7 Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Learning for Students | Limitations & Benefits of E-Learning for Students

Today internet has been used for various purposes, similarly it can be also used for the learning process. Internet makes it possible to follow courses online and educate yourself. 

 

E-learning (Electronic-learning) is a self determined learning process where students use electronic technology for acquiring knowledge. For following such courses online, even students are able to acquire a degree.

E-Learning is gaining rapid attention among students. Especially, working students are feeling convenient from this technology enhanced learning. Entire learning materials of e-learning is made available on the internet. This includes Wikipedia articles, blog posts and YouTube tutorials. 

 

However not every students feel convenient with e-learning. Similar to a classroom education e-learning also has its own pros and cons. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages, students will be able to decide if e-learning will be a best option for them.

In this article, I am going to tell you about 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Learning for Students | Limitations & Benefits of E-Learning for Students. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using e-learning for students.

Let's get started,

Advantages of E-Learning for Students

1. Cost

Comparing to a conventional learning program, the expenses involved in a e-learning course is significantly lower. Using e-learning platform means that students are going to eliminate unnecessary costs. 

 

E-learning completely eradicates the need of commuting, transportation, meal and renting. The only need of a student is either a computer or a smartphone device. Therefore, e-learning is the best economical option for a student looking for a learning program.

Moreover, students are not only the one benefited from this cost effective system. Since there is no need for a physical classroom, educational institutes offering e-learning courses too save plenty of money.


2. Availability

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E-learning also does not suffer from geographical constraints. Students will be able to participate in an e-learning course from any part of the world. Even in a case like Covid-19, still students could continue their education.

There are lots of reputative universities around the globe that offers e-learning courses. This is especially ideal for students who are willing to participate in a certain course offered by a specific university that is located entirely different from the country they are situated in.


3. Mobility

E-learning is also considered to be a highly mobile strategy since it allows learning to take place in any given location. But only under the condition of having a stable internet connection. 

 

All the learning materials are available at the internet that can be accessed 24x7. Therefore, even students with their busy schedules will be able to study at their own comfortable time.


4. Time Management

E-learning is the most convenient option for students who are working part or full time. Students can easily manage a time schedule that is most suited for them. Each student has their own work schedule, e-learning makes it possible for them to study at their own desired time.

And also, since the e-learning materials are available right next to the student, there is no time wasted in the transportation too. They are going to pursue the education inside their home premises.


5. Convenience

Compared to a traditional method of classroom learning, e-learning offers a much relaxing and entertaining environment. It entirely differs from conventional learning. Most students find e-learning much relaxing since they could follow the course at their own comfort. 

 

They don't need to wakeup early in the morning, dress up urgently and get ready for the collage. Thus, e-learning relieves students from additional stress.


6. Communication

For some students, it can be embarrassing for them to ask questions regarding easy topics. Even some are hesitant to express doubts from hard lessons. E-learning platform makes it possible for such students to communicate with other peer students and teachers. 

 

It also offers various forms of discussion boards, video conferences and chats through which students can share their thoughts and opinions. Eventually, students will be able to learn the course in much more detail.


7. Environment Friendly

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E-learning is completely free of papers which supports the fact that it is environment friendly. It does not contribute to the atmospheric pollution caused by the cutting of tree. 

 

And also e-learning potentially prevents the green house effect by reducing the amount of CO2 released. This theory is also supported due to the avoidance of vehicle transportation.

 

Disadvantages of E-Learning for Students

1. Socialization

The methods practiced in e-learning most often contributes to anxiety and stress. Students don't interact with their teachers and classmates here. After some time of following the e-learning course, some students undergo loneliness due to the lack of social interaction. 

 

Socialization is an important aspect to life. Without them students will not be able to achieve strong relationships.


2. Internet Access

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E-learning solely depends on an internet connection. Unless students are having a fast and stable network connection, study cannot carry out their study sessions. Still there are many places around the world where internet access is limited. 

 

Therefore, in those places students should carry the burden of going to an internet cafe or depending on a public Wifi.


3. Distractions

Since e-learning is usually carried out in home or places other than collage, there high chances for the study procedures to get disturbed by people like family members and roommates.

And besides studies there are so much of entertaining elements on the internet. Most students who follow e-learning courses tends to log in e-learning courses at the same time failing to pay attention to studies. 

 

Hence, students need to be highly focused and concentrated in order for avoiding such distractions.


4. Self Motivation

Students who follow e-learning courses, needs to be self motivated on their own. Otherwise, they could fail to complete the e-learning course. In traditional collages, there are tight deadline schedules and guidance from professors that constantly keep them motivated towards their leaning goal.

Whereas in e-learning, there are very few factors which motivates students for studies. Although some students are generally good at that, other lack this kind of self motivation.


5. Experience

All lessons in e-learning is based on theoretical components instead of practical sessions. Most at times e-learning is composed of podcasts, presentations and videos. 

 

It is impossible to implement practical sessions in e-learning programs which makes students unable to conduct any hands-on experiments here. So students are finding it difficult to grasp e-learning concepts without practical skills.


6. Computer Literacy

Not all the students excel when it comes to computer literacy. There are still many parts of the world that completely lacks computer knowledge. 

 

For those people using a computer ; even a user friendly software could be a difficult task. Therefore, students also from those regions will be facing difficulty in following a e-learning course.


7. Health Risks

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Sitting in front of a computer and learning all day includes many effects to a human health. Other than postural problems, students are also reporting issues in the eye sight and headache. 

 

However, these kinds of health risks can be prevented to some extent by taking regular breaks in between e-learning sessions.