E learning is a form of learning where electronically supported
training and learning methods are employed. It is also known as online
learning, computer-based training (CBT), internet-based training (IBT)
or web-based training (WBT). It provides out-of-classroom and
in-classroom educational experiences with the help of various materials
available on internet, audio or video tape, CD-ROM and satellite TV.
E learning
offers a break to students from classroom learning and traditional
books. It is easy to access and therefore appeals to students. One of
the most important things that attracts to students is that e learning
programs available are self paced and are in the form of text, images,
animation, games, puzzles or streaming audio or video. Self-paced
modules are integral part of e learning which lets a student learn at
his own pace. E learning allows learners to schedule class work at any
time. They can access to computer and learn at any time and any place
around the globe. It reduces travel cost and travel time for students
studying in off campus colleges. Students can also select learning
material according to their own interest. Students can learn a lot of
things by indulging in a variety of learning activities. It also
develops and hones a students’ computer and internet skills that will
always help him/her throughout their careers.
Children around the
world are aware of global warming and climate change. They know that
our earth is in danger due to over exploitation of natural resources.
Hence, encouraging children to use e learning technology will make a
difference. E learning
is good for the environment as it does not require paper which saves
million of trees. It caters information with the help of emails, PDFs,
synchronous classrooms, and other web-based tools. E learning also plays
an effective role in reducing carbon footprint from the environment.
e-Learning scope in India:
E
learning is continues to grow in popularity in India. According to
recent studies, every one in ten children under the age of 18 receive
some sort of education at a home. Many parents are using e learning
for developing their children's knowledge. One of the primary reasons
is that e learning is not much expensive and interesting than
traditional classroom based learning. Even traditional schools are
opting for various e learning programs to make learning fun and easy for
students.
Though e learning is gaining popularity in India but
the e learning market is emerging and is at a nascent stage. The pace of
growth of is a little slow despite a powerful potential in the country.
An array of awareness programs and powerful marketing strategies can
make efforts in increasing the popularity of e learning in India.
According to International Data Corporation (IDC), in 2006 e learning
generated $6 billion in revenue which rose to about $21 billion by 2008.
Many
organizations in India are using e learning to teach their employees
about rules and regulations or any new thing that has been introduced
recently. E learning has been most successful in corporate world because
it is adopted to enhance business goals and motivating employees.
India
is a developing country where literacy rate is very low. E learning has
the potential to raise the literacy level as it can reach to every nook
and corner of the country where there are no educational institutes.
However, one of the main problems of e learning in India is lack of
course content. Although there is a plenty of content in IT related
fields and in English language teaching but multilingual courses
covering myriad of topics are need of the hour. Therefore, quality
content on a wide variety of topics as well as good marketing can
increase e learning in the country. The future of e learning is strong
as it is the simplest source of learning.
