To understand the challenges and values of online educational technology it is important that we understand the difference between online learning and e-learning. Have a look at the video below and see how we have progressed with educational technology:
Online learning is a educational methodology of teaching and learning on the internet utilizing electronic platforms that support the teaching and learning. these methods are often very flexible and in most cases will support the learner and their requirements. Mbarek, R., & Zaddem, F. (2013) discusses the factors how technology has expanded greatly over the last few years seeing a real spike in technology being used of training and education globally that supports the importance of the internet.
E-learning is where by a teacher and student interact in a electronic setting. this may be the internet as the communications platform however it may be by the use of other electronic technologies available (Lui, 2010). It would be reasonable to suggest that the two are required to be used in parallel to each other to be effective.
Now we understand the difference between the two, we can now have a look at some of the challenges that are faced in this environment:
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- Potential internet and technology dependence
- Suitable knowledge of technology required prior to commencing study
- No social presence or interaction
- The changing face of technology
- Resources availability to learners and teachers
- Responses to questions and feedback may not be provided immediately
This short video explains advantages and disadvantages of technology in education. We have already seen some of the challenges. Now lets focus on the advantages or value technology will provide for us:
The ever-changing nature of how humans learn requires personal and technological adaptability. Although we have covered many potential drawbacks of online learning and e-learning that face-to-face learning would fix, both platforms have plenty to offer. It really is the way of the future. Between busy schedules and flexible lifestyles, our modern idea of workplace learning is changing. Online educational technologies afford us the choices of how, what, and when we want to learn.
References
Mbarek, R., & Zaddem, F. (2013). The examination of factors affecting e-learning effectiveness. International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies, 2(4), 423-435.
Liu, C. H. (2010, August). The comparison of learning effectiveness between traditional face-to-face learning and e-learning among goal-oriented users. In 6th International Conference on Digital Content, Multimedia Technology and its Applications (pp. 255-260). IEEE.