Head of Department, School of Management, The NorthCap University, Gurugram