Self-study courses are a popular modality in e-learning.
E-learning is an English term that refers to electronic learning (i.e. electronic learning ). It is the process that allows you to acquire knowledge and develop skills in a digital environment .
E-learning is also known as virtual learning or online learning . The concept is linked to educational resources that make training possible through the Internet , without the student having to go in person to a physical place to study.
History of e-learning
The history of e-learning is associated with the evolution of the Web. Although the notion is related to educational technology that is used to study and train online, distance learning already existed previously through deliveries by postal mail , audio tapes or CD-ROMs , depending on the time.
The distinctive characteristic of e-learning compared to other methodologies of the past is its digital base. It is interesting to note that the name was coined by Elliott Masie in 1999 at a conference where he referred to e-learning as the design, management and development of learning using network technology .
The first stage of e-learning, in this framework, was promoted by universities . These entities established learning platforms so that their students could access classes from a computer, generally complementing this possibility with traditional attendance at the study center.
Over time, 100% online training proposals emerged, whether administered by universities or other educational institutions and even companies. The greater speed of connections and connectivity through the telephone were the factors that led to the growth of e-learning in the last decade.
Today e-learning offers a wide variety of options, from basic instruction to complete postgraduate courses, including webinars and MOOCs (massive open online courses) . ICT (information and communication technologies) also contemplate self-taught e-learning , which can be carried out when a person learns on their own thanks to e-books, educational podcasts, online conferences and other tools.
Online degree programs are part of the e-learning options.
Your advantages
E-learning offers numerous advantages. One of them is the possibility of transcending physical distances by having a virtual classroom or classes via videoconference (via Zoom , Microsoft Teams , Google Classroom or other services).
This implies that the student can learn from home, in a library, in a park or in any other space. You no longer need to travel, saving time and often money. E-learning even opens up the possibility of learning at an institution abroad without traveling (a young Paraguayan can study at an English university by connecting from his home in Asunción, to mention one possibility).
Another benefit of e-learning is flexibility . Although live classes can be held ( synchronous learning ), the usual thing is that the educational resources are available to the student so that they can access them whenever they want or can. This asynchronous learning makes it easier to coordinate training with work or family activities, for example.
Virtuality and temporal flexibility generate another favorable variable: the student enjoys greater autonomy . Each person is responsible for managing their own learning, having broad decision-making power in everything related to the educational process.
E-learning can be developed on video platforms (YouTube, Vimeo) and educational blogs.
Negative aspects of e-learning
Due to its characteristics, e-learning can also have several disadvantages. The most frequently mentioned point against is the lack of face-to-face interaction , which can lead to communication problems and a feeling of isolation. Socialization plays an important role in education and technology modifies ties.
Virtual learning, on the other hand, requires spending a lot of time in front of a screen . This has physical consequences and is especially discouraged in young children.
Greater student autonomy, in turn, can be detrimental in some cases. Self-discipline , concentration and good time management are required to meet objectives.
The technical difficulties in connecting and using the resources of learning management platforms (LMS) is another drawback that cannot be ignored. Nor can we fail to mention that, just as the e-learning offer is vast, the training is not always of quality nor does it serve to obtain valid recognition for the knowledge acquired. Online certifications , in fact, are often not accepted at an official level.
Most popular platforms
Among the numerous e-learning platforms, there are several that stand out for the number of alternatives they offer. One of them is Coursera , which provides free and paid courses through a partnership with more than 275 universities and companies.
Another leading platform is Udemy . It presents more than 210,000 courses for online training, in areas such as Business, Development , Marketing and Design.
Khan Academy is also a reference in e-learning. In this case it is an organization that does not have a profit motive and that aims to provide free quality education. Mathematics, Science and Economics & Finance are some of its categories.