Implementing eLearning: Know The Challenges And Opportunities

Implementing eLearning

As many as are the challenges there are also the opportunities which are made possible by eLearning and in this article we are going to examine both at length. The exponential growth of information makes it important that learning should happen at greater pace. In meeting this trial and challenge one requires new thinking about the ways and means of acquiring knowledge and skills as well ways and means of developing learning resources that can keep pace with the knowledge environment and ecosystem.

Challenges seen in the development of eLearning as a learning platform

In spite of the many benefits that one can perceive in eLearning, there are also challenges which need to be overcome in order to increase and improve the effectiveness of eLearning. These are listed below:

1. Firstly, there is a lack of awareness of the eLearning platform among many students and parents. There is no awareness of the effectiveness of eLearning and many still depend hugely on the traditional methods and believe that mode to be better.
2. Low adoption rate of the eLearning platform– While there are many institutes that are willing to adopt the eLearning platform there is still a lack of e-content, and the non-availability of adequate infrastructure along with the problem of digital gap and divide that had led to a lesser rate of adoption of the platform.
3. Bandwidth issues and connectivity issues – If you wish to provide engaging content then it follows that you require a combination of multimedia constituents as well as the right apparatus. There are issues we face in connectivity and bandwidth which will lead to problems in downloading of engaging content which will make the learning slower. This leads to frustration among the students and thereby affects the ease in the training and learning process.
4. The fourth issue could be the lack of computer literacy among a mainstream population. This is true for the rural masses as well and this also hinders introduction of eLearning and its implementation.
5. Lack of e-content of high quality – There is presently a dearth of good quality eLearning content and this can be attributed to the lack of expertise as well as to the enormous financial resources needed to develop content. This has led to the eLearning content having moderate impact on learning masses as well as to a low interactivity.
6. Difficulty experienced in engaging learners actively for online learning – This is one of the main factors that determines the success or failure of the eLearning process and hence is key to its implementation and sustainability. Requiring a very high degree of self – motivation online learning becomes a challenge since not many students possess this quality; hence the learners find it difficult to move from traditional to new eLearning modes.

Opportunities provided by eLearning

eLearning has the twin advantage of providing training and learning opportunities cost effectively while improving the accessibility of education. eLearning opens up training opportunities to more and more people and when these ambitions are met everyone will have access to cost effective training as and when required. While the technology needs to develop further and evolve and improve waiting for the correct tool or mechanism will only hinder progress. The benefits and potential of eLearning far outweigh the challenges and it is essential that institutes and governments come together to resolve the issues.

The advent of Information and Communication Technology and the Internet of things has had a great impact and influence on the way knowledge is transmitted. This has led to the development of eLearning as a new and important way to transmit knowledge. While bringing us the hope of imparting training and knowledge in a most cost-effective manner E-learning has made possible many new opportunities for more and more people allowing greater accessibility to students.

Recommendations from eTutorWorld to improve the status of eLearning as a viable learning and training option:

1. Incorporating a Blended learning method which would bring the benefits of both traditional and eLearning modes. This would mean creating a learning environment which would combine the benefits of all the delivery models such as face-to-face, self-paced and individualized learning along with online interactions.
2. Marked improvement in accessibility and connectivity. Through up gradation of technological infrastructure and reduction of access fees and bringing them to an affordable scale.
3. Incorporating mobile learning which will help overcome the issues of connectivity and accessibility to a great extent. Leveraging on the use of the mobile phone, eTutorWorld recommends that mobile technology be used to the highest possible extent.
4. Setting up a National Level e-content development Center that will cater to the content needs of the industry and ensure that these is a coordinated effort for content development and the center will act as a repository of quality e-content.
5. Invest in Training and development of e-content experts. This will go a long way in ensuring great content and also in ensuring that we are never in dearth of quality content.
6. Ensure that quality e-content is developed and monitored to ensure e-content standards are maintained.
7. Enable the promotion of knowledge sharing among eLearning providers and thereby champion the cause of eLearning.
8. Development of procedures, policies and standards for eLearning is imperative to ensure the highest standards are maintained.
9. Monitor eLearning practices and initiating research in eLearning while enabling collaborations in eLearning thereby ensuring the growth of eLearning in the country.