e-Learning Advantages and Disadvantages

What are e-learning advantages and disadvantages? Many organizations and institutions provide some sort of training or instruction to their employees or learners. Typically they provide needed training by sending people to school, holding in-house training classes, or providing manuals and self-study guides. In some situations it is advantageous for them to use e-learning or other forms of e-learning instead of the traditional training. Other times it is disadvantageous. As with anything else, there are benefits and limitations, as well as pros and cons. There are many advantages to online and computer-based learning when compared to traditional face-to-face courses and lectures. There are a few disadvantages as well.

Some universities offering preparation to work in e-learning are:

• Capella University
• Walden University
• Kaplan University
• University of Maryland University College
• University of Illinois
• Jones International University
• St. Joseph's University

• Western Governors University
• Full Sail Real World Education
  

Advantages of e-learning

• Class work can be scheduled around personal and professional work
• 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
• 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
  
  Knowing e-learning advantages and disadvantages helps with software selection