subject: E - Learning - Distance Not A Barrier - Anymore!! [print this page] Any person born on planet earth deserves to be educated or it will be precise to term education as birth right. It is the fundamental process through which a child grows into a man. Education plays a vital role in the success of any individual. It prepares them physically, socially and mentally for the world to be met in the later part of their life. Education is also referred to as the basis of society, which helps in bringing out economic welfare, social and political stability. The development of any region depends on its standard of education and literacy.
It is said that home is the place where education actually begins, because a kid starts to observe and learn what happens around him. In most of the countries, it is mandatory to attend schools in order to receive an education which is regarded as the ultimate key to success. But what about places which do not have the proper infrastructures or proper source of materials required to impart education? Wont they be able to study? Its a myth. The rapid development of information and technology has lead to the starting of the new stream of education called online education. E-learning, as it is called, believes in the fact that distance and any kind of hindrance should not stop a person from getting educated.
Collectively, e-learning is the electronic medium of learning and teaching. The presence of a computer and an internet is all what it takes to take up e-learning. It can also be used to teach a group of students in a locality. The material is usually delivered through
The internet
Audio/video format
Satellite tape
CD ROM
They are self paced. This means that a person can study depending on his capability. Some may take time to understand a concept while others may grasp it in a short span of time. The content provided is generally in the form of text, image/animation, streaming audio or video. This helps the students to understand better because they are able to see the actual happenings of a lesson. The process of e-learning is a boon to several millions on earth. People who long to acquire information and can get it in their home; its a blessing in disguise.
The benefits of e-learning include:
Accessibility:
One can attend classes from anywhere, irrespective of distance, locality, region etc.
Flexibility:
You decide the time, you want to learn. It eliminates the need for you to relocate your residence or compromise full time job.
Anytime assistance:
Instructors are ready to assist a student at any time of the day. The constant feedbacks, quick response through mails, help a student to keep a track on their performance.
Materials:
The study materials are always archived in the directory so that it is easy for the student to retrieve and gain access to information whenever he wants.
One of the other major features of online education is the concept of Video Conferencing. It is a technology where one can have a one on one session with each other from any corner of the world. With video conferencing technology, an entire class room can be setup virtually and be taught. It also enables personalities to give guest lectures, without actually coming to the place.
Some of the popular online courses include guitar classes, foreign languages (French, German, Chinese etc) dance/music classes and so on. Online education has quenched the thirst for knowledge of many people across the globe and will continue to. And, with the prevalence of several good internet providers like Time Warner internet, e-learning can positively change the way the world runs when applied practically.
