With the increasing level of globalization which has resulted from improved flow of information and liberalization of markets, people have been able to interact and move from one part of the world to another easily. The education sector has recorded a great revolution with people moving from one part of the world to the other in the search for new discoveries and knowledge. On the other hand, the improved technological level has lessened the movement as people are now enrolling in online learning. This has provided a good platform for people to get access to quality education without shifting from their locations. Different students have different perceptions and experiences with this mode of learning (Ellis & Goodyear, 2010).
The author argues that both, education and training are projected to become one of the major sectors in the economy of the world. E-learning is currently being used to transform the transfer of knowledge and different skills to students from all over the world. The article is therefore aiming at using qualitative data to measure different perceptions and experiences of students using e-learning systems. Nineteen students were got involved to obtain information on their experiences with this program. Questionnaires with well-drafted questions were used to get an insight into the perceptions and experiences of those students with the program. The results indicated that many students were happy with the program, especially because they did not have to change their location to enter the specific course and take a definite program. In addition, some students commented on the subject content of this model, praising it for being easy to use and understand. Nevertheless, there were some areas that were highlighted and need to be improved to better the students’ experiences with the program (Gilbert, Morton & Rowley, 2007).
One of the strengths of this article is that it highlights the positive impacts that the program has on the current world. With people in the world becoming busier, time management is becoming very crucial with every minute elapsing having a greater impact on the success of the individual. Many employed personnel has tried to enroll in the class program but the program was time-consuming, an aspect that has made some of them to opt out (Gilbert, Morton & Rowley, 2007). Currently, there is a great change in the business sector. Challenges are becoming more complicated which creates a need for one update their knowledge and skills to deal with this challenge (Garrison & Anderson 2003). As a result, the article is emphasizing on the use of this program by all those who have little time to spare in order for them to remain competitive and relevant to the current society.
The article has different limitations. First, it could have provided recommendations on how to improve the program after gathering different experiences from the students. This could have helped in improving the program. In addition, it could have proposed the students to highlight how to change areas that they do not feel comfortable with. This could have helped policy makers to get an insight idea of how to improve the program. Lastly, the author could have used more samples in order to improve the precision and credibility of the information.
In conclusion, the success of online learning depends on research to identify various hitches affecting the program. More of such articles should be used in order to come up with the solution to increasing demand for higher education in the globe. Different methods such as interviews, telephone conversations, direct mailing and use of emails and online chats should be used to get credible information on student’s perceptions and experiences on the program.
References
Ellis, R. A., & Goodyear, P. (2010). Students’ Experiences of E-learning in Higher Education: The Ecology of Sustainable Innovation. New York: Routledge.
Garrison, D. R., & Anderson, T. (2003). E-learning in the 21st Century: A Framework for Research and Practice. London ;New York: Routledge Falmer.
Gilbert, J., Morton, S., & Rowley, J. (2007). E-Learning: The Student Experience. British Journal of Educational Technology, 38(4), 560–573.