Monday, November 18, 2002		Guest Speak

E-education is here
Barry N. Allen

E-LEARNING and training are not entirely new concepts but has grown as the WWW has developed in each country. E-education is taking roots for Indian students as well. But first, it is important to understand exactly what we mean by e-education and quite simply it is education and training delivered and accessed via the Internet.

The student searches the site of an e-learning company for the package of courses. Having identified the correct courses, the student can sign up online with a credit card or through the helpline and a personal user name and password is then assigned. It is important to ensure the user name and password is secure.

One of the major advantages of e-education is that you can access the best education in the world direct from the persons who wrote the courses for online study. The courses may range from technical, medical, academic to general interest subjects and the levels can be from beginner to higher advances. Examples of just some of the subjects available are MCSE, CISCO, CCNA, MCAD etc. With over 800 courses to choose from, the individual should find the right course and level without difficulty.

A certificate is issued on successful completion of the courses that is the same value as would be gained from a classroom or other more traditional direct teaching method.

There is no age or ability restrictions though children under 12 years are unlikely to be able to follow the course contents. Online education is suited equally to those of mature years seeking to upgrade their skills or interests in addition to young students looking to build their career. All that is required is the access to the Internet and self-discipline to continue studying.

Advantages

1.Top quality courses and material from around the world through a single source

2.Course is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

3.Schedule studies to suit available time

4.Course opens up where you left off

5.Learn in comfort away from the distraction of a classroom

6.Learn at your own pace

7.As it is self-learning you information retention is more

8.This is a personalised form of learning and is competitively priced.

Disadvantages

1.The major disadvantages are that you must be able to connect with the Internet and most e-learning organisations may have connection problems into account but it is an important consideration.

2.The good provider has staff available to help you through any IT or set-up problems. Basic knowledge of the Internet is helpful but high quality courses should have a tutorial on how to navigate.

3.Because this is a self learning system there is a need for self discipline so that you do not resist the temptation to put off your studies and often the online providers will place time limits to ensure you maintain your studies on a regular basis.

4.There is, of course, no teacher available so if you do not understand a section you will need a help desk and there should be a message board available to talk to other students.