What Is eLearning?
eLearning or online education can be defined as a form of learning that utilizes electronic technologies to gain access to educational curriculum, usually outside the brick-and-mortar classroom. It may refer to a course, degree or program that's completely delivered on an online-based platform. With online education, learning is not disseminated via pre-built videos or television channels. But rather it involves a situation where students can interact with instructors online in real-time. Students are allowed to raise hands electronically during a class session to ask questions or contribute to topics of discussion.
eLearning can be delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS) or over video conference software. Using these platforms, instructors can interact with their students, evaluate their participation and grade their assignments or tests. A good example of video conference software that can be used in eLearning is ezTalks Webinar. This software offers a number of interactive features like innovative whiteboards, instant screen & content sharing and cross-platform chat. Using these tools, students and instructors can interact and collaborate effectively for even better delivery of classes.
Benefits Of eLearning
1. You can learn whatever you want!
You can pick the program of your dreams in traditional education, too, but that would involve traveling away from home, living in a completely unknown city, and struggling in an extremely competitive learning environment. With online education, you can take any program or course present in traditional four-year universities.
2. Lower Costs
The fact that online programs are cheaper when compared to the ones held in a traditional campus setting is enough to convince you to consider them. The average tuition for online courses depends on multiple factors, so it varies from one program to another. If, for example, you want to enroll in the Big Data Specialization program provided by University California, San Diego through Coursera, you'll pay $399. You also have an option to pay $49 per course. Financial Aid is available for learners who cannot afford this fee, so that's something you should always keep in mind.
3. Comfort
Forget about attending classes for hours, sitting in an uncomfortable chair, and suffering from back pain by the end of the day. You will not be bound to physical class session when you opt for eLearning. All lectures and needed materials are provided via online platforms like ezTalks Webinar so you'll easily access them from the comfort of your home. You will not take public transport to get to campus, you won't have to spend money on gas for your car, you won't have to get up early to get dressed for class but for the virtual classroom via the software...the list of conveniences goes on and on.
4. Self-paced Learning
When you start browsing through interesting online courses and programs, you'll notice the Self-Paced label on most of them. What does this mean? Self-paced learning means that the students can start completing the targets at any time, and he can arrange a learning schedule that meets his individual needs.
5. Accessible for People of All Ages and Experiences
eLearning education platforms provide equal opportunities to all people interested in acquiring new skills or furthering their studies. There are absolutely no harsh restrictions as witnessed in traditional academic institutions. In fact, enrolling for an online education program takes a few steps that can be done in a single day. Both fresh and working students can simply enroll, pursue and complete their desired courses in hassle-free manner.
Conclusion
These are some of the key benefits that students and instructors can enjoy from eLearning. With enrollment for online courses increasing day by day, it seems the idea of eLearning slowly is gaining some solid ground. Compared to the traditional brick-and-mortar education, online education offers more flexibility, greater convenience and improved performance. And since virtual classroom solutions are reasonably priced, students can enjoy even greater value for their money.
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