E-Learning & Online Training: Economic Facts

Through the use of digital devices and communication, E-learning and online training enables today’s students to learn for a lower cost while using less time and consuming less resources. This provides greater economic efficiency and more job and business opportunities in the technology and communications industries.

Nowadays, every organization seeks to continuously satisfy the high expectations of society as a whole. E-learning and online training are more flexible, self-paced, and consistent. They can be managed easily and updated quickly. E-learning and online training satisfies not only the need of users and learners, but also the well-being of society. It has a lower environmental impact.  It is obvious that online learning is “an effective way for organizations to reduce their carbon footprint.” (Kineo, 2013) According to the Open University, the amount of CO2 emission per student from an E-learning class is 85 percent less than from a traditional class. It is explained by reducing the amount of student travel. (Kineo, 2013) Moreover, instead of providing all learning contents by paper as in traditional class, E-learning can be more efficient by reducing the material cost via email, PDF, web-based tools, video, etc. This also means that E-learning can benefit the environment by saving trees. Since 2006, the use of E-books has saved about 32 million trees every year. (Biba, 2009)

There are also many studies explaining why E-learning is more cost-effective. According to a study by Shepherd (2002), Dow Chemical saved more than $34 million per year due to replacing traditional classrooms with E-learning classrooms (it spent $95 per learner with traditional classrooms, while it spends just $11 per learner with E-learning). Also, they do not have to spend money on cleaning each classroom if using E-learning. If you consider every student in every class, nearly all of them must commute to attend, and all of those miles are a large amount of spending.

40% OF EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON TRAINING IS SPENT ON TRAVEL COSTS

(Znanja, 2013)

Due to the efficiency and effectiveness of E-learning and online training, there are many E-commerce opportunities within E-learning and online training; that leads to the E-learning industry becoming more competitive and intense.

More than 3 million online-only students in USA (the total number college student in France)

70% share of revenue from E-learning and Online Learning is donated by USA and Europe

77% of American Corporations train using online learning (vs 4% in 1995)

E-Learning accounts for $56.2 billion of business.

By 2015, it is predicted to double in size.

It is clear that E-learning and Online training provides many economic and environmental benefits. Better opportunity is given to students through reduced costs, and less resources are needed by schools to run their classes. Businesses too can find new opportunities to pursue in an emerging market such as this. However, the resources that no longer need to be purchased would potentially have kept many jobs in paper and other industries.

Do you think that the cost benefits and generated jobs of E-learning and online training outweigh the business and jobs likely lost from what would have been purchased for a traditional class?

Sources:

2013, “The Benefits of E-Learning” Kineo Retrieved from http://www.kineo.com/elearning-reports/the-benefits-of-e-learning.html

Biba, 2013, “Ebooks save millions of trees” TeleRead Retrieved from http://www.teleread.com/ebooks/ebooks-save-millions-of-trees/

2013, “Important eLearning Statistics for 2013” CertifyMe.net Retrieved from http://www.certifyme.net/osha-blog/elearning-statistics-2013/

Gutierrez, 2012 “18 Mind-Blowing eLearning Statistics You Need To Know” Shift Retrieved from http://info.shiftelearning.com/blog/bid/247473/18-Mind-Blowing-eLearning-Statistics-You-Need-To-Know

Znaja, 2013 “E-learning industry with amazing facts. Retrieved from https://www.znanja.com/ (Znanja, 2013)

Online Learning in Highschool: Flex Academy

We know online learning to be popular in higher education, sure but what about in high school? There is a school in San Francisco called Flex Academy.  It is part of the public school system therefore tuition is free.  Their purpose is to sort of mimic what the work life will look like later on.

These students come to school, sit in cubicles for the day, set up appointments or meetings with their teachers via email, and work on their online lessons throughout the day.  The way it works is that they each have to take their core classes such as English, Math, Science, and History but they also pick an elective class from over 100 options (these can range from Art History to Macroeconomics). There are teachers around to help if they need it and students are encouraged to roll their chair to another students desk and ask for help if needed.  

