Lab+7


 * Lab 7:**
 * Tutorial #8-March 3, 2011**

My thoughts on e-learning; the virtual classroom vs the physical classroom.

E-learning is a new concept that has been proposed ideally for its convenience, as it allows many students the benefit of learning through a computer and establishing the term 'virtual classroom'. While this concept is indeed a much preferred solution than to a physical classroom, it does possess its drawbacks. E-learning can be defined as "learning conducted via electronic media, especially via the internet" (Wiktionary 2010). Of course this idea is beneficial for many students whom would prefer to study within the comfort of their own home, as it allows for a quiet and personal atmosphere, and adheres to a positive learning environment with a greater chance for success. But it can be a double-edged sword, for as we all know all good things come with a price. In this particular case, the price being paid would be at the loss of the student for they will; loose the face value and interpersonal skills/relations they may or should gain with a professor, teaching assistant and ultimately their peers, moreover they will be subjected to a great amount of distraction in terms of the large internet access they possess as their self-restraint will be tested.

Loosing the face value you would normally have within a physical classroom, can be quite detrimental to the success of the student, as interpersonal skills are highly valued in our society today. Not to mention, the lack of confidence that the student would ultimately possess, as their ability to communicate with a higher figure of authority or coworkers upon entering the work field would be stunted. Also, with the abundance of information available on the internet, it can pose as a great distraction for students taking an online course as they will be tempted to surf the internet and/or play games that will take away from their learning experience. In addition, there are the technical aspects of e-learning as the internet is not 100 percent reliable, for it can shut down and give students a great amount of technical difficulties. This can serve as a major hindrance when submitting assignments online via e-mail, as many due dates are firm leaving students stranded and with a loss in their grades.

Paying money for an experience like this, should be discussed in depth as the cons may outweigh the pros, especially if you are a student prone to a lack of discipline in terms of internet control. That being said, many would prefer the physical classroom approach as it does not allow the loss of communication you would gain in a virtual classroom setting, and it would eliminate the issues of self-control when given internet access abundantly. Although the main argument is that the virtual gives a great deal of comfort, the physical would be a better choice for it gives your money's worth alongside allowing the enrichment of your communication skills. This however, is all hypothetical as not all situations may permit a physical classroom over a virtual, for the course or student may serve better with the other. All it comes down to is the student and course they will enroll in, and the amount of control they possess with their education and learning experience.

"E-learning - Wiktionary." //Wiktionary, the Free Dictionary//. Web. 04 Mar. 2011. .
 * Works Cited**