Lab+8

E-Learning/Distance Learning vs regular teaching

I believe that E-learning, although may be beneficial, is not as helpful in the long term. Regular classroom/lecture settings force the indiviudal to be present in body and mind and enable physical participation and face to face dialogue. Whereas, e-learning environments are less personal and are typically done on the individuals own time. I believe that something is lost when an indiviudal undertakes an e-learning class than when they are physically present in the room and can interact with other indiviudals.

Personally, I took a course online in highschool and found it to be a lot more difficult than if I were to have actually taken the course in the regular semester. The online course was impersonal and although involved interactive simulations with other class members, you never forged any bonds. Schooling is not just an educational atmosphere it is also highly social and that is highly important to developing well rounded students. Granted, e-learning is highly beneficial to individuals that are unable to attend school on a regular basis for whatever personal or environmental reasons. However, if you can attend an educational institution I highly reccommend it as networking is an invaluable tool in the long run.