In recent years, there’s been a developing trend of a shift in the learning platform from traditional textbook-based learning to online learning.

There are many benefits to be reaped from such a shift and acceptance level of online learning globally has been high. Online learning has often been termed as electronic learning, or “e-learning” for short.
One key characteristics of e-learning is the use of computers. While distance learning may be the factor that starts the global trend of e-learning, schools are beginning to adopt e-learning in their lessons as well, and this includes on-campus students. It will be good to explore the benefits of e-learning as well as the tools that are used.

To begin, let’s look at the benefits of e-learning to get an overview of why the world is turning to cyberspace for education:

 Mobility: The ability to learn whenever and wherever you want is probably the primary reason why e-learning has gained wide acceptance. With the proliferation of Wi-Fi (a form of wireless technology within certain areas for online users to gain access to the internet), individuals with laptops are able to learn on the go, as long as they are within the Wi-Fi zone that gives them internet access, which is getting more and more common globally.

 Interactive features: Unlike traditional text that makes learning somewhat linear, interactive features such as hyperlinks and online forum enables learners to access appropriate information when they want it and providing them with an opportunity to engage in an online dialogue with fellow learners who are interested in the same subject respectively. This is an edge that cyberspace has over textbooks. In addition, learning how to use software such as Photoshop using online videos are exceptionally useful since textual learning in this instance can be time-consuming. A practical approach is more appropriate in this case.

 Multiple perspectives: While textbooks are written by specific authors (in most cases, it is usually an author per book), accessing online information enables learners to acquire and assimilate information from various authors and sources. While credibility of online materials is often an issue among online learning, learners are able to hear alternative voices with regard to particular topics and issues.

 Appropriate platform for learning: In recent years, there are many websites that are created for learning, and among them is Wikipedia. As more of such websites are created for learners, the internet is gradually becoming an alternative and better platform to engage learners in their learning. Considering that it is visual (images and videos are imbedded in websites) and auditory (sounds are transmitted via computer speakers), the learning experiences that internet provides does not pale in comparison to traditional learning.

Now that we have explored the benefits that online learning has over traditional textbook-based learning, it can be observed that e-learning does gives traditional learners an alternative when it comes to learning.
Next, let’s look at the tools that are commonly used in e-learning that traditional text-book learning lacks:

 Internet search engines:  The primary factor for an increase in popularity for e-learning can probably be attributed to internet search engines where results can be easily retrieved from relevant websites. While it might take hours to plough through books for relevant information, online internet research may take merely minutes to acquire the same information. While the search engines are useful, refining one’s search result is still a skill lacking in many learners and this is an area that educationists can provide guidance on.

 Instant Messaging (IM): Formally being considered as an informal communication device, instant messaging (IM) systems such as MSN and Yahoo Messengers have provided users with an alternative to email correspondences. IM is faster and transmission of messages is almost in real time. While commonly seen as a communication device, learners are turning to it for group discussions when it comes to project management and other collaborative purposes. IM has thus provided another reason why e-learning is gaining popularity.

 Podcasting: In recent years, podcasting is getting more common as more emphasis is now placed on the auditory function for learning alongside our visual function. One reason that podcasting is popular is because of the fact that one is able to learn without having to be physically present in a lecture theatre or classroom. Another reason is that learners are able to listen to the podcasts numerous times at a time of their choosing while a lecturer usually only presents each of his lessons at a specific place and time only once.

 RSS Feed: More commonly known as “Really Simple Syndication” (RSS), this feature has enhanced the learning experience of many learners, specifically in areas of research. On most media websites, RSS feed has enabled online users to be notified of updated content from websites.  This saves them the trouble of having to visit the website for updated content. What’s even more useful is the fact that RSS enabled learners to screen the content that they want.

 Blogs: The emergence of blogs by casual bloggers penning their daily thoughts on life has - in recent years – been transformed into something more productive: an educational learning platform between educationists and students. Educationists are now able to record daily entries on their blogs to educate students and enabling the students to gain greater insight in the subject matter that they are studying.

Despite the hype created by e-learning, educationists should be mindful of the benefits of text-based learning as well. While books may not provide high mobility and increased interactivity for learners, the level of depth of learning that books provide is often more substantial than the materials found on the internet. 

The traditional way of learning and e-learning are thus complementary to each other and learners should adopt both ways of learning to optimise their learning experiences. Browse the web for a wide coverage on a particular topic while turning to books for an increased understanding of the subject matter in specific areas.

Only when learners find the balance between traditional textbook-based learning and e-learning will they maximise their learning experiences.