INTRODUCTION
The concept of traditional education has changed Gradually within the last couple of years. Being physically present in a classroom isn’t the only learning option anymore, not with the rise of the internet,new technology and the corona pandemic.Nowadays you can have access to quality education whenever and wherever you want, as long as you have access to the computer and good internet connection.Online teaching and learning has been proved to be effective at all levels of education by a number of research despite coming with its hardship.
Online education or e-learning originated in the united states in the 1800s when teachers and learners at the university of Chicago were at different locations and tried to connect through correspondence courses.
In the mid-1980s, the first online college courses were initiated by several Universities and schools. The advent of the internet was a catalyst for moving distance online education to the next level.
Fast forward today,the internet is now playing a bigger role in our lives and dictating how we live, socialise, teach and learn.
However, online teaching and learning is designed to reach and engage the modern learner on one to one basis anywhere, anytime.
The rise of massive open online courses (MOOC) is shaking up education. For science professors, the internet offers new opportunities and technological tools to develop new materials, rethink curricula and teach more effectively, benefiting students both on campus and on web.It gives students critical time, management skills and allows flexibility for both teachers and students such as having freedom to juggle their careers and school because they aren’t tied down to a schedule, increasing flexibility of location, information sharing and availability of online resources such as journals and e books.
This approach enables the learners to develop communication skills, share ideas through online interaction and to develop creative thinking.
characteristics of E-Learning
E-Learning can defined as the use Information Communication Technology to deliver information for education where students and lecturers are separated by distance,time or both,this is done with the aim of improving student's performance and to create a favorable learning environment through the use of all electronic media such as the internet,intranets and extranets.
Therefore E-Learning does not account for barriers of distance and time allowing students to take charge of their learning experience.
The university must decide during or before the implementation phase on the best approach to deliver education such as online learning face to face or apply blended approach.According to most students,this is the most successful approach compared to solery online and only face to face contact.
web based learning does not require extensive computer skills but familiarity with computers and softwares such as web browsers help to reduce expectance barriers and becomes conversant with the gadgets used.
Web based learning can be categorized into three major groups:
Self pace independent study:in this type of e learning students can determine the schedule and study at their own pace.they are able to review the material for as long as necessary. Feedback from online quizzes takes the form of preprogrammed responses.One disadvantage of this web base learning is that their is no one to whom the students can direct questions. This form of study requires the most self motivation.
Synchronous interactive: students participate with an instructor and other students,although not at the same time.They attend classes whenever they need or until the course material is completed. This approach offer support and feedback from the instructor and classmates.Its usually not as self paced as independent study.Studies shows that this type of web based learning allows time for considered responses and so critical thinking skills are enhanced.this approach will shift the attention from the instructor-centered to learners-centered.
This approach can improve in-depth investigation of a topic,moreover it can also provide social support and encouragement for individuals and increase and increase the total efforts put forth by group members.
Synchronous learning: students attend live lectures via computer and ask questions by email or in real time live chat.This format is the most interactive of the three and feels the most like a traditional classroom
Advantages of web based learning
Many advantage can be identified for E-learning technologies, these includes:
-Less expensive to deliver,affordable and serves time
-Flexibility in terms of availability anytime.in other words,E learning enables students to access the materials from anywhere at any time or place.
-Access to global resources and materials that meets students level of knowledge and interests.
-E-learning allows more effective interaction between the learners and their instructors through the use of E-mails discussion boards and chat rooms.
-Learners have the ability to track their progress.
-Learners can also learn through a variety of activities that apply to many different learning styles that learners have.
-It helps the learners to develop knowledge of using the latest technologies and the internet.
-The e learning could improve the quality of teaching and learning as it supports the face to face teaching approaches.
The disadvantages of web based learning
While web based courses have advantages,it is equally important to note that they are disadvantages as well.These include little or no in-person contact with the department member,feelings of isolation, a difficult learning curve in how to navigate within the system, problems with the technology, the need for the students to be actively involved in learning and increased leads-time required feedback regarding assignments.Their are so many different aspects especially in the developing countries such as providing the required funds to purchase new technology,lack of adequate E-learning strategiee,training for stuff members and most importantly the students resistance to use the E-learning systems.
At my university(the country’s highest learning institutions)the common dissatisfactions highlighted by majority of students in using E-Learning included the following:
-Lack of a firm framework to encourage students to learn.
-A high level of self discipline or self direct is required, learners with low motivation or bad study habits may fall behind.
-Absence of a learning atmosphere
-The distance-learning format minimizes the level of contact,e learning lacks inter personal and direct interaction among students and lecturers.
-When compared to face to face learning, the learning processes is less efficient.
-Lack of proper gadgets and poor internet connection.
This clearly indicates on our part as developing country that E-learning as been as helpful as physical classes.