Over the past 4-5 years, e-learning has emerged as the top choice for many. So, what exactly is e-learning? What are its advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional education? And where can you find the best e-learning platforms for everyone? All of these questions will be addressed in the following article.
What Is E-learning? Common Forms of E-learning Today
What Is E-learning?
E-learning, as defined, is a form of teaching, education, and learning through devices with internet connectivity.
Through the internet, learners and instructors can engage in the learning and teaching process using various devices such as smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, and laptops. E-learners and instructors can participate in education from anywhere convenient to them, without the need for a specific physical location designated for learning and teaching.
With e-learning, as long as there is an internet connection, learning and knowledge sharing can happen virtually anywhere.
Common Forms of E-learning
– Technology-Based Training (TBT): This form of e-learning relies on technology platforms for training. It utilizes information technology platforms such as the web, intranet, CDs, DVDs for learning or information dissemination to reach others.
- Computer-Based Training (CBT): Learning based on computer use. Training and learning take place through applications or software installed on a computer. This form can be both offline and online, but primarily as offline (non-interactive learning without external engagement).
- Web-Based Training (WBT): Training through web systems is known for using websites as a platform for training or learning. Users need to access a specific website to learn lessons stored on the website’s server system.
- Online Learning/Training: Online learning is the most common and rapidly growing form, especially in the last 2-3 years. This method requires both learners and instructors to participate simultaneously and utilize devices with internet connectivity for training or learning. With online training, instructors and learners can interact directly in real-time during the learning process.
Advantages and Disadvantages of E-learning
Advantages of E-learning
No Limitations on Time and Location
The first and most prominent advantage of e-learning is its convenience in the learning and teaching process.
With e-learning, both educators and learners can participate at any time of day, from any place they find suitable for their learning or teaching. This eliminates constraints on time and space for education and training. Numerous studies have shown that comfort in terms of time and space enhances the learning process compared to fixed schedules and locations, a significant advantage over traditional learning methods.
E-learning Saves Costs and Time
The second notable advantage of online learning is its cost-saving and time-saving benefits compared to traditional learning methods.
All lessons, content, and study materials are stored on server systems or cloud platforms. Therefore, educators and learners do not need physical study materials like traditional textbooks.
Instead of having to travel to a specific location for learning, both educators and learners need only a place with an internet connection to start e-learning. This saves both travel time and expenses.
Diverse Knowledge and Exposure to New Ideas
In traditional learning, students can only access specific courses with specific instructors within a limited timeframe. In contrast, e-learning offers a much broader range of courses, knowledge, and instructors.
Depending on their interests, field of study, and personal preferences, learners can choose the courses and instructors they wish to study under.
Furthermore, e-learners can access learning materials and curricula from foreign sources, which are typically unavailable through traditional learning methods.
Disadvantages of E-learning Compared to Traditional Education
Despite its numerous advantages over traditional education, e-learning does come with certain disadvantages.
Requires Self-Discipline
One of the primary disadvantages of e-learning is the self-discipline it demands from learners. In traditional courses, students have educators closely monitoring their progress, conducting assessments, and ensuring they grasp the intended knowledge.
When stepping into the world of e-learning, you must acquaint yourself with self-discipline and independence throughout the learning journey. No one will be there to push you to study. Therefore, for those lacking strong willpower or easily succumbing to the temptations of leisure, e-learning may not yield highly effective results.
Only Suitable for Major Cities
The second drawback of e-learning lies in accessibility. E-learning demands both educators and learners to possess a device with a stable internet connection. This requirement is well met in areas with widespread internet coverage. However, individuals in remote or mountainous regions may struggle to access e-learning due to unstable internet connections.
While Computer-Based Training (CBT) can alleviate this limitation to some extent, it still faces certain barriers as it’s typically limited to specific electronic devices. Stored knowledge must be pre-loaded onto the software, making it challenging to update with new information when changes occur.
Overwhelming Variety of Fields and Courses
E-learning is an open repository of knowledge absorption. Therefore, you are presented with an abundance of choices during your learning and teaching journey. This allows both educators and learners to gain multiple perspectives on a given topic, facilitating a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
However, the limitation here is that learners need a basic understanding of the field they wish to study to make accurate and suitable course selections. This prevents them from choosing courses they are already familiar with or courses that do not provide the desired knowledge, thus saving both time and money.
Renowned E-learning Websites in Vietnam: Where Many Choose to Learn
To help you streamline your study time and find reputable e-learning websites that guarantee knowledge, here are the top 2 e-learning platforms in Vietnam for you.
Exploring Udemy.com
When it comes to reputable e-learning platforms, Udemy is an unavoidable name. It’s hailed as the top e-learning platform globally in the present era. With over 100,000 courses spanning various fields like business, marketing, programming, and construction, Udemy caters to learners from all walks of life.
Students here have an abundance of choices when it comes to courses that align with their interests. From fundamental knowledge to advanced expertise in various industries, you can find it all on this e-learning platform. With numerous promotional offers and discounts available for courses like Facebook Ads, TikTok Ads, users can easily access high-quality courses at incredibly affordable rates.
A small note for you is that to engage with Udemy’s website, you should have a fair grasp of English as most of the course content on the site is designed in English.
Visit the website here: https://www.udemy.com/
Exploring Unica.vn
If you’re not entirely confident in your English skills or want to build a solid knowledge foundation before delving into in-depth English-language courses, Unica.vn is your ideal starting point.
On the Unica website, you’ll gain access to a plethora of knowledge spanning diverse fields, from interior design and technical topics to areas like Excel accounting, health, and marriage. All subjects are meticulously taught through comprehensive lessons.
What’s more, if you possess in-depth knowledge in a specific field, you can sign up as a partner instructor to offer courses on the platform, increasing your income for yourself and your family.
Unica also frequently offers various promotions and discounts in collaboration with e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Tiki, making learning more cost-effective compared to the regular pricing.
Visit the website here: https://unica.vn/
That wraps up our exploration of e-learning platforms. If you have any questions or want to explore some intriguing courses we’ve curated, you can refer to our specialized course page on toplist.com.co.
FAQs
What is e-learning?
E-learning is a method of teaching, education, and learning through devices capable of connecting to the internet.
What are the prevalent forms of e-learning today?
Popular forms include TBT (Technology – Based Training), CBT (Computer – based Training), WBT (Web – Based Training), and Online Learning/Training.
What are the main advantages of e-learning compared to traditional education?
E-learning offers flexibility in terms of time and location, helps save costs and time, and provides a diverse range of knowledge.
What are the drawbacks of participating in e-learning?
Learners need to be highly self-disciplined, e-learning is mainly suitable for big cities with good network coverage, and choosing the right course can be challenging due to the variety of courses available.
What are the renowned e-learning websites in Vietnam?
Two of the most popular e-learning websites in Vietnam currently are Udemy.com and Unica.vn.
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