Learning the E-sy Way

There is a new and exciting delivery mode which utilizes technology to increase the effectiveness and accessibility of learning these days. This mode provides the learner with information that can be accessed at his or her own time, place and pace. This is called e-Learning.

Wikipedia defines electronic learning (or e-Learning or eLearning) as “a type of education where the medium of instruction is computer technology. No in-person interaction may take place in some instances…In most Universities, e-learning is used to define a specific mode to attend a course or programmes of study where the students rarely, if ever, attend face-to-face or for on-campus access to educational facilities, because they study on-line.”

The Philippines society has adopted this alternative as manifested by the number of online English tutorial centers which cater mostly to Japanese and Koreans. These centers which proliferate like mushrooms in the country promise to have conversation classes online and to send written material by email among others. There are also a number of private online English tutorials which offer the same services at lower rates.

A number of institutions have also opened their doors to this alternative learning method. The University of the Philippines has its 13-yr old Open University which aims ‘to provide education opportunities to individuals aspiring for higher education and improved qualifications but who are unable to take advantage of traditional modes of education.” De La Salle University also has course offerings delivered via this method.

Government has also adopted this as exemplified by the eLearning center for workers in Ermita, Manila and the Mindanao eLearning Space to name a few.

The benefits of eLearning are endless. These include minimal cost incurred. Students need not go to campuses to attend classes. Teachers in the UP Open University can pursue their Masters while working in institutions outside the metro. Koreans need not go to Philippines to meet their online English tutors.

Aside from that, less infrastructure would also equate to less cost due to minimal human interaction. Any place with a working computer will suffice to avail of it.

Furthermore, modules and activities are given which can be accomplished at one’s own pace. My mother finished her Masters through the UP Open University amid her full-time work in the province and pregnancy. It did not matter if she was in her job nor if she was on her way to the oby-gyne while completing the assignments for the given week.

Indeed, e-Learning can be said to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines and in the world. Whether remotely located elsewhere during the entire e-Learning experience or not as long as one has access to computers, one can learn.

However, disadvantages can also be cited which include the possibility that learners may not be able to full comprehend instructions online. Consultations or request for clarifications of instructions and requirements may become less availed of. Interpersonal relationships with co-e-Learners may not be maximized since they rarely meet or sometimes never even meet. Add to these the fact that computers may not be as efficient.

But the disadvantages cannot overshadow the advantages of e-learning. Especially in difficult times, the government and the country in general should realize the potential of e-learning such that it becomes imperative that its use should be maximized.