A discussion on E-learning offered in Malaysian universities: Pros and Cons from the students perspective

Pros
Reduced overall cost is the single most influential factor in adopting e-learning. It is because it can eliminate the rental, lodging, meals and travel costs of students are directly quantifiable. Furthermore, all those traditional pleasantries in the classroom setting are eliminated. Hence, it reduces the cost of the course and students time away from work.

As a student, you can choose what, when and where you want to learn. Hence, you can learn when you need it and your learning options are not constrained by your geographic location. Also, you are not constrained by the arrangements made by traditional timetables, schedules curricula. Therefore, learning can be fit into your busy schedule or you can have a job while you take classes.

You can learn at your own pace. No lecturers or tutors are controlling your work on the spot. Your learning is stress free and enjoyable. Thus, can be more effective for certain types of students, such as shy, reflective, language challenged those that need more time.

Distance learning gives equal chances for all students irrespective of their background and status. Besides, the internet is a provider of diverse learning styles and authentic materials which facilitate the process of learning. On the other hand, it also provides side benefits of learning new technologies and technical skills.



Cons
E-learning can entail significant investment in IT hardware and software if your University is not yet appropriately equipped as well as the students, especially for those poor and do not have computers. For examples, you will need an internet connection, an appropriately equipped PC, sound cards, headphones, and web cams at the least.

Not all regions have constant access to the internet. There are still parts of the world where state of the art technology is non-existent. Also, it requires technical training and support of students as well as the lecturers and tutors. Besides, cultural acceptance is an issue in university where students may tend to against learning by using computers at all.

Reduced social and cultural interaction can be a drawback. As a student, you can become bored with individual work. It is lack of face to face interaction and campus life. Interaction with classmates face to face helps in establishing better social relations. It does not provide many social aspects of a true campus or traditional classroom. Also, spending endless hours looking at the screen can damage your eyesight.

Not everything can be found on the internet, especially books, which are recommended by the lecturers or tutors. Also, it is difficult for lecturers to move traditional content online. Besides, more time consuming for lecturers or tutors to provide individualized feedback because more students are often actively involved. Hence, students may require an effective online lecturers and tutors.


Related Links:
http://www.elearners.com/resources/elearning-faq5.asp
http://writingandsnacks.blogspot.com/2006/08/pros-and-cons-of-e-learning.html
http://www.justcolleges.com/elearn/proscons.htm
http://www.sameshow.com/blog/2008/04/18/referral-the-pros-and-cons-of-e-learning.html