A discussion on E-learning offered in Malaysian Universities: Pros and Cons from the students perspective - The Virtual Class VS The Real One

The market for corporate interactive distance learning-now known as "e-learning"-has boomed along with the growth in the Internet and corporate intranets (Morri. A,1997). According to Allison Rossett (2001), E-learning is defined as Web-based training (WBT), or on-line learning. It is a technology based training that resides on a server or host computer that is connected to the World Wide Web; training is delivered partially or entirely through electronic hardware, software, or both. In short E-learning is learning that involves the acquisition, generation and transfer of knowledge using information and communications technology.According to the U.S. Department of Education 63.4% of all colleges and universities in the United States now offer distance learning courses, However, Geteducated.com, a consulting agency for distance educators, estimates the online student dropout rate at around 35%, while the average attrition rate for college freshman at U.S. universities is around 20%. Just like anything else, E-Learning has its pros and cons, and in this section we will discuss it in the perspectives of students.

Disadvantages

Material warehouse-Virtual Learning environment are being used primarily as repositories for materials rather than being used in more imaginative ways to support learning. This would make the learning process very boring and causes students to lack enthusiasm and motivation easily.

Minimal communication- Lower interaction between students since social interaction is replaced with non face to face communication with full use of technology such as instant messaging, discussion forums and email. Students will face difficulties in expressing themselves verbally, which will later affect the process of cultivating relationship. Furthermore, online classes, conferences and discussions are limited in time and totally exclude emotional interactivity.

Poorer understanding- According to a survey carried out by Professor Brown from Michigan University, it was reported that online students had as much as 10-percent of poorer understanding of the material. Reasons attributing to this findings include online students had jobs and other responsibilities that pulled their attention away, resulting in a 0-3 hours of study per wee

Additional hardware and hardskills-Requires computer, software programs and connection to the internet to attend class. Poor internet connection or system failure will turn impact the learning process adversely. On top of this, students are required to learn new or enhance computer and troubleshooting skills constantly.

Higher discipline- Distractions are easily available in terms of attending class and logging in into other programs such as facebook, turning on a movie or doing other works simultaneously. Students also require high discipline to manage their time and studies efficiently.

Education credibility-ELearning experience in the enrolled college/university might not be properly accredited. This cause the students to bear the risk that their certificate will not be recognize.

Advantages

Pervasive and integrated: E learning has become an important tool that makes learning easier. Technologies are being used extensively by students to find, manage, produce and support their work. They also use the internet to access expert knowledge and have an expectation of being able to communicate with anyone, about anything, when they want to.

Personalized: Students can mix and match between the various technological tools such as media, sites, tools, content, etc to suit their individual need. They can use the computer, internet and books simultaneously. Learning is now interactive and multifaceted especially with the strategies such as annotation and adaptation of materials.

Social: Students are part of a wider networked, community of peers. They are members of a range of communities of practice to share resources, ask for help, peer assess as well as job opportunities. Networking is easier as students have both university connection and statewide folks.

Changing skills set: Students need and are demonstrating new skills in terms of harnessing the potential of technologies for their learning. These include developing skills of evaluation and an ability to critique and make critical decisions about a variety of sources and content. Students are becoming sophisticated at finding and managing information.

Flexibility and mobility: Technologies provide students with more flexibility in terms of being able to undertake learning anytime, anywhere. Some students also work part time/full time, live hours away from campus or has family obligation that do not allow them to pursue campuses degree. Learning options are no longer constrained by their geographic.

Sources:

“We’re living What We’re Learning”: Student perspectives in Distance Learning Degree and Certificate Programs in Public Health, Margaret M Cannon; Karl E Umble; Allan Steckler; Saundra Shay, Journal of Public Health Management and Practice; Jan 2001 retrieved from http://www.ksu.edu.sa/sites/Colleges/CollegeofPharmacy/Documents/Literature/English/AHS_Education/55.pdf

Online Students Don't Fare as Well as Classroom Counterparts, Study Finds, Dan Carnevale, The Chronicle of higher Education, February 25, 2002, retrieved from chronicle.com/free/2002/02/2002022501u.htm

An in-depth case study of students’ experiences of e-Learning-how is learning changing? Conole. G. The University of Sydney: ascilite 2006,retrieved from http://ascilite.org.au/conferences/sydney06/proceeding/pdf_papers/p127.pdf