Can E-learning Ever be a More effective teaching tool than traditional learning?

1.0 Introduction

E-learning is an up to date education idea by using the internet technology. It consigns the digital detail, offers a learner-orient condition for the tutors and pupils. The e-learning facilitates the construction of life-long learning opinions and learning community (Introduction of e-learning n.d.). Traditional learning is a learning which takes place in a classroom at a campus. The learning method involves professor to give instruction to student (Concordia Online Learning vs Traditional Learning FAQ n.d.).

Electronic learning is started in around identical period that a computer has developed practices for individual use. In fact leads the concept of computer domain after nearly a century. In 1840, there was stenography courses provided through correspondence courses by post in England. Advancements to the mail, this way of distance prevalent in the early stage of last century. This guided to a vast number of type in education. The computers only made electronic learning simple and better (A Brief History of E-learning and Distance learning 2010).The policies in e-learning are policies in the course syllabus, policies in student privacy, policies in e-mail, policies in discussion, policies in software standards, policies in assignment, policies in student code of conduct and policies in intellectual property rights (Waterhouse & Rogers 2004). Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effectiveness of e-learning to the learners.

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2.0 Effectiveness of e-learning
2.1 Benefits of e-learning

2.1.1 Self-instructed and self-paced

One of the main advantages of e-learning is the self-instruct of students. Students can manage themselves the amount of time they wanted to spend on the particular topic. This permits students to spend extra time on tough parts before moving on or to skip through topic they already comprehend. This “individualized” way usually permits students to conclude their studies faster than the traditional courses (Benefits of E-learning n.d.).

2.1.2 Flexibility

E-learning also gives student lots of flexibility. Learning can take place at home, on the road, in a shopping centre or virtually anywhere, as long as there is a computer and internet connection. The logistics and cost of face-to-face studies can be highly restricted when learners are separated by distance. E-learning also permits physically or other challenged learners to more fully take part in (Baker 2009).

2.1.3 Significant cost savings

E-learning also benefits the learners by saving their cost of study. Using e-learning as the method of learning can exclude the need for travel and its accompanying expenses for both trainers and learners. A research report in Training Magazine revealed that institutions save 50-70% on instruction costs when they exercise e-learning programs instead of classroom courses (Benefits of e-Learning 2011).

2.1.4 Student centered

Student oriented is also one of the benefits of e-learning. The student is the key point of the e-learning system. The teaching materials and activities are planned with the needs and interests of the student in brain. Learners put on control of their learning knowledge and use it to satisfy their personal particular needs (Benefits of E-learning n.d.).

2.1.5 Wide range of degree programs to choose from

E-learning also benefits students by providing a variety of degree courses. Most colleges and universities render all sorts of online degree programs that will give the learners an advantage in their career. Online colleges and universities render associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in addition to all sorts of non-credit and certificate programs. Some online universities offer PhDs in courses such as Health Services, Education and Psychology (Baker 2009).

3.0 Findings

Personal survey 2011

Figure 1

Personal survey 2011

Figure 2

From the surveys above, we know that there are 85% of respondents use a computer every day and 67% of them use a computer for study purpose. This shows that e-learning is actually suitable for Malaysian and there will not be a technological problem for them as they are now well use of computer in studying.

Personal survey 2011

Figure 3

Personal survey 2==011

Figure 4

rom figure 3 seem shows that 55% of respondents had chosen online viewing as their main way of learning. Although there were still a lot as 45% of respondents chose to have handouts when they study, but they had told that there were also may be printed out the handouts when they study by an e-learning way. This evidence was showed in figure 4. There were 80% of respondents had chosen e-learning as their way of learning. This showed that the people would like to study by using internet technology rather than study in the classrooms.

Personal survey 2011

Figure 5

In figure 5 shows that, 45% of respondents felt that school fees was very important when they choose an institute. This may cause a respondent to choose e-learning as their learning method. This is because e-learning learners can exclude the need for travel and the learning fee is also cheaper than classroom learning. There were 24% of respondents felt the transportation and location of school will change their decision in choosing an institute. In this case, the respondents can choose e-learning as their study way. This is because e-learning would not cause any transportation problem for the learners.

4.0 Conclusion

Based on all the information and the result from the research, it can be said that e-learning is more effective than traditional learning. Nowadays the cost of study had paid close attention by the people. Therefore, e-learning may be the most suitable way of learning as its cost for learning will not be as high as traditional learning. E-learning will also give flexibility to the student as they can study in any place, any time. Students can manage themselves the amount of time they wanted to spend on the particular topic. This will increase their interest in learning. Other than that, people need not worry the limitation of course in e-learning. This is because there is a variety of course for the students to choose. The internet technology had been improved so choosing e-learning as a way of learning will not ever be a problem in the future.

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