In this day and age, technology is an inevitable part of human life. From corporate ventures to daily household errands, it has permeated into almost every niche and field. It has transformed the educational arena, providing new opportunities and avenues for learning.
E-learning in Pakistan is becoming a thing now, as it is a great enabler in terms of learning practices. While online education holds many benefits, it has some drawbacks as well. Here is a brief overview of the merits and demerits of e-learning.
The internet penetration in Pakistan is increasing consistently. Currently, it stands at 35.21 percent of the population. The higher rate of internet users means there are more potential recipients of digital learning programs. Moreover, inaccessibility to books stores and financial constraints prevent students’ from availing traditional educational materials. E-learning can effectively remove these obstacles, as one can access the materials from the comfort of their home.
Academies and tuition centers have predefined schedules, which do not suit all students. Online learning is beneficial in this regard, as it allows the students to set their own schedules. They can access the learning platforms at any time of the day. This way, they get to keep up with their other responsibilities without affecting their study and exam preparation.
E-learning is cost-efficient, as it does not involve any commute expenses. Moreover, some e-learning platforms offer complete course material designed by the subject experts along with solved past papers, book notes, and practice tests—all under one roof. Hence, the cost incurred on additional tuition is saved.
E-learning platforms engage professionals who are specialized in concerned subjects to design the learning material. This material is tailored to the specific requirements of different educational boards. Students find it hard to access authentic study material even when they are seeking outside help like academies or home tuitions. Online education platforms can help them in this regard. They provide a complete self-study kit that can help them with their exam preparation.
While technology is great, it can render a person helpless in case of any unannounced hurdles. The learning process can be jeopardized easily if the computer or the internet is not working properly. With power outages being a frequent occurrence, it becomes difficult for students to rely solely on online platforms—especially when they have an exam or a test the next day.
With e-learning, students’ social life often faces a decline. This happens as a result of complete reliance on e-learning mediums, where the student becomes overly engaged and starts neglecting social activities and other household responsibilities. Socializing is crucial to a person’s mental health. It is also a learning opportunity, as one understands more by having a discussion with their peers. E-learning can be more challenging if the student is more of a social butterfly.
Some students need a push to study hard. This motivation usually comes from instructors and peers. When the student is doing self-study, they are prone to procrastination. The inspiration, guidance, and deadlines, given by a teacher, are usually missing in modern education learning.
E-learning holds several benefits for the students. With technology becoming a prominent part of our lives, we can put it to more productive use. Its demerits can be dealt with easily by adopting a few healthy habits.
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