E-learning-Advantages & Disadvantages

E-learning is a broad term that generally refers to any kind of learning done with a computer and Internet connection or CD-ROM. It is used by individuals, educational institutions and businesses. As with any type of learning, it works better for some than others. The quality of e-learning has improved in recent years, as teachers and students have become more comfortable with the technology.

A major disadvantage to e-learning is the self-discipline it requires. While being able to work at your own pace can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage. This is especially true for students who have difficulty with time management and procrastination. These students tend to be more successful with the structure of traditional learning. Another disadvantage to e-learning is the technology involved. Some people do not have ready access to a computer and Internet connection. And some who do have the required equipment feel ill-equipped to use it. Lack of interaction between teacher and student is another drawback to e-learning. Some students need the immediate feedback that interaction provides.Web Based Training (WBT) is a viable option for many international companies over instructor-led training.

Disadvantages of Electronic Learning

* Unmotivated learners or those with poor study habits may fall behind
* Lack of familiar structure and routine may take getting used to
* Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction
* Instructor may not always be available on demand
* Slow or unreliable Internet connections can be frustrating
* Managing learning software can involve a learning curve
* Some courses such as traditional hands-on courses can be difficult to simulate

Knowing e-learning advantages and disadvantages helps with learning software selection as well as online distance learning programs structure and selection. It is important to know the merits and demerits of e-learning to make a decision.

Mobile Education in India

The mobile revolution is finally here in the form of m-learning, which is a natural extension of e-learning. In a span of five years, Mobile learning or m-learning has made an exponential leap from theory explored by academicians to a real contribution to learning. Globally speaking, the kind of penetration that mobile phones have reached is astounding and no other device can come any closer, not even computers. No demography is immune from the mobile phone and it has slowly become associated with the youth in a bigger way.

mLearning has been directly tied to distance education and for obvious reasons. The platform for both types of education is rooted in the ability to learn beyond the confines of a classroom. Students seeking a degree program that allows them the flexibility to balance their work and academic schedules are flocking towards accredited online colleges. mLearning compliments the eLearner's need for mobility by providing a learning platform that's even more portable than a laptop.


M-learning help the distance education universities to send their critical messages onto the mobile phones of invigilators. So these invigilators and universities can do their business without delay. In distance education there will not be close contact between the students, parents, universities etc and this mobile messaging offers complete automation of various communication processes such as College to Student communication, College to Parent communication etc at these universities. It will make communication process easier for them.

Apart from that students need to download study material for learning. And charging some amount for downloading these application will surely bring an business opportunity. As mobile education reach wide range of students, it will open a big business opportunity for the players.