Benefits
The primary advantage of online instruction involves both scheduling and geographic flexibility. Not many individuals can take time off from work to enroll in a full-time graduate program. The flexibility of e-learning thus provides them with the opportunity to learn while working and developing professionally. The fact that online instruction may be given to students anywhere worldwide also gives online education a beneficial aspect (Regmi & Jones, 2020). The learning process given is of high quality, and students may access the learning materials and attend from anywhere, irrespective of their physical location.
Furthermore, this learning approach promotes improved virtual collaboration and communication among students. According to Regmi and Jones (2020), learning to work or collaborate with other people in a virtual surrounding can make one a more effective leader. One typically develops crucial leadership skills by using specialized knowledge, making decisions regarding best communication practices, and developing efficient processes. In e-education programs, individuals often participate in discussion boards with classmates, collaborate with others through different software programs, and communicate with instructors via email. As the program advances, one often gets better at pitching his or her ideas and making brief and strong professional arguments via text.
Barriers
One of the barriers is seen in the spread of technology and its pertinent improvements all over the world. Indeed, there is unequal network accessibility to students living in different places (Regmi & Jones, 2020). For example, it is impossible to equate the technological advancements in the US to the ones in Africa. Therefore, poor developments in technology act as a barrier since some students who do not have a stable network may find it challenging to learn.
Lack of self-motivation among online students represents another significant barrier to e-learning. Strict schedules, peer-to-peer activities, and face-to-face communication with professors all work in unison to keep learners in traditional classrooms from falling off track in the course of their studies (Regmi & Jones, 2020). However, this may not be the case in online instruction due to fewer external factors that push students towards performing well in their studies. In most instances, students are usually left to fend for themselves during various learning activities. E-learning students also study difficult course materials in the comfort of their homes and without added pressure. Consequently, keeping up with stipulated deadlines can become challenging for those with poor time management skills and low self-motivation.
Reference
Regmi, K., & Jones, L., (2020). A systematic review of the factors – enablers and barriers – affecting e-learning in health sciences education. BMC Medical Education, 20(91), 1-18. Web.