Activity 1.7 – Advantages and Disadvantages of e-Learning




I was absent from the class when we had the discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of e-Learning, however, Mark, our tutor has provided us with a summary of what was shared:

E-Learning Advantages E-Learning Disadvantages
  • Flexibility – time and location
  • Competitive advantage – knowledge construction & knowledge sharing
  • International collaboration
  • Ease of storage, transmission and re-use
  • Confluence of living & learning
  • Feedback, interaction
  • Ease of maintenance/updating
  • Environmental considerations
  • Possibility of using off-the-shelf content, modular
  • Peer-to-peer, relaxed, open participation & sharing
  • “E-Hermit” – Dependence on technology vs. interpersonal communication
  • Very linear, 50% of comm = is body language. Ability to be immediately responsive to student needs in F2F
  • Accessibility (disabilities)
  • Cost
  • Shift away from people onto the technology/content
  • Inflexible
  • Can’t teach tacit knowledge
  • Reliance on ICT competence

Reading: Kevin Kruse “The Benefits and Drawbacks of e-Learning”
http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art1_3.htm


Based on the reading, the advantages of e-Learning for both trainers/organisations and learners include:

  • Reduced costs
  • Reduced learning times
  • Increased retention and application to the job
  • Consistent delivery
  • Expert knowledge is shared and captured
  • Proof of completion and certification
  • On-demand avalability
  • Self-pacing
  • Intereactivity
  • Confidence

The disadvantages include:

  • Up-front investment
  • Technology issues
  • Inappropriate content
  • Cultural acceptance
  • Portability
  • Reduced social and cultural interaction

About this entry

You’re currently reading “Activity 1.7 – Advantages and Disadvantages of e-Learning,” an entry on The Procrastinator’s Worst Enemy

Published::
9.13.07 / 10am
Category:
eLExp Module 1: Introduction to e-Learning
Tags: