E-learning: Can it ever replace classrooms?

                                   It is said that we humans have innate ability to learn. An efficient learning is said when learning inculcates all three factors namely accuracy, speed and retention.

Accuracy defines how accurately do learners remember speed defines how soon do learners remembers and retention defines how long do learners remember.

Effective learning should also involve all the domains of learning that is cognitive, psychomotor and affective. Cognitive includes thinking, reading ,reasoning ; psychomotor aspect includes performing a procedure and affective domain complexes of emotions.

Talking about E-learning whose demand and popularity, is on rise! Oxford Dictionary defines E- learning as " learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the internet."

There are several advantages of E-learning. Firstly, it is 'self-paced learning, the student can learn at fast pace or repeat videos, animation upon his own understanding with good internet connection, a student can access the information from any part of the world. This provides opportunity understand to learn with fun and better. Moreover, it provides s a variety of options to choose from like a platter full of different cuisines to dishes.

There are several advantages of E-learning but we cannot neglect its disadvantages such as lack of authenticity as internet is an 'encyclopedia of knowledge' from reliable and unreliable sources too. Some other disadvantages are that there is no feedback in learning, some students might feel lack of motivation, distractions pop-up every now and then on the internet. One point to be stressed upon is that E-learning is knowledge based and gives least importance to practicality.

  E-learning where are we now ?

► In the midst pandemic, almost everyone has switched from classroom learning to E-learning Teachers are conducting live classes or providing video lectures from home to the students. And Some of them are just relying Quality teaching is not at the par as schools and colleges were unprepared for the current scenario of lock-down... almost everybody was!

Many of them are not sure how to conduct tests or exams through the internet (which mostly of essay-type questions in the Indian education system) or how to maintain regularity and discipline. We know this situation of lock-down won't last long!

E-learning ever replace classrooms?

►  In my opinion , E learning is a best tool of learning it provides audio-visual interface through animations and one can learn from best teachers around the world by watching YouTube lectures from home. It widens our perspective and overall improves the quality of teaching and learning by setting up new standard But ' certain values like human group cohesion teamwork, building relationships outside home, socializing with new people are learned in a classroom not through our mobiles.

A classroom is a miniature replica of institution as well as of society The new society is shaped in a classroom.

Classroom teaching should always be a priority and technology must now be used to enhance the process of learning education. Government should provide teachers training of 'Computer assisted learning' or making courses or test-series through the use of the computers and internet so that learning may not be hampered in situations such as quarantine.