-By Rajesh Panda
E-Learning: virtual revolution
Although e-learning has been around for over a decade, it has become a household term over the past couple of years. As demand for remote learning increased during the pandemic, online learning quickly replaced the physical classroom. Even now that students are returning to schools and colleges, online learning has carved out a place for itself in the educational space and is here to stay. According to recent research reports, the global e-learning market size and share demand is expected to reach USD 374.3 billion by 2026, from USD 144 billion in 2019, at a compound annual growth rate ( CAGR) of 14.6%.
Online learning is generally divided into two categories – synchronous and asynchronous. In synchronous online learning, students and teachers virtually interact with each other at the same time. Similar to an on-campus course, it is scheduled regularly and both the students and the teacher will attend the course at the same time. Students participate in discussions, give presentations, hand in assignments and work on team projects. Classes are delivered live online via Zoom or a similar platform.
On the other hand, asynchronous learning allows students to create their own schedule and can be done even when the teacher or student is offline. In this case, the students complete the lessons on their own. Students can follow the program and access the courses via pre-recorded sessions or other learning media at any time during the course duration.
Depending on their needs and schedule, students can choose between the two. Some courses combine synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, making learning more flexible and efficient.
Education has undergone a dramatic transformation with the rise of online learning and brought us to the dawn of the education revolution.
Here is an overview of the scope of e-learning:
Flexibility: One of the advantages of E-learning is its flexibility. When learning at home, students can save time and focus on other activities. They have the freedom to plan their day without having to follow a strict schedule or spend time commuting to school or university. This flexibility improves discipline in students by improving personal motivation, responsibility and time management skills.
It also benefits working professionals and allows a better balance of the responsibilities they have to assume between studies and work.
Online learning also helps in acquiring better time management skills. According to IBM statistics, e-learning can increase productivity by 50%. A common curriculum between teacher and students in online education can prove extremely beneficial in extending more autonomy and sense of responsibility to all actors involved in the education ecosystem.
Wide choice: Online learning offers students the opportunity to choose from a wide range of courses.
Most universities and institutions today offer online programs related to different disciplines. From Quantum Physics to Music and Fine Arts and from Automotive Engineering to Masters in Business Administration, there are many options available. It is also convenient for students that without joining in person, they can obtain certificates from reputable institutes related to their chosen specialization.
Accessibility Convenience: Like flexibility, accessibility adds to the reach of e-learning programs. From the comfort of your own home, you can access e-learning programs and continue your studies without leaving your living room. It saves time and is also a cost-effective way to improve your knowledge and build a better portfolio.
Personalized lessons and learning pace
The use of AI and machine learning to design many of these courses allows for personalized content that best suits the learner. It also allows students to learn at their own pace and enhances the learning experience.
Conclusion
Online learning has opened up huge opportunities for learners – students, housewives, school dropouts and working professionals. What we know about e-learning is just the beginning, the use of technologies such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) will advance e-learning and transform learning. It is now more convenient than ever and has the potential to revolutionize the way knowledge is shared.
The author is the founder of Corporate Gurukul.
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