Technology-Enhanced learning in Engineering Education
Please cite as follows: Chan, CKY (2015). "Technology-Enhanced learning in Engineering Education", Engineering Education Enhancement and Research Asia (E3R Asia).
Advantages and Disadvantages of eLearning
This section discusses about the advantages and disadvantages of eLearning from two perspectives: individual learners (students) and educational providers (teachers or tutors) (Roscoe, 2002).
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In terms of
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Advantages of eLearning
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Disadvantages of eLearning
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Individual Learners
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- Learning can be conducted at their own convenience (at any time and place).
- Learning can also be conducted according to their own preference with respect to their own pace and understanding.
- Exposure to learn latest technology and IT skills.
- Offer a platform for learners to interact with their peers.
- Facilitates better feedback between students and teachers.
- Facilitates better interaction between students and teachers.
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- Lack of face-to-face interaction (hinder development of face-to-face communication skills).
- Not all learners are digital (possess IT skills).
- Some learning may not be achievable through eLearning (such as some laboratory sessions due to its expensive and specialized equipments).
- Learners heavily relying on the eLearning tool would have an impact on their cognitive engagement with the learning material.
- Establishing real-time interaction is hard unless an agreed time is set by the teacher or tutor.
- A fully online course provides little opportunity for the students to develop transferable skills such as team work and communications.
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In terms of
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Advantages of eLearning
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Disadvantages of eLearning
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Educational Providers
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- A course conducted using eLearning can accommodate more students compared to a face-to-face course because of the room capacity.
- Supporting extra students would not add too much to the cost.
- Teacher can monitor the progress of each student, who enrolled in the course.
- Interaction is difficult to achieve in large class, however technologies allow extra interactions through forum and blogs
- Improved feedback cycle.
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- Time and expense in developing eLearning course.
- Teaching a web-based course is more time consuming than a face-to-face course because the number of working hours for a web-based course exceeds a face-to-face course.
- The need for extra staff to provide tutorial or technical support for students.
- Some teachers are reluctant to changes.
- Some teachers are not very digital.
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References:
- Chang, L. R, Richardson, J. C., Banky, G. P., Coller, B. D., Jaksa, M. B., Lindsay, E. D., & Maier, H. R. (2011). Practitioner reflections on engineering students' engagement with e-learning. Advances in Engineering Education Journal, 2(3), 16-22.
- Iowa State University. (n.d.). Advantages and disadvantages of eLearning. Retrieved 31 Jul, 2013, from http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc/academic/elearner/advantage.html
- Roscoe, J. (2002). The language of e-learning. Retrieved 31 Jul, 2013, from http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/documents/resources/database/id453_language_of_e-learning.pdf
- Ubell, R. (2000). Engineers turn to e-learning. Spectrum, IEEE, 37(10), 59-63.
