E-Learning as an Emerging Technology in India

Abstract

Globalization of society is connected to remarkable developments in Information Technology (IT), and global networking has given birth to the e-learning phenomena, which broadens our horizons of traditional learning and creates opportunities for all stakeholders in the teaching and learning process. Education is no longer about teachers and teaching. Societal forces now demand that the focus be on learners and learning. In parallel, e-learning is opening up a varied supply of new and powerful possibilities for learners and learning. The 'sage on the stage' is giving way to the guide on the side. Significantly, e-learning is turning out to be evolutionary, not revolutionary. Institutions with strategies based on quality learning outcomes are well placed to benefit from this e-learning evolution. The single most dramatic effect of this paradigm shift is learner sovereignty. The teacher's role, at least as defined by the instructivists, now belongs to a bygone era. Students have much greater autonomy over their learning, in terms NEHA GUPTA** By of when, where and how they learn. Interaction with fellow students and faculty is literally (and metaphorically) at their fingertips. With asynchronous discussion boards as the modus operandi, learner interaction is heightened. Elearning is very inclusive and democratic in this sense, in that everyone has an equally loud voice. No one talks over you or interrupts before you have time to make your point. Meanwhile, course materials are varied in format, media rich and constructivist in instructional design. Harnessing the power of e-learning, assessment tasks can be real world, authentic and engaging. Since content is developed in advance, faculty have more time to devote to individual students, permitting shorter turnaround times on feedback. Importantly, as less time is spent in didactic content transmission, there is more time for reflection and critical analysis. Finally, learning online provides students with an opportunity to be part of a strong learning community (Kassop, 2003). Some of the advantages of elearning are as follows: E-Learning offers huge potential for economies of scale. It