What is E-learning?

E-learning is the use of technology, specifically, the internet and computers or smartphones for learning a new skill, subject, talent, activity, or for taking education. It can also be referred to as online learning. The term e-learning was not known to many of the masses until this pandemic covid-19 brought the world to a standstill around a year ago. It was only after this deadly disaster lashed every corner of the globe where mankind exists, that most of the people in developing and under-developed nations came to learn about it. 

The scope of e-learning differs from region to region, and a lot of factors contribute to these differences.

What are these factors? Let us take a glance! 

• Network connectivity:

Internet connectivity or services are not of equally good standards everywhere. In rural areas, especially in underdeveloped states or nations, network services are considered poor and do not support stable connectivity throughout. Many times, internet services are hampered due to constant electricity supply failures.  

• The financial status of those taking e-learning or online education:

Not all people everywhere can afford to take e-learning lessons. Investment in smartphones or laptops and an internet connection, stable wifi, etc. is not feasible for everyone. Yes, but, if one can invest in this equipment, a lot of time and money can be saved which would otherwise be required for commuting for the purpose of attending physical classroom training. .    

• Technical advancement:

How technically developed a region or a state or a nation is decides how connected its people can be with outsiders or the remote world.

• Technological knowledge of the training staff:

Training staff of all the institutes, colleges, schools, universities, etc. is not equally, technologically advanced or knowledgeable. The biggest problem that many institutes are facing today is that not all of their staff members have been able to adapt to this sudden change in the mode of conducting education or teaching or training.  Some of them are still struggling to be technically advanced so as to be able to run ahead with the world.

• The technical know-how of parents for the purpose of helping their children in availing the facilities:

Especially, in the case of children taking lessons at school via e-learning, this problem has surfaced. Children require their parents’ help or assistance in availing the facilities of online classes or sessions or learning, but some parents have been unable to provide their children with the required support in the face of various issues such as low level of technical know-how, lack of time to spend with children from their official works, household chores, overall busy schedules, etc.

• The willingness of students or candidates to take lessons via distance learning mode or via remote learning

There are students or candidates who are very happy with this changed mode of learning- e-learning. There are, but, a few who are not really happy, and wish to go back to the conventional physical classroom training way. Different individuals have different choices; no one can impose one’s opinions or views on others, especially, were learning anything whole-heartedly is what is under consideration. What one needs to consider, however, is the need of the hour and the advantages that online learning is providing the world within these difficult times.