E-Learning GD Topic: Learn How To Ace A GD On This Topic

With the advancement of technology, e-learning has become a popular mode of education. It allows students to learn at their own pace and convenience, breaking the barriers of time and location. However, it’s not without challenges.

This naturally makes for an interesting GD topic irrespective of whether the discussion is for placements, B-school interviews, competitions, etc.

If you too are preparing for GDs and are looking to grasp an understanding of the e learning GD topic, then you have landed at the right place. Unlike abstract GD topics, there are concrete pros and cons of E-learning that you will know by the end of this article. So let’s get started.

What is E-Learning?

We all know what e-learning is, and have undertaken or bookmarked one or more online courses in our lives.

Definition: E-learning refers to the transfer of knowledge, learning, or skill through digital channels. In other words, it includes web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom learning, and digital collaboration.

The e-learning system of education enables a large number of people from even remote regions to be the recipients of knowledge, at the same time.

Now let's discuss the pros and cons of e-learning and critically analyze its relevance in the modern scenario. The following points must be taken into consideration during the group discussion.

Pros of E-Learning

1. High Accessibility

Online courses can be accessed from any part of the world. You can sit at your home, access international webinars, and enroll in international courses and programs. It enables students to access any and every material that’s available online - at a time and from a place of their convenience.

2. Increased retention rates

Several studies such as The Research Institute of America study and Brandon-Hall Group's research show online learning can lead to increased knowledge retention compared to traditional methods.

3. Low costs

E-learning substantially cuts the cost of learning. According to a report, 60% of undergraduates choose an online education program based on its affordability.

Courses from prestigious universities like Stanford, Harvard, and Cambridge can be accessed at low costs across various online learning platforms. There are many free courses across platforms, which students can access to upskill and grow.

4. Increased efficiency and better outcomes

E-learning platforms also provide students/ learners with the option to revisit the courses, training, etc. as and when needed in the future. This provision increases the utility and efficiency of such learning experiences and helps students achieve better outcomes, in comparison to physical lessons.

E-learning also offers self-paced learning, allowing learners to progress through the material at their own speed. Unlike traditional classroom settings, where everyone follows the same pace, e-learning provides flexibility for learners to review concepts they find challenging or move quickly through topics they already understand. This personalized approach ensures that learners can learn at a pace that suits their individual needs and preferences.

5. Environment friendly

Britain’s Open University’s study found that producing and providing e-learning courses consumes an average of 90% less energy and produces 85% fewer carbon dioxide emissions per student than conventional face-to-face courses. 

6. Wide range of courses

Unlike traditional classroom settings, where students are limited to the courses offered by their school or institution, e-learning platforms provide a vast array of courses and resources from various disciplines and fields.

Whether it's learning a new language, mastering coding skills, or delving into topics like art history or psychology, e-learning provides the flexibility and accessibility to access a diverse range of courses and resources. This wide range allows learners to explore different subjects, acquire new skills, and pursue their interests beyond what is typically available in a traditional educational setting.

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7. Interactive learning experience

E-learning offers interactive learning by providing various tools and features that engage learners in active participation. Through interactive videos, quizzes, and simulations, learners can actively engage with the content, making it a more engaging and effective learning experience. This allows learners to apply their knowledge and receive immediate feedback, enhancing their understanding and retention of the material.

Cons of e-learning

1. Lack of personal interaction 

E-learning experience lacks in terms of personal interaction among students themselves, as well as the interaction between students and teachers. This makes the e-learner miss out on the advantages of grooming through one-on-one interaction and other benefits. Group discussions, healthy debates, and critical analysis on topics may not be as fruitful in a virtual setting as they might be in a physical setting.

2. Health Concerns

Prolonged and excessive use of electronic devices can lead to various health issues, including headaches and musculoskeletal problems. Poor posture while using electronic devices can lead to neck and back pain.

E-learning also led to a drastic increase in the screen time of learners. This naturally means that more and more learners are now facing a greater strain on their eyes and consequent side effects. It has led to the computer vision syndrome which develops due to staring at one place for a long time. The time of blinking eyes reduces to just one-third of the normal, leading to a decrease in the secretion of the lubricant.

3. Lack of extracurricular activities 

E-learning can fulfill academic requirements but it cannot foster extracurricular activities. For the holistic development of a student, it is important to participate in physical and creative extracurricular activities that are left out, in case of online learning experiences. 

 4. Inaccessible in extremely remote areas

Even in the 21st century, many parts of the world lack the availability of adequate internet facilities, especially in a country like India where a significant portion of the country’s population resides in villages. So, e-learning is a big challenge for people living in remote areas. Even if they somehow get adequate tech appliances arranged, lack of connectivity is a constant trouble.

5. Lack of socialization

E-learning cannot substitute real-time interaction. One can communicate online, but they cannot socialize and interact with each other. The lively classroom environment cannot be completely replicated online.

6. Difficult to track student’s growth 

In offline mode, some strict schedules and routines needed to be followed. Tests were conducted within the school premises in a disciplined manner. In online mode, students tend to search for answers online. This leads to no real learning and it's difficult for teachers to distinguish and analyze the growth curve of students. Even though we now have remedies like proctoring, we still have a long way to go when it comes to their effectiveness.

Conclusion

Carl Rogers rightly said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn …and change.” 

Thus, there is no denying the fact that e-learning is necessary for growth. It comes with a set of advantages that no one can deny. However, many challenges need to be addressed as well.

Replacing the traditional learning process with e-learning is not the most sought way to approach learning. The best way to go about it would be to use e-learning as an addition to or in tandem with the traditional learning process. There is a need to create a proper balance between the two options and try to mitigate the ill effects to the maximum possible degree. 

With this, we would like to close the e learning GD topic discussion. If you are interested in reading about more such interesting GD topics, do check out the articles listed below:

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2. GD Topic | Affordable Healthcare In India
3. GD Topic | RED - An Abstract Topic For Group Discussion
4. How To Ace Abstract GD Topics In 5 Easy Steps!