What is e-learning?
E-learning is an attractive learning process that can motivate students to learn deeply. In my mind, online learning can have significant impacts on educational environments. E-learning provides students with an anytime/any place independent learning environment. Although this method can be a convenient and efficient way for delivering the educational contents, the success of using e-learning for teaching and learning depends on learners and instructors. I believe that newer ways to blend traditional instruction with technology mediated instructional methods can be more effective in improving students’ learning. According to Adams & Seagren (2004), the use of e-learning in educational institutions has changed the way learners learn, lecturers teach, and administrators manage. E-learning can enhance teaching and learning quality, and offer more flexibility in student learning (Adams & Seagren, 2004). This method of teaching and learning provides the learner more autonomy. It means that the learner is more in charge of their own learning. In spite of the many advantages of online instruction, online learning also has several drawbacks such as limited capability to engage learners in learning events and the lack of a sense of belonging or community during online learning that prevents the development of shared feelings and emotions between learners and instructors (Oh & Lim, 2005). If online courses cannot satisfy students’ needs, it is likely that students withdraw from the course. According to Willging and Johnson (2004), “it is estimated that dropout rates for distance education are higher than those for on-campus programs and courses” (p. 106). In line with this idea, Frankola (2001) pointed out that “although there is significant variation among institutions … several administrators concur that course-completion rates are often 10 to 20 percentage points higher in traditional courses than in distance offerings” (p. 2). Therefore, blended instruction can be a solution to overcome the shortcomings of online instruction. In line with this idea, Walker and Jorn (2009, cited in Bowen,2012) found that students want not only face to face instruction but also online instruction to promote their motivation for learning achievement. Hence, this method of teaching can help instructors utilize various instructional strategies to enhance students’ learning. References Adams, J. C., & Seagren, A. T. (2004). Distance education strategy: Mental models and strategic choices. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 7(2). Bowen,J. A. ( 2012). Teaching naked: How moving technology out of your college classroom will improve student learning. John Wiley & Sons. Frankola, K. (2001). Why online learners drop out. Workforce- Costa Mesa, 80(10), 52-61. Oh, E., & Lim, D.H. (2005). Cross relationships between cognitive styles and learner variables in online learning environment. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 4(1), 53–66. Willging, P. A., & Johnson, S. D. (2004). Factors that influence students’ decision to drop out of online courses. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 8(4), 105-118. Watch this interesting TED TALKS. Daphne Koller, one of the founders of Coursera (an online education platform), explains about online learning and advantages of taking online courses.
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