eLearning Benefits
 Convenience
is
at
the
top
of
the
list
of
reasons
why
students
take
eLearning
courses.
Although
assignments
usually
have
submission
deadlines,
eLearning
courses
are
primarily
independent
of
time
and
place.
Students
can
access
instruction
at
their
convenience,
no
matter
where
they
live
or
travel.
Online instruction knows no geographic boundaries. Online courses link students from all over the world. Students can share ideas in a culturally diverse setting with people from different social, economic, and experiential backgrounds. Since its inception in 1999, Revelation Online has linked together high school students across Canada and in England, USA, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Russia, Italy, France, Taiwan, and Germany.
- Students can study anywhere they have access to a computer and Internet connection
- Class work can be scheduled around work and family
- Learners can test out or skim over materials already mastered and concentrate efforts in mastering areas containing new information and/or skills
- eLearning can accommodate different learning styles and facilitate learning through a variety of activities
- Self-paced learning modules allow students to work at their own pace
- Students have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interest
Online courses can provide individualized attention and a depth of interaction from instructors and students not achievable in a large classroom environment. eLearning courses encourage contemplative and reflective learning opportunities. With eLearning, students have time to reflect before responding. The asynchronous communications can eliminate the barriers that inhibit some individuals from expressing themselves in face-to-face settings. Setting aside quiet space and time without interruptions, students concentrate and think about the readings before participating in the discussions.
- Uniform standards maintained
- Consistent content delivery
- Fewer errors, safer environment
- Students develop knowledge of the Internet and computers skills that will help them throughout their lives and careers
 The
online
format
reduces
preconceived
notions
based
on
students
age,
gender,
race,
background,
or
level
of
experience.
Through
online
discussion,
students
can
receive
and
give
valuable
feedback
to
each
other
and
learn
from
people
with
a
broad
array
of
backgrounds
and
experience
with
less
judgment
than
might
be
found
in
a
face-to-face
situation.
- Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms
- Instructors and students both report eLearning fosters more interaction among students and instructors than in large classrooms
- Hands-on or lab work is simulated in a virtual classroom
- Fewer penalties from non-compliance
- Successfully completing online or eLearning courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence
- Encourages students to take responsibility for their learning
eLearning
Shortcomings
- Learners with low motivation or bad study habits may fall behind
- Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or confused about course activities and deadlines
- Students may feel isolated from the instructor and classmates
- Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help
- Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials frustrating
- Managing computer files and online learning software can sometimes seem complex for students with beginner-level computer skills
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