The Importance of e-Learning as a Teaching and Learning Approach in Emerging Markets

Abstract

Abstract-Technological advances in information and communication technologies have led to the emergence of e-learning systems that can be used effectively as a teaching and learning approach. For emerging markets, elearning is of special relevance, as it can provide access to education at a relatively low cost compared with traditional settings as there is no associated travel or housing costs. Additionally, internet access in emerging markets has increased steadily in the recent years.This paper discusses the importance of e-learning as a teaching and learning approach and its relevance in emerging markets. The paper presents some findings from four sections of a Faculty Certificate of Online Training (FCOT) program conducted by GlobalNxt University. The learners consist of faculty from India (n=20), South Africa (n=19) and Malaysia (n=9), which are representative of countries in the emerging markets. The paper examines the implications of the findings, and concludes with possible directions for the future of e-learning as a teaching and learning approach in emerging markets.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Distance Learning in Higher Education

“…They can also collaborate with other students and rely on the instructor as a facilitator rather than a lecturer. It also allows for a consistent delivery of content, because online videos can be prerecorded and shared with the rest of the class online [10] as in [9] and in [11]. e-Learning has the possibility to support learning processes, collaboration, flexibility, and the distribution of education and training, as well as evaluation of content and skill in distance learning.…”

“…It is good for the elimination of face-to-face training and development costs both in monetary terms as well as in terms of productivity loss, as learners spend time away from their daily activities and jobs in order to participate in the face-to-face training sessions. e-Learning courses are available 24/7, location independent, and provide effective and efficient training means for learners in geographically dispersed areas and across time zones [11].…”

“…Distance learning institutions generally may face a wide range of strategic, operational, and financial risks from both internal and external sources, which may prevent them from achieving their objectives. Conflicts can also arise in an open distance-learning environment, because there is significant complexity in their structure and the pattern of governance [11]. Governors in distance-learning environments are expected to infuse e-learning in their policies so that lecturers can be supported by policy in using ICT.…”

Innovative Smart Phone Learning System for Graphical Systems within COVID-19 Pandemic

“…There is a wide variety of software to reduce the efforts required to deal with such problems, e.g., Microsoft Excel, and Wolfram Mathematica. Although these programs are readily available, such software requires substantial amounts of practice and knowledge Mathew et al, 2019;Wong & Sixl-Daniell, 2017).…”

“…Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) applications defined as the utilization of computers to help or support people's training or education (AlFarsi & Yusof, 2020;García-Santillán & Espinosa-Ramos, 2021;Hsieh, 2007;Wong & Sixl-Daniell, 2017). M-learning models in education help reduce the time students need to understand and respond to learning experiences efficiently and innovatively.…”