It’s an interesting concept but one that these students seem to truly enjoy.  Quoted from the article one student says “I don’t really know who’s in my grade, I just talk to everyone”.  The school has installed software on their computers so students can’t access Facebook either.  Another interesting quote from the article was “A lot of the students we get are not ready to be self-motivated.  We have to teach them those skills so they can be successful at directing their own learning.” Students seem to really enjoy once they learn the self paced program, once they learn how to get things done that way.  They can decide how they want to do their work, whether they want to get the classes they don’t really like out of the way first and then work on the classes they enjoy or vice versa.  

Just with higher education, online learning in high schools are going to have it’s advantages and disadvantages.  You’ve seen some of the advantages, now let’s talk about some of the disadvantages.  What happens when the internet goes down?  Yes it’s a pain, however, they are prepared.  They make copies, teach, and use their books.  There also aren’t extracurriculars such as marching band or sports like there are in normal high schools.

However, with all of this being said I truly believe Flex Academy might be onto something. What do you think? Do you think online learning should happen more in high schools?

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/03/at-flex-academy-high-school-mimics-the-workplace/

http://www.k12.com/sfflex/home#.UjnL8WR4aLs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtDKuj863a4

Getting Your College Degree Online

The number of people currently taking online classes in America alone is over 3 million.  This has become such a popular way of obtaining a degree that over 50% of schools now offer this type of learning.  However, when considering online classes, there are a few things to consider. The pros and cons of online learning are as follows: 

PROS

Taking online classes is a great option for someone who works full-time, has children or a family to take care of, or has any other obligations that may keep them from being able to attend classes during traditional class meeting hours.  By taking courses online people who fit into these categories are able to fit classes into their schedule at a time that is convenient for them.  They offer more flexibility than traditional in-person classes. 

Online learning also allows students to be able to take courses at schools that are in other states or even other countries.  You can take classes half way around the world without even getting out of bed. 

You will also save money by taking online classes.  You will not have to pay for parking, in-class instructor time or the many other fees incurred when going to school on campus.

People learn at different paces.  Online classes will allow a person to take a course at his or her own pace.  Some people will be able to finish their degree a lot sooner because of this.  Similarly, other students may finish with a higher GPA because they are able to slow the material down, if necessary, to make sure they fully understand what they are learning.

CONS

Everyone learns differently.  A person’s learning style will greatly influence their success in taking online courses.  Learning online from the comfort of your own home requires self-discipline and self-motivation.  People who do not possess these qualities may not benefit from this method of learning.

Some companies will not accept degrees from online schools.  It is important to make sure the online school is accredited.

Learning online requires a reliable internet connection and computer skills.  If you are not comfortable with technology and the computer, this may actually hurt your chances of being successful.  Also, with online learning there is always the risk of your technology not working properly, which could make your learning experience that much more difficult.

There is a lot to consider when deciding if getting a college degree online is right for you.  A person must consider both the pros and cons of online learning when making this decision.  Online learning is not for everyone, but for some people it may make opportunities possible.

Do you think that UNCC should offer more online classes?

http://www.degreetree.com/resources/pros-and-cons-of-getting-your-degree-online

 

E-Learning & Online Training

E-Learning and Online Training are terms that are interchangeable according to the Oxford dictionary, it is defined “learning connected via electronic media, typically on the internet.” E-learning and online training are widely used and has changed the way employers, higher education and kindergartens through 12th grades are being taught.  Some of the benefits of e- learning are that it can be completed around other personal obligations, self-paced, decrease travel time and costs, in some instances there is a choice of learning materials, and it can be accessed anywhere a computer and internet are accessible and connectable to the internet. However, there can also be some disadvantages to e-learning and online training. Learners could fall behind, teachers might not be available when a student needs help, there is the cost of updating technology and software, it could be hard if computers are new to you, and some information requiring different kinds of interaction might be difficult to follow.

E-Learning & Online Training requires a minimum of self-motivation, internet access, a laptop, computer or other internet capable device, time management.

Sources:
"e-learning: definition of e-learning in Oxford dictionary - American English (US)." Oxford Dictionaries (US). N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2013. <http://oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/e--learning?q=e-learning>.