e-Learning Advantages and Disadvantages

E-learning advantages and disadvantages are important to consider when making instructional and learning decisions. The article also looks at advantages and disadvantages of online and distance education.

Advantages of e-Learning

• Class work can be scheduled around personal and professional work, resulting in flexible learning.
• Reduces travel cost and time to and from school
• Learners may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interest
• Learners can study wherever they have access to a computer and Internet
• Self-paced learning modules allow learners to work at their own pace
• Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms
• Different learning styles are addressed and facilitation of learning occurs through varied activities
• Development of computer and Internet skills that are transferable to other facets of learner's lives
• Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning

Disadvantages of e-Learning

• Unmotivated learners or those with poor study habits may fall behind
• Lack of familiar structure and routine may take getting used to
• Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction thus the need to understanding different learning styles and individual learner needs.
• Instructor may not always be available on demand
• Slow or unreliable Internet connections can be frustrating
• Managing learning software can involve a learning curve
• Some courses such as traditional hands-on courses can be difficult to simulate

You can request information from schools of your choice to learn more about their e-learning, instructional technology, or instructional design programs or locate instructional design degree programs in your area.

Knowing e-learning advantages and disadvantages helps with learning software selection as well as online distance learning programs structure and selection. It is important to know the merits and demerits of e-learning to make a decision.