Comparison between E-Learning and the Traditional Teaching Methods - Literature review Example

Running Header: Comparison Between E-Learning and the Traditional Teaching Methods Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code & Name: Date of Submission Table of contents Executive summary…………………………………………………………………..3 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..3 E-learning…………… …………………………………………………………….4 The comparison between e-learning and traditional teaching methods………….…..4 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….……..7 References……………………………………………………………………………8 E-learning Executive summary The world is changing at a lightning speed due to the growth and advancement in technology. This advancement has led to introduction of e-learning system in all levels of academics. This report brings out the broad definition of e-learning as a method of delivering education and sharing information among learners and their tutors, as well as clearly identifying the merits and demerits of adopting e-learning as a communication means schools; this will lead to the comparison between e-learning and the traditional methods of teaching. As it is evident technology advancement is inevitable in today’s world; this calls for a collaborative approach to make use of e-learning though it has to be combined with the traditional teaching method. Advantages of e-learning are surpasses the disadvantages making it a viable option to many schools. Introduction As Keith and Alex (2007) confirms, there is no universally acceptable definition of the term e-learning as it is a broad concept; however, e learning covers a wide range of materials used to transfer information from the instructor to the student. E-learning can be described as a means of transferring information through the Information Communication Technology; this can either be through, local area network, internet. E-learning includes web based training; computer based training, Electronic performance system as well as distance learning plus online tutorials. The basic idea here is to understand that for you to make advantage of using e-learning one must have a computer. On the other hand traditional teaching method is mostly teacher oriented whereby a teacher and a learner interact directly in a classroom. This method is considered book oriented. Both the e-learning and traditional learning systems have the merits and demerits regarding the quality of education, the success of the teaching method, and the relation between the tutor, trainer and the learner. These disadvantages and the advantages are discussed below. E-learning To begin with as -learning is a broad term that includes a number of training methods and Modes; it is mainly divided into two parts. The first one is the asynchronous learning and synchronous learning. Asynchronous e-learning is an approach which is learners centered unlike the teacher centered approach whereby a teacher interacts directly in a class with the learners. Asynchronous e-learning is mainly delivered through computer- based training, wikis, discussion boards, blog site. Many asynchronous e-learning may provide live facilitator to support the student. On the other hand synchronous e-learning, is tutor –led online learning as it involves an interaction between a learner and a student within a time which is preset, mainly through the use of web based conferencing. Listed below are the merits and demerits of the e-learning systems that should be put into consideration before implementing an e-learning system in the school (Elisabeth and Daring, 2001) The comparison of e-learning and the traditional teaching method According to Karen (2007), e-learning is considered efficient as it makes use of the available resources such as computers to offer training and communicate to many learners. After initial expenses of providing internet, computers and other technological equipment involved in delivering e-learning has been invested, the other cost involved later is so minimal. It has been argued that e-learning reduces the cost especially on the instructor’s costs, travelling cost, expenses for travelling to the schools. It also saves on the amount of time spent as when a tutor does not get involved in other activities so as to attend a classroom lesson. This is not the case in traditional teaching method as a teacher has to come to class on regular basis, spending more time which could be valuable or productive somewhere else, may be in the office; there is spending huge sums of money in printing and writing course work materials. E-learning is globally consistent; there is distribution of work as one can as well work from home. The Universality nature of e-learning helps in eliminating tutors who are not competent as it offers chances to top instructors across the boarders; it is also provides mechanisms to track the attendance, completion as well as the average time a student spends on a specific course work .A student can learn from home if there is availability of computer and internet; this saves time for the student, as he or she does not need to walk or drive to school. E-learning materials are accessible 24 hours in a day, it is therefore, convenient for the students who work part time as they can complete assignments, get night tutorials at their convenience On the other hand traditional teaching method is only applicable in a particular class only when a teacher attends the class, Incase a teacher fails to turn up, and the day might end up being wasted. According to International Business management (2010), e-learning is also convenient as it gives a learner an opportunity to study at their own convenience, and at the time they prefer, a student may also pause when tired or to engage in other activities and later go back for the training at their own convenience. E-learning offers timely access to information; web based lessons gives instructor an opportunity to update lessons across the entire network at once; this enables the available teaching materials to be up-to date and fresh as well as consistent, it also gives the students an immediate access to data that is most recent, unlike the traditional teaching method where by learning materials are only availed in class, and only when the teacher is in class. Through online education or e-learning, information is retrieved when it is needed, unlike when it is learned in class and forgotten. E-learning is enjoyable as use of computers is interesting, this may act as a motivation to a student who gets bored by class work As indicated by Jeffrey (2006) ,one major setback to e-learning is the need for all learners to have access to computer plus the internet or network connection; computer skills are also very crucial especially the basics in word processing, internet browsing and emailing because e-learning requires the knowledge computer operations; without these very important skills in all learners, implementing e-learning will leave many out of school mostly the disadvantaged from the rural areas where there is no electricity and no internet connection, which are the most essential requirement for e-learning. Education is meant to be for all not only for the privileged in the society. This is the main reason why both systems has to be used so as to give a chance to those who cannot access e-learning due to lack of computers and internet plus the skills .This makes traditional teaching method effective. The initial investment for e-learning infrastructure is too high, considering that the lifespan of some computers can not be estimated. Due to lack of direct interaction between the teacher and the student, the learner may feel lonely or secluded leading to boredom and finally giving up; it is also difficult for the instructor to measure the comprehension of the student because they do not interact face to face in an interactive manner. The instructor can not gauge if the subject matter is understood by the student. In traditional teaching method a teacher is able to interact freely with the student, and assesses the performance of the student to ensure that the student comprehends well the subject being taught. As explained by Mark and Diane (2007), e-learning requires motivation as it is the student’s initiative that matters to begin and complete a particular task; some students may not get the motivation to allocate time for them selves. Therefore, implementing e-learning without motivating the students will be a mess to the students. Students may also fail to study without strict monitoring from their tutor. Conclusion Technology advancement has been in use for long in the field of e-commerce and its success shows that e-learning can also be a success. Despite the demerits of the e-learning system, a school or institution should put into consideration many other factors, to ensure that within the institution everyone is taken care of including the underprivileged. The demerits of e-learning can be dealt with as time goes on, some calls for sacrifices and motivation especially on the side of the learners. Technology and development are interlinked. Therefore, when a society realizes that it has to advance technologically, basically it proves that there is a feeling of development. The challenges to e-learning should not be treated as hindrances to change, as we are aware that change is inevitable. In this case e-learning has more advantages than disadvantages as compared to traditional teaching methods; this is the reason as to why it should be adopted. E-learning is an aid to ease and transform the whole world into a global village in communicating and information sharing. It is also worth noting that e-learning cannot be fully relied on, therefore both e-learning and traditional teaching methods has to be dependent on for a quality education. References Elisabeth, R. and Darin, H 2001, Basics of e-learning, American Society for Training and Development:USA. Keith, H. and Alex, K 2007, Learning objects, implications and future directions. Informing science: United States. Karen, L 2007,The advantages of e-learning, viewed 6 April 2011, Read More