Looking at e-learning more deeply now than when I first started delivering it I realise that it has definite Advantages and Disadvantages over conventional teaching.
Disadvantages:
- It can be seen as sterile and impersonal where the student spends a lot of time in his/her own learning zone. These is a need of some personal feedback as well to ensure that the student does not feel left on their own.
- It can be allowed to run unsupervised and in to a culdesac if the tutor doesn't monitor achievement and or commitment.
- It can be looked on by education departments as a 'cheap option' so reducing the number of skilled tutors.
- On the reverse it can be costly to set up initially if you are starting with a learning environment with no ITC equipment at hand.
- Is taken for granted that students have access to ITC at home. This can include access to a telephone line.
- It allows the tutor the facility of having a classroom of students working on a variety of subjects at different stages on a roll-on roll-off basis eliminating the need of having a general class start/end date. ( I 'facilitate' 40 students doing 8 different courses at any one time).
- Student diversity of classrooms. Delivering CISCO courses can involve students from the 4 corners of the world all in a virtual class with a tutor on webcam. There are 120+ countries on the CISCO circuit so it really helps towards reducing the 'Digital Divide'
- Online learning encourages independent learning/study and builds self confidence.
- It enables widening participation and social inclusion.
- Allows access to online course at any time/place and learners can work at their own pace